Touted as the Sultan of symmetry, Flex Wheeler, the bodybuilding legend has been facing a series of medical conditions, since contracting covid-19, last December. However, the legend is putting up a strong fight and returning to normalcy. In an interview, Wheeler opened up about his kidney transplant experience.

Wheeler pursued professional bodybuilding as a full-time career after his brief term as a police officer. Although he has never won the coveted title of Mr. Olympia, he holds a then-record of winning the Arnold Classic four times. Arnold Schwarzenegger once described Wheeler as the greatest bodybuilder he had ever seen. 

Flex Wheeler defies the odds with a kidney transplant that has lasted for 20 years

In the YouTube interview, Flex explained the pain due to shoulder surgery. Moreover, it resulted in GI infection. He had diarrhea for four days. Also, being a kidney transplant, it is not safe to be dehydrated. It is speculated that infection could be a result of the deteriorating condition of the kidney.

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Wheeler got a kidney transplant in 2003. He recounted, “My donor was very very fatigued.” Furthermore, he added that he was not a small guy. Giving more details about his kidney, he said, “It’s a stress for that kidney anyway because it’s so small.” Wheeler also emphasized that 20 years was amazing for a healthy person with a kidney transplant.

Flex Wheeler, Who Endured ‘Probably Over 40 Surgeries’, Confessed in 2016 Why He Would Never Return to Bodybuilding

The kidney has done its job. In fact, the average kidney doesn’t last for over seven years. However, “It’s showing definitely signs of wear and tear.” Flex has gone through several complicated medical conditions. Also, in 2019, Flex underwent partial amputation in his right leg due to escalating circulation issues which could become life-threatening. 

What led to the deterioration of Flex’s health?

In a 2004 article, it came to light that the steroid Wheeler had used had taken a toll on his health. For over 18 years, Wheeler consumed anabolic steroids to develop muscle so much that, “Even he described himself as a comic-book character.” It also noted that he had to go through a kidney transplant due to a hereditary disease worsened due to steroid use.

Regarding the inevitable usage of steroids, he said that he was caught between a rock and a hard place. he concluded by saying, “When you stop taking drugs, you can’t be competitive and you can’t make any money and you’re finished. I got caught up in a game.”

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