Pat Sajak, the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” recently opened up about his emergency surgery for a blocked bowel, a month after the operation. In his first interview since the incident, Sajak shared with “Good Morning America” that he thought he would die just before the surgery.
The game show host experienced excruciating pain in November during a morning stroll with his daughter, which led him to be doubled over in agony and enter surgery hours later. Despite being treated with several medications, none of them seemed to work, and he was lying in the fetal position in bed. Later, his physicians gave him a medication that eased his pain, and he experienced some vivid hallucinations.
While under the influence of the medication, he heard his wife and daughter conversing with each other, and he thought he was dying. Sajak was concerned about his family’s future and how they would cope with his loss. However, his worries were unfounded, and he realized later that he was just high.
Sajak’s operation was a success, and his doctors found no underlying cause for the intestinal blockage, which means he doesn’t need to make any significant lifestyle changes. He has been feeling great for several weeks and has returned to hosting “Wheel of Fortune” shows without any issues.
Sajak’s co-host, Vanna White, took over while he was recovering, and he joked that he is worried she may take over as the primary host. Nonetheless, Sajak appears comfortable in his role and is looking forward to continuing as the host of “Wheel of Fortune.”