‘American Pickers’ Frank Fritz’s Health: History Of Serious Problems

ByGeorgia Makitalo
American Pickers Frank Fritz-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IvNtXYK4QA

This week, American Pickers star Mike Wolfe asked fans to “pray” for his former co-star, Frank Fritz. Frank’s health has taken a serious turn for the worse, as Wolfe reported that he is being hospitalized after suffering a stroke.

However, this is not Frank’s first health crisis. Here is a history of Frank’s serious health problems.

American Pickers Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IvNtXYK4QA
American Pickers Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IvNtXYK4QA

American Pickers Star Frank Fritz In Hospital

On Thursday, Mike Wolfe went to Instagram and asked American Pickers fans to “pray” for Frank Fritz. That is because his former co-star suffered a stroke, and is in the hospital. Mike wrote a long missive about Frank, ending it with a token of love for his childhood friend.

I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend.

Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts.

Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.

This is a very serious turn of events for Fritz. However, this is not his first serious health issue. Frank has a long history of chronic health issues and injuries that have caused him a great deal of pain and time away from his life.

Mike Wolfe-Frank Fritz American Pickers post-https://www.instagram.com/p/CgS1D2CNi2s/?hl=en
Mike Wolfe-Frank Fritz American Pickers post-https://www.instagram.com/p/CgS1D2CNi2s/?hl=en

Frank Fritz Has Crohn’s Disease

Just one year ago, the American Pickers star spoke to The Sun about Crohn’s Disease. He has suffered from this chronic inflammation in his digestive system since his early 20s.

I’ve had Crohn’s for 36 years. America has been talking about Crohn’s since 1933, but we have not been able to figure out what brings on the inflammation of the digestive system.

There’s no cure, it’s like a dragon. Every day is a crap shoot. One day I could have a double chimichanga with hot sauce pouring out of it and have no problem. Another day I could have a piece of toast with some scrambled eggs and have a flare-up.

Then he added that since he stopped drinking, his Crohn’s has improved, “I haven’t had any flare-ups recently. I’ve been really good and quit drinking.” That brings us to his next serious health issue: alcohol addiction.

Frank Fritz Battled Alcohol Addiction

In that same interview, Frank revealed that he went into rehab, at The Abbey Center in Bettendorf, Iowa, back in 2020 for 77 days. Back in 2017, the American Pickers star was stopped for a first DUI offense. He drove the wrong way on Interstate 80, in Iowa. he pleaded guilty.

In addition, alcohol addiction runs in his family. He also explained that eventually, he didn’t want to drink anymore.

I didn’t like drinking anymore. My mom was an alcoholic and she died five years ago and it was alcohol-related. My grandfather was an alcoholic and he died. That didn’t sit well with me.

During treatment, he had to work on himself. “They really give you a lot of one-on-one time. I read 12 self-help books while I was there.” He then shared that he took this seriously. “I didn’t f**k around. I really got into it.” Moreover, he took this as an opportunity. “I went there to learn and get the most out of it that I possibly could.”

He also found it rewarding to be with others who were also seeking treatment. “I had a great time there and I helped other people who were having problems too. It’s one of the best things that have happened to me.”

American Pickers Star Had Spinal Surgery

It looks like 2020 was an especially difficult year for Frank Fritz. The American Pickers star also had spinal surgery. As with his other health issues, this was very serious. His surgery included two rods in his spine, along with 185 stitches.

He explained that his work on the History show, and picking in general, hurt his back.

I had a couple of rods put in there. It was from lifting stuff all the time. If you watch the show, you can see who the guy is that’s lifting all the time, it’s always me. It had been hurting for a long, long time. I’m talking months and months and months.

Finally, I had it looked at and they said it was about ready to split in half, the bones going up in the middle of my spine.

The good news is that he is back in working order now, thanks to this major surgery. “They put a couple of big rods up the middle of my spine. I had to get 185 stitches and two rods in my back. I had the back injury but I can lift, I’m okay.”

American Pickers Star Lost 65 Pounds

Lastly, Frank Fritz lost a total of 65 pounds. His secret was living a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle.

Therefore, even after all of these positive changes, the 56-year-old Fritz suffered a stroke. Currently, there are no new updates on this health crisis.

Georgia Makitalo
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