Ben Askren seriously ill; lung transplant, and recovery thread

Ernie Ladd

Sophomore
Apr 6, 2015
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Ok,,enough on his MMA record, support him living..forward!
I confess that I do not know enough about lung transplants. Can he return to strenuous physical activity? Do you have to take anti-rejection medication for the rest of your life?
 
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Tom McAndrew

BWI Staff
Staff member
Oct 27, 2021
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I confess that I do not know enough about lung transplants. Can he return to strenuous physical activity? Do you have to take anti-rejection medication for the rest of your life?

There are some current trials on processes that would eliminate the need for immunosuppressants after transplants. But at this time, all those that receive transplants need to take maintenance immunosuppressants for life.

Strenuous physical activity -- the answer on that evolves over time, and is also dependent upon each patient's specific situation. For quite some time, no matter how much he improves, he won't be permitted to engage in strenuous physical activity. Long term, it's possible, with a lot of caveats.
 

Nitlion1986

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Apr 13, 2024
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Back in the 2000s I got to participate (in a small way) in a study with Dr. Starzl on developing a technique allowing a known living liver/kidney donor to donate and have the organ accepted without the immunosupression medications.
Starzl's and others' work continues with certain degrees of success, but without a huge leap in suppression development Ben will take immunosupression medications for the foreseeable future.
 

Ernie Ladd

Sophomore
Apr 6, 2015
68
120
33
There are some current trials on processes that would eliminate the need for immunosuppressants after transplants. But at this time, all those that receive transplants need to take maintenance immunosuppressants for life.

Strenuous physical activity -- the answer on that evolves over time, and is also dependent upon each patient's specific situation. For quite some time, no matter how much he improves, he won't be permitted to engage in strenuous physical activity. Long term, it's possible, with a lot of caveats.
Thank you, Tom.

I realize that Ben is grateful, but his life has been defined by his athletic pursuits. I hope he can cope with the long-term processes.
 

Walkon86

Freshman
Jan 17, 2014
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Ben posting this morning video of him working out on a bike. He is still walking with a walker, but he has an awesome attitude and tremendous work ethic. He has a long road ahead but attitude is 90% of the battle.
 
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CTStall

Freshman
Oct 24, 2020
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The worst thing when trying to recover from serious illness or injury ,is when you question and wonder what a typical day will be moving forward. I remember waking up in morning and counting how many hours until I would go back to bed. It's easy to get depressed. Hopefully Ben starts to have easier days .