From my friend LT, or Lonnie Teper -->
Earlier in the week the news that Flex Wheeler underwent a partial amputation of his right leg dominated all the online gossip. I was hoping to get more specifics before writing about it, but didn't want to wait any longer. In a press release, Wheeler is quoted as saying "My surgery was required due to escalating circulation difficulties in my right leg that had become life threatening. I am resting comfortably now and have begun my rehabilitation."
I saw Wheeler at the Celebration of Life for Franco Columbu on October 6 in Santa Monica, and we exchanged quick hello's. Little did I know--make that little did we know, I would think--what was just ahead for the guy I call the greatest bodybuilder ever not to win the Mr.Olympia title. According to a press release sent out by Wheeler, the former USA champion, and four-time Arnold Classic winner, was suffering from a collapsed vein which necessitated emergency surgery last week in Las Vegas, where Wheeler has resided for the past three years or so.
Of course, this provided wonderful fodder for many online cynics who came up with their version of why this happened. Some of the comments were nasty as hell...but not unexpected, particularly from certain sites. You won't get that from me...there are a variety of reasons somebody could have circulation problems; shoot, I was just told this morning by my Dermatologist what I thought was reaction to medication was more likely circulation issues. So, let the man rest, concentrate on his rehab, and give us occasional updates on how his recovery is coming along. This is a very trying time for the 54-year-old, and he needs all the support he can get. Hope you are doing well, Flex Wheeler.
Good description of what led to this .....
From Keith Klein --> Hey Lonnie, if you go to my home page you can watch the video, he explains what’s going on. In order to do his kidney transplant they had to remove a bit of length of a vein in his leg. Apparently over time that vein has deteriorated which in turn caused this latest surgery. The guys been on a very rough road with his health and we are all praying for him.