Imagine waking up one day unable to see, hear, or walk, despite leading a healthy lifestyle for most of your life. This is exactly what happened to superstar Ashton Kutcher a few years ago, and he recently opened up about this terrifying experience with his doctor.
In a recent episode of Paramount+’s new health series called The Checkup With Dr. David Agus, Kutcher revealed his “terrifying, life-threatening” medical challenge. His doctor, Dr. Agus, described his illness as vasculitis, a serious and rare autoimmune disease that attacks and inflames the blood vessels.
“I woke up one day and was having vision issues, could hardly see. Knocked out my hearing, which threw off my equilibrium, my balance, and I couldn’t walk. I had vasculitis that you’re very well aware of,” shared Kutcher during the interview.
Vasculitis causes the walls of blood vessels to thicken, restricting blood flow. This can lead to serious complications like blood clots or organ damage, as well as hearing loss when the blood vessels in the ears are affected. Similarly, vision loss can occur when the blood vessels near the eyes are impacted. Dr. Agus explained that vasculitis can affect anyone, regardless of their health status, and the effects can be short or long-term.
Kutcher, now 44 years old, also discussed his journey to healing with Dr. Agus. He emphasized the mental aspect of achieving a full recovery after waking up in the hospital unable to walk. Kutcher referred to his recent New York City marathon run in November, saying, “If I can go from not being able to walk to running a marathon in a three-year span, then I can let that be a part of the past and be like, ‘I’m back. I’m good.’”
During the interview, Kutcher’s twin brother, Michael, who suffers from cerebral palsy, also joined him. Kutcher talked about how his relationship with his twin gave him a unique perspective on life and how it influenced his appreciation for every day.
“When you have this face-to-face with death at that age, you instantly lock into, ‘Let me do as much as I can while I can’ because I don’t know when it’s going to be over. Given the fact that you have this opportunity to be alive today, what are you doing today?” said Kutcher. He emphasized spending time with his kids as a significant shift in his values.
Dr. Agus acknowledged Ashton’s wife, Mila Kunis, for her incredible support during his recovery. Kutcher praised Kunis, saying, “She’s the best.” The couple met on the set of That ’70s Show and got married in 2015. They have two children together.
Ashton Kutcher’s story is not only scary but also a reminder of the importance of discussing medical events and the support of loved ones in such moments. We find his recovery truly impressive. Let us know your thoughts!
