During a recent appearance on Good Morning America, Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak opened up about a frightening health scare that led to emergency surgery. The veteran TV personality revealed that he had undergone a procedure to treat a severe intestinal blockage—an experience so intense that, for a moment, he truly believed he was facing the end.
Sajak recounted how the ordeal began unexpectedly during a routine morning walk with his daughter. What started as mild discomfort quickly escalated into unbearable pain, leaving him doubled over and in urgent need of medical attention. Despite receiving pain relief, nothing seemed to ease the agony—until doctors administered a powerful medication that brought immediate comfort.
However, the relief came with a surreal side effect. As the drug took hold, Sajak felt as though he had stepped into another realm—one filled with vibrant colors and an overwhelming sense of tranquility. He could hear his wife and daughter speaking, but their voices seemed distant, almost otherworldly. In that moment, he found himself wondering, Is this what dying feels like?
Fortunately, it wasn’t. Reflecting on the experience with his signature humor, Sajak admitted, “Turns out, I was just really high.” His doctors assured him that there were no serious underlying issues, and his recovery has been smooth. In fact, he’s been feeling better than ever and is already back in the Wheel of Fortune studio, seamlessly resuming his hosting duties.
Always one to keep things light, Sajak jokingly mentioned that he’s keeping an eye on his co-host, Vanna White. After stepping in for him during his absence, she developed a newfound appreciation for hosting, and he playfully suggested that she might be eyeing his spot. But for now, Sajak is back in action, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
