Ben Askren in hospital in critical condition

Goldbanger

Active member
Oct 22, 2013
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Any updates on Ben? Always loved him on FRL, and his club is undeniably great!!
 

OldAndInTheWay

New member
Nov 11, 2021
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Apparently a staph infection with severe pneumonia. Thoughts and prayers to him and to his family. Get well soon.

https://people.com/former-ufc-fighter-ben-askren-hospitalized-pneumonia-11750280
I can't imagine what he is going through right now. I have had severe pneumonia and I couldn't even walk. And then throw a severe staph infection on top of it. Wow! It's going to take a him long time to get back to normal....if ever. My lungs never recovered fully. I used to run 50 MI races but no more running for me.
 

manatree

Well-known member
Oct 6, 2021
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Four years ago I got shingles and it led to me getting pneumonia. Spent eight days in the hospital for the pneumonia on oxygen plus was in quarantine because of the shingles. My lungs have not been the same since. Fortunately Askren was in much better aerobic shape than I was which should help.

PSA: If you're eligible to get vaccinated for shingles, DO IT NOW! I got shingles just a few months before my next Dr Appt where I was scheduled to get it.
 
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PennState1985

Well-known member
Mar 14, 2016
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Update on Ben from yesterday. Saw a message from his wife and Ben opened his eyes yesterday and was able to follow commands and squeeze Amy's hand. They're weaning him off the sedation.

Some good positive news 🙏
That's excellent news. Seems like he is past the worst. Long road ahead but wish he and his family well. What a close call.
 

JAS

Member
Jun 29, 2001
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I can't imagine what he is going through right now. I have had severe pneumonia and I couldn't even walk. And then throw a severe staph infection on top of it. Wow! It's going to take a him long time to get back to normal....if ever. My lungs never recovered fully. I used to run 50 MI races but
Just wanted to offered encouragement and support, nothing wrong with walking, adding distance and throw on a ruck pak later. I saw a young Dental patient that his facial swelling was only hours away from closing his airway. He told me that I was the only office that would see him as no payment. I was blessed to have an awesome Oral Surgeon as my best friend.
 

Cstroke

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Feb 10, 2019
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I had a knee infection that landed me in the hospital for 3 days and pic line for 3 weeks.
Hoping Ben is past the ****..
 

PSU Mike

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Jul 28, 2001
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Wife just posted on social and it’s not great news. The necessity of a transplant is a real possibility. Opening eyes and squeezing hands is about the extent of the positive as they don’t want to back off sedation too much.
 

lionlover

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2001
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"Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this."

For some of you young bucks out there, let this be a wake up call to contact your insurance agent about an individual disability policy. Don't rely on a company policy as you might not work at the same company all your life. Also, pick up some life insurance while you're healthy.

Interesting fact many don't contemplate: You are generally more of a liability to your family if you are disabled than if you're dead.
 
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BriantheLion

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2023
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"Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this."

For some of you young bucks out there, let this be a wake up call to contact your insurance agent about an individual disability policy. Don't rely on a company policy as you might not work at the same company all your life. Also, pick up some life insurance while your healthy.

Interesting fact many don't contemplate: You are generally more of a liability to your family if you are disabled than if you're dead.

Right…if you’re dead, you’re not making money… but you’re not costing any either!
 

LB99

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2021
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Idk if this is true, did see posted last night a similar report that he needs a lung transplant.

I’m not going to pretend to know what Askren’s underlying issue is, but a pneumothorax (hole in the lung), does not typically require a transplant. It’s usually a much more serious condition that requires transplant. For instance, if the lungs can’t adequately provide oxygenation to the blood. I had read somewhere else that Askren was on ECMO, which is used for severely compromised lungs. I realize you didn’t make the post, Mineo did, just my 2 cents to the conversation.
 

Corby

Well-known member
Mar 3, 2013
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"Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this."

For some of you young bucks out there, let this be a wake up call to contact your insurance agent about an individual disability policy. Don't rely on a company policy as you might not work at the same company all your life. Also, pick up some life insurance while your healthy.

