Pat Sajak Opens Up About Health Scare That Left Him Thinking He Was Dying

Pat Sajak has opened up about a terrifying medical emergency that led to emergency surgery and, for a brief moment, made him believe he was dying.

Speaking during an interview on Good Morning America, the longtime Wheel of Fortune host recalled the frightening ordeal, which began with sudden, severe abdominal pain caused by a blocked bowel.

The incident happened unexpectedly while Sajak was out for a walk with his daughter. What started as an ordinary day quickly turned into a medical emergency as the pain intensified, leaving him doubled over and in need of immediate hospital care.

Doctors later determined that he had a bowel blockage requiring emergency surgery. Before the procedure, Sajak said the pain became so intense that the initial medications failed to provide relief.

Eventually, doctors administered a stronger medication that immediately changed how he felt.

“I thought, ‘This must be death. This must be what death feels like,'” Sajak recalled, describing the surreal experience. He said he saw vivid colors, felt an overwhelming sense of peace, and could hear the voices of his wife and daughter, though they seemed far away.

Fortunately, the sensation wasn’t a sign that he was dying. After recovering, Sajak learned it was simply the powerful effects of the medication.

Looking back, he was able to laugh about the experience.

“I was merely high,” he joked.

The emergency surgery was successful, and doctors told Sajak they found no underlying condition that caused the bowel blockage. Following the procedure, he made a full recovery and soon returned to hosting Wheel of Fortune.

Sajak said he had been feeling “terrific” in the weeks after surgery and was grateful to resume his normal routine.

He also joked about co-host Vanna White, saying he was a little concerned after discovering she enjoyed hosting the show during his absence, humorously suggesting she might want to keep his job.

Despite the frightening health scare, Sajak returned to the studio in good spirits, grateful for his recovery and happy to be back doing what he loves.