A month after undergoing emergency surgery for a blocked bowel, “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak is sharing his experience.
In his first interview since the operation, Sajak told “Good Morning America” that he truly believed he might die just before the surgery.
In November, Sajak was out for a morning walk with his daughter when he was suddenly struck with “excruciating” pain. Hours later, he found himself doubled over in agony and preparing for surgery.
“I was lying in bed in the fetal position,” he recalled. “They tried various medications to ease the pain, but none of it worked.”
Eventually, doctors administered a medication that finally alleviated his suffering.
“Suddenly, the pain was gone,” he explained. “I started seeing these incredible pastel colors and felt like I was floating.”
Sajak also remembered hearing his wife and daughter talking nearby, though their voices seemed distant. “I thought, ‘This must be how death feels,'” he shared, reflecting on the surreal moment. He was more worried about how his wife and kids would handle the aftermath.
Thankfully, Sajak survived the surgery, and his fears were unfounded. “It turns out, I was just really high,” he joked.
According to Sajak, the surgery was “completely successful,” and doctors found no underlying cause for the blockage, meaning no major lifestyle changes were necessary.
“I’ve been feeling great for weeks,” he said. “I’m back in the studio, filming new episodes. Even after spinning the wheel, nothing popped, so I think I’m good.”
During his recovery, longtime co-host Vanna White stepped in as the host, a role she took to so well that Sajak jokingly admitted he felt a bit threatened. “I found out she loves hosting, and now I’m a little nervous,” he confessed.
Despite the humor, Sajak seems secure in his role on “Wheel of Fortune.” “I’m still keeping an eye out,” he said with a smile.
