Pat Sajak, the iconic host of “Wheel of Fortune,” faced an unexpected and terrifying ordeal during what seemed like an ordinary day. While taking a morning walk with his daughter, Sajak was struck by excruciating pain. At that moment, he had no idea how severe the situation was. It wasn’t until hours later, when he was rushed into surgery, that he realized he had a blocked bowel—a serious condition that left him fearing for his life.
Sajak recalls being curled up in agony, unable to find relief despite the medications doctors initially gave him. Nothing seemed to ease the pain, and the physical toll was evident as he lay in the fetal position, feeling utterly helpless. The turning point came when a new medicine was administered, finally providing him with the relief he so desperately needed.
The pain melted away, and suddenly, the world around him felt dreamlike. He remembers being enveloped by soft colors and the gentle murmur of his wife and daughter’s voices, though they were standing right by his side. In those moments, Sajak couldn’t help but think, with surprising calmness, that this might be what death felt like.
After his treatment, Sajak’s thoughts turned to his family. The emotional weight of the situation hit him hard as he worried about how they would cope if things didn’t go well. Thankfully, he made a full recovery. Reflecting on the experience, Sajak now understands that his thoughts and emotions were clouded by the powerful medications used to treat him. While the immediate crisis had passed, the exact cause of his bowel blockage remained a mystery, and no further medical interventions were deemed necessary.
Now, fully recovered and back on set, Sajak is feeling better than ever. He has resumed his hosting duties without any setbacks. During his absence, Vanna White, his long-time co-host, stepped in to keep the show running smoothly. Sajak humorously admitted he was concerned she might permanently take over his job, though he shared the thought in his usual lighthearted manner.
Even after this health scare, Sajak remains confident in his ability to entertain audiences. His charm and humor continue to shine on the show, and he looks forward to helping contestants buy vowels for years to come.