Interesting fact many don't contemplate: You are generally more of a liability to your family if you are disabled than if you're dead.
Say it louder for those in the back. My father in law has dementia and has for 6 years and in home 24/7 care we found cheap for $9300/month. Everyone please listen to this advice and prepare yourself and your family for tragedy. I know it sounds horrible but it will be worse if you don't
 

Corby

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Mar 3, 2013
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I’m not going to pretend to know what Askren’s underlying issue is, but a pneumothorax (hole in the lung), does not typically require a transplant. It’s usually a much more serious condition that requires transplant. For instance, if the lungs can’t adequately provide oxygenation to the blood. I had read somewhere else that Askren was on ECMO, which is used for severely compromised lungs. I realize you didn’t make the post, Mineo did, just my 2 cents to the conversation.
I believe it's from necrotizing and thats why the need for the transplant
 
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lionlover

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Say it louder for those in the back. My father in law has dementia and has for 6 years and in home 24/7 care we found cheap for $9300/month. Everyone please listen to this advice and prepare yourself and your family for tragedy. I know it sounds horrible but it will be worse if you don't
Good point. I forgot to mention Long Term Care insurance. It is CHEAP when you are younger. Make sure you get your LTC from a quality company that should be around when you need it.
 
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Tom McAndrew

BWI Staff
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Oct 27, 2021
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Probably the most informative piece on the situation so far. It's worth a watch:

 

Tom McAndrew

BWI Staff
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Oct 27, 2021
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From the above Bader show (around the 17:00 minute mark), there's info about how the double lung transplant (which Ben Askren needs) is not covered by insurance, so the family is raising money for the medical costs of the transplant. Bader indicated that the funds can only be used for medical expenses. You can donate at the below link:

 
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Tom McAndrew

BWI Staff
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Rudis has created a "Funky Strong, Funky Tough" t-shirt. 100% proceeds from sales will go directly to Ben's medical expenses and recovery. Use the below link to see the t-shirts, and to purchase one or more:

 
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BigFella235

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Aug 13, 2021
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My FIL is currently rehabbing from a single lung transplant in Pittsburgh. UPMC found him a lung in just about 11hrs. By the sounds of it, Ben found one quickly as well.

My dad is a post-op lung transplant coordinator for a hospital up in MA. From what he’s told me, the first year is filled with ups and downs. Rejection of the transplant is not uncommon, but it’s just one of many fluctuations that can/may happen. Ben’s got a long road ahead of him so don’t be surprised if there are periodic stories of complications. As my dad puts it: He’s a tortoise training for a marathon. His transplant coordinator will be following him the rest of his life to check in and monitor everything. Don’t be surprised if you see Ben at less tournaments and/or wearing a mask in public. He’s going to have to be extra careful about what germs and such he’s exposed to from here on out.
 

PSUPetch

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Oct 31, 2021
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My FIL is currently rehabbing from a single lung transplant in Pittsburgh. UPMC found him a lung in just about 11hrs. By the sounds of it, Ben found one quickly as well.

My dad is a post-op lung transplant coordinator for a hospital up in MA. From what he’s told me, the first year is filled with ups and downs. Rejection of the transplant is not uncommon, but it’s just one of many fluctuations that can/may happen. Ben’s got a long road ahead of him so don’t be surprised if there are periodic stories of complications. As my dad puts it: He’s a tortoise training for a marathon. His transplant coordinator will be following him the rest of his life to check in and monitor everything. Don’t be surprised if you see Ben at less tournaments and/or wearing a mask in public. He’s going to have to be extra careful about what germs and such he’s exposed to from here on out.
Thanks for sharing. Lots yet to be concerned about. I’m sure in Ben’s mind, he’ll be ready to roll with Mitchell in a few weeks.
 
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El_Jefe

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Oct 11, 2021
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That Can't Be Palacio. He Didn't Capitalize Every Word As If Everything He Says Is A Title.
 
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Honcho

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Jan 20, 2016
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I think that is his post-hip surgery picture. Hence the walker.
I read something along those lines yesterday. That the lung transplant was successful and all but that was an old photo that was posted. Not sure what the truth is but at least we know he's still fighting.