Fred Ottman Reveals He Has Been Hospitalized For 30 Days After His Gallbladder Exploded
WWE and WCW veteran Fred Ottman, known to fans across multiple eras as Typhoon, Tugboat, and The Shockmaster, shared a sobering health update this week, revealing that he has spent the last month hospitalized following a serious medical emergency that nearly cost him his life.
Ottman took to Instagram to reassure fans after a lengthy absence, explaining that complications stemming from his gallbladder quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation.
“I just wanted to let everybody know I didn’t fall off the planet. I’ve been in the hospital for about thirty days… unfortunately, my gallbladder exploded inside of me and it released a bunch of poison into my body.”
According to Ottman, the damage went far beyond a routine procedure. Doctors warned that waiting even a single day longer could have changed everything.
“If I would have waited one more day, the doctor told my wife that I probably wouldn’t be here with you and be able to talk to you guys.”
The complications impacted multiple organs, including his kidneys, and recovery has been anything but easy.
“I was almost to the point where I was going to have to go on dialysis because it really damaged my kidneys… but so far, so good.”
Ottman didn’t sugarcoat the physical toll the ordeal has taken.
“I’ve lost a lot of muscle mass… it’s been a brutal fight. I’ve been learning how to walk again.”
Still, the former Natural Disasters powerhouse made it clear that he isn’t backing down. In true wrestling fashion, Ottman is already focused on the next step — rebuilding.
“Monday afternoon they’re going to let me out of here… go home and start training there and get bigger, stronger, and work on making my comeback.”
Throughout the message, gratitude was front and center, with Ottman thanking those closest to him and the wrestling community that has supported him through the scare.
“Thank God I got a good wife, I got great friends. My wrestling buddies are just amazing.”
“I’m not finished yet… God is good.”
Ottman has long been regarded as one of the most respected locker room veterans of his generation, with runs in both WWE and WCW that made him a familiar face to fans of the early ‘90s boom period. From tag team success in WWE (WWF) as part of The Natural Disasters to one of the most infamous — and unforgettable — debut moments in wrestling history in WCW as The Shockmaster, Ottman’s career has spanned decades and earned him lasting goodwill across the industry.
While his in-ring days may be behind him, his fighting spirit clearly is not. On behalf of everyone here at Bodyslam.net, we’re wishing Fred Ottman a safe recovery and continued strength as he works toward getting back on his feet.
You can see Fred Ottman’s instagram video below revealing his recent medical issues.
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