Ronnie Coleman did his first interview since being diagnosed with sepsis.
Bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman did his first interview since being diagnosed with sepsis. He joined Ron Harris for a discussion about his experience and update on his current health.
The 8x Olympia champion was hospitalized on June 30 with what was originally described as a “serious medical condition.” Coleman’s family continued to provide updates about his situation up until he was diagnosed with sepsis on July 11.
[RELATED: Ronnie Coleman Shares Personal Update on Battle with Sepsis]
The 61-year-old first hinted at the emergency on social media the weekend before, informing fans he would not be able to travel to the United Kingdom for a scheduled appearance. “Due to a medical emergency, I won’t be attending the event,” Coleman shared. “But don’t worry—I’m getting the best care possible.”
Coleman experienced his first sign of symptoms during a seminar and meet and greet with fans. He was scheduled to appear at a show, flying into Milwaukee the night before, but could not remember much about his appearance.
“I get up on stage, we start the seminar, and I’m not going to lie, I don’t remember too much after that. I do this seminar, I don’t remember what questions were asked…I don’t remember doing the meet and greet.”
Once he was transported to the hospital, doctors said there was a heart issue that they were “not equipped” to deal with. Coleman was moved once again and was given the top level of care.
Ronnie Coleman Shares Health Updates
Coleman underwent an operation to replace his left ventricular artery. Doctors went in through his hip and were able to complete the surgery — meaning they did not have to open his chest.
The bodybuilding legend explained how he got his heart checked routinely for two decades with echocardiograms and ultrasounds. Tests were all positive and he dialed back checkups. Coleman continued to work out regularly and follow a healthy diet plan, which might have hidden some issues.
“The doctor did say that my heart had been working at 20% for the last two years.
I was doing cardio for an hour a day, I was working out at least an hour a day. I was eating healthy, I quit drinking alcohol and everything.”
Ronnie Coleman continued to discuss his sepsis diagnoses. To this point, doctors “never really pinpointed” what caused this but were able to treat it to the best of their ability.
“They had me in a lightweight coma, the sepsis. It kind of confuses you a lot. I think that’s what was happening to me when I was on stage and doing the meet and greet.”
Ronnie Coleman & Team Launches “RONNIE STRONG”
Coleman’s team started a team that would be working to raise money to support his recovery and raise awareness about sepsis. The initiative, called RONNIE STRONG, will donate proceeds to Sepsis Alliance.
“My team came up with the idea of it. We’re trying our best to use this platform, maybe God wanted me to use this platform to raise awareness of sepsis. Maybe some others lives will be saved.”
Sepsis can last anywhere between 6-18 months. It occurs when your immune system has a reaction to an infection, which is extremely dangerous. Many types of infection can trigger sepsis, which causes extensive inflammation throughout your body and can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. Coleman explained some symptoms he felt and how it impacted his mind and body.
“That confusion thing. They said when I was on stage, I kept repeating sentences over and over. That’s one of the main ones. And being in that extreme pain.”
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
