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“They Were Like Big Worms”: Emotional Flex Wheeler Painfully Described the Disease That Got His Leg Amputated in 2021

Published 12/04/2022, 12:15 PM EST

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The bodybuilding legend, Flex Wheeler’s life, is worth having a look into. Wheeler not only became a 4-time Arnold Classic winner but also is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. However, things were not always on the brighter side for the champion. 

In the year 2019, because of some life-threatening conditions, Wheeler underwent leg amputation surgery. Frequently after that, Flex was seen sharing his experience of battling with the chronic malady. Likewise, last year, Wheeler again came out to reveal the terrifying details behind the disease.

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Flex Wheeler described the disease that led to surgery:

In April 2019, in a talk with Fitness volt, Wheeler shared the horrific details that led to his leg amputation. He started off by explaining the time when he was taking steroids and how it led to his weight gain. I put on like thirty pounds, and I was like ‘Is this safe?’”, confessed Wheeler.

He further revealed the side effects that steroids caused to his body. He said, “I had stretch marks everywhere. They were so painful, they were like big worms. They were huge and red, it was horrible”. The consumption even caused extreme swelling in his hands, feet, and genitals. It made him check himself into the hospital. “I went to every hospital and every specialist I could go to, and they wouldn’t even do blood work”, disclosed Wheeler.

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Based on Wheeler’s revelations, after so much bodily inflammation, he finally underwent a diagnosis. As a result, he got diagnosed with Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSG). FSG is one of the deadliest kidney diseases. 

Legend Flex Wheeler Devised a Way to “Annihilate” His Bullies as He Couldn’t “Hit People on the Street,” Revealed in 2020

However, despite having FSG, Wheeler kept competing. From that point, things went downhill for Flex and he had to sacrifice his right limb.

Wheeler might have lost his other leg

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In the same interview, Wheeler unveiled more details about his condition post-surgery. As per the source, Flex still faces some lingering problems because of a continuous blockage in his arteries. He elaborated by saying, “The doctor said ‘The disease you have now causes occlusions of your arteries. So you’re at risk now, of losing your left leg’”. However, he concludes the talk on a positive yet hopeful note.

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Although Flex Wheeler might be through some tragic health challenges, he continues to coach young bodybuilding enthusiasts towards a healthy regime by sharing various videos and photographs on Instagram.

Watch this story: Bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger Once Mocked Sylvester Stallone’s Special Rambo Knife Showcasing One of His Own

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Written by:

Purva Jain

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Purva Jain is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Mody University of Science and Technology. Purva is an avid reader and author of 3 books that are published in national and international marketplaces.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana