Former professional bodybuilder Flex Wheeler gave a health update from his hospital bed after testing positive for Covid-19 recently.
Flex Wheeler Health Challenges
The multiple-time Arnold Classic winner and Mr. Olympia runner-up has been through more than most could bear during his lifetime. In 1994, he was involved in a serious car crash before being diagnosed with a hereditary kidney disease near the latter part of his competitive career which led to a kidney transplant in 2003.
Nicknamed the “Sultan of Symmetry” because of his amazingly aesthetic physique, Wheeler officially retired from competition in 2017 and then underwent leg amputation surgery in 2019.
Now he’s dealing with the effects of Covid of which he says is the worst thing he’s ever been through.
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But despite this, he’s still fighting through it like a warrior.
Related: Flex Wheeler Opens Up On Steroids, Kidney Failure And Blood Clots That Led To Leg Amputation
Health Update Following Recent Hospitalization
Wheeler took to Instagram where he shared a message regarding his current health status.
“Update on Flex”
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“Still in the hospital. Covid Bon-respiratory symptoms are getting better. Body aches, fever, and migraines are starting to get less excruciating day by day.“A few days ago I did start to experience respiratory issues. I was put on oxygen (no breathing tube) and meds. The meds seem to be working and they have lowered the level of oxygen that I am on. I will be on these meds for at least another 11 days. The doctors did actually smile during my last chest films, they don’t normally give you a hint either way, so I’ll take it!”
While the potentially good news, there’s the not-so-great side of it because of his history of health issues. Flex mentioned having had a kidney transplant several years ago which he’s talked about many times before.
“The scary: I am in acute kidney failure, so my INR stabilization is an issue right now. As you may know, I received a kidney transplant over a decade ago.”
Despite being vaccinated, Flex has a compromised immune system which makes recovery much more challenging.
“I am in that rare case of people that are immunocompromised, while also taking immunosuppressant drugs for my kidney. So, even though I’m fully vaccinated, I hit that sweet spot that put me in danger for this virus.”
“Covid really is he worst thing that I’ve ever gone through.”
Flex is incredibly grateful for all of the support during this very difficult time and is staying positive and optimistic.
“I do need to thank all my family and close friends that have been checking in on me. @jake_wood_media and @wingsofstrength thank you for everything. So sorry I missed out on the biggest show of the year! @davebautista thank you for the kind words of support in your video!
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I will beat this!“
Receiving Lots of Support and Missing Out on 2021 Olympia
It’s inspiring to see all the support that he’s gotten and not just from his family, friends, Olympia owner Jake Wood and WWE star and actor Dave Bautista. Many public figures commented on his social media including Rapper Busta Rhymes, actor Terry Crews, WWE legend Goldberg, fitness star Mike Rashid, and powerlifter Stefi Cohen to name a few.
Flex missed out on attending the Olympia this year which is the biggest event in bodybuilding and fitness, and a show he’s competed in many times in his career.
The 56-year-old bodybuilding icon was planning to show off some training equipment at a booth and possibly have a commentary role of some sort. Flex has cemented himself as a figure whose opinions and contributions to the sport are very valuable.
Read: Flex Wheeler Calls Out Fitness Industry For Being Too ‘Bodybuilder Focused’
While that must have been very disappointing for him to not be able to attend one of the biggest Olympias yet, health always comes first.
We wish him a speedy recovery and good health and will be sure to provide updates on his health situation.
Flex Wheeler – Complete Profile: Height, Weight, Biography
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Sad to hear , I to am battling Covid I’m 59 years old 46 years as a Competitive bodybuilder not at that level. 146 surgeries 5 years of cancer treatment. Just keep fighting the body can take a lot but the mind controls it. Wish him fast recovery.
I pray Lord for this man “Flex”. . Jesus is the same today as when he walked this earth & by His stripes we were healed. Acute kidney failure & covid have to bow at JESUS NAME. Nothing more than demons, I command them to leave Flex now in Jesus name. I speak to EVERY ORGAN & EVERY BLOOD CELL & Command you to be healed & work right as God made you to funtion.. Thank you Lord the prayer of FAITH WILL SAVE the sick & You will raise him up! We believe & receive it in Jesus name!!!!!
Stay strong 💪💪💪 stay positive and laugher is a heeler mind body and soul,I don’t know u but I’m hoping for the best that u beat this.im praying for Homie.love
Ur an icon to me n my son. We love u brotha, God is good, u got this
I do not know you but I just read about your situation.
You are in my prayers. Keep looking upward & stay positive .
Flex I am sorry to learn of your health issues. Your dedication to the sport and determination are heroic. God bless you.
Lord I ask that you heal this mans body lord touch this mans kidneys and every other organ that may have been affected by this horrible disease Lord only you have the power to heal this man please continue to work a miracle on him in Jesus name we pray amen
Hi I am Terri Paul
I just want you to know I am praying for you to have a speedy recovery and get out the hospital. I was positive for covid-19 on July 30 and my oxygen level keep dropping then I when back to the ER again and they send me home with oxygen well after a few days my oxygen still kept dropping below ,94 so when back to ER for the third time they kept me. I stay in the hospital for 10 day just for them to get me oxygen level back to 100, because I didn’t have any Covid symptoms but fever for 3 days and then it when away. Oxygen level problem and fever nothing else. I was really Blessed and you will too, fight this Covid and don’t ever give up. Ask for the best meds best vitamins c get vitamin c in you it works. I will keep praying for you and again you must not give up no matter what.
Terri Paul
Flex, you can and will pull out of this. Praying for you, and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Howard