Regaining Vigour at 83

Australian actor Paul Hogan, best known for his role as Crocodile Dundee, recently spoke out about his health struggles after being diagnosed with retroperitoneal fibrosis. At 83 years old, Hogan appeared frail and spoke openly about his muscle loss and extreme weight loss. However, he also shared that he is regaining his strength and vigour.

The Treatment that Faded Him

Hogan revealed that he initially had a kidney complaint, but the treatment for it was worse than the ailment itself. He described how it “faded” him, resulting in muscle atrophy and significant weight loss.

Strength and Zero Body Fat

Despite the challenges he faced, Hogan emphasized that he has regained his strength. He can now eat whatever he wants but struggles to put on weight due to having “zero body fat.” Although this may sound enviable to some, Hogan acknowledged the negative impact it has had on his overall health.

Wanting to Return Home

After his debilitating illness took a toll on his health and independence, Hogan expressed a desire to live out the rest of his days in Australia. He longs for the calm and familiarity of his home country, where he can regain a sense of normalcy.

The Impact of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare condition that causes inflammation and scar tissue in the abdominal cavity. Hogan shared that he had a benign tumor encircling his abdominal aorta, which was also pressing on a kidney. While a procedure to address this issue was successful, it resulted in Hogan losing muscle mass and body fat, leaving him weak and reliant on assistance for simple tasks.

Building Strength and Regaining Health

Hogan is now focused on rebuilding his strength and overall health. He mentioned needing corticosteroids to shrink the benign growth that affected his body shape. However, he experienced unintended weight loss from the medication, leaving him eager to put on weight—a challenge he faces due to having little body fat.

A Fighter Held Together by the String

Despite his health struggles, Hogan remains determined and optimistic. He now wears a pacemaker and describes himself as being “held together by the string.” He considers himself fortunate for having maintained his fitness until the age of 79.

As Paul Hogan continues his journey to regain his health, he serves as an inspiration to others facing health challenges later in life. His unwavering spirit and determination are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.