Fred Rutman, author, podcaster, and survivor, has a story that defies imagination. Known as “Repeatedly Dead Fred,” his journey encompasses near-death experiences, resilience in the face of unimaginable medical challenges, and a commitment to living life fully. From battling an undiagnosed medical condition that caused his heart to stop repeatedly to embracing the transformative power of intermittent fasting, Fred’s story is a testament to hope, resilience, and finding meaning in life’s toughest moments.
Childhood and Early Challenges
Growing up in Winnipeg, Canada, Fred experienced a relatively typical upbringing, complete with cold winters, hockey games, and family dinners. However, Fred’s life took an unexpected turn when he discovered in his 30s that he’d suffered a stroke at birth. This revelation explained the invisible challenges he’d faced, including mild paralysis and difficulty verbalizing his thoughts.
Despite these hurdles, Fred pursued an education, earning his MBA and working in various roles, including as a professor. Unbeknownst to him, his body carried a silent threat that would come to define his journey.
The Summer He Died 20 Times
In 2009, Fred’s life changed forever. His heart stopped beating multiple times due to a condition known as atrioventricular (AV) block, where the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. These episodes left him clinically dead for up to 30 seconds each time, only for his body’s backup systems to painfully jolt him back to life.
For years, Fred endured misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments, leading to multiple incidents of head trauma from collapsing during episodes. Finally, after 17 incidents, doctors identified the issue and implanted a pacemaker.
Facing Death Again and Again
Fred’s first pacemaker lasted four years before its leads malfunctioned, causing his heart to short out again. Over the years, he underwent multiple surgeries, including a harrowing experience in 2018 that required innovative surgical interventions. Today, Fred is among the few people worldwide with dual pacemakers working in tandem to keep him alive.
Throughout these ordeals, Fred maintained a sense of humor and resilience, channeling his experiences into his book The Summer I Died 20 Times. His story highlights the need for persistence in advocating for one’s health and the importance of a supportive community.
The Role of Intermittent Fasting in Recovery
A turning point in Fred’s journey was his adoption of intermittent fasting, inspired by the book The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung. Through fasting, Fred not only shed significant weight but also reversed his diabetes, eliminated sleep apnea, and alleviated chronic joint pain.
Fred became a moderator for a large online fasting community, helping others navigate their health journeys. His advocacy for fasting emphasizes its benefits beyond weight loss, including improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mental clarity.
A Message of Hope and Resilience
Fred’s experiences have shaped his philosophy on life. He credits his resilience to the support of his community, faith, and an innate drive to keep moving forward. His podcast, The Dead Man Walking Podcast, shares his story and encourages listeners to find hope and meaning in their own lives.
Key Takeaways
- Advocate for Your Health: Fred’s persistence in seeking answers highlights the importance of advocating for yourself in medical settings.
- Resilience Can Be Cultivated: Through faith, community, and personal determination, resilience can help overcome even the toughest challenges.
- Intermittent Fasting Offers Healing: Beyond weight loss, fasting can provide significant health benefits, including metabolic and neurological improvements.
- Community Support is Crucial: Fred’s Jewish community played a vital role in his recovery, demonstrating the power of collective care.
- Find Meaning in Struggles: As Fred quotes Viktor Frankl, “If you have hope, you can conquer almost anything.”
Fred Rutman’s story is an extraordinary testament to the power of resilience, humor, and faith in overcoming life’s most daunting challenges. To learn more about Fred’s journey, check out his book The Summer I Died 20 Times and tune in to The Dead Man Walking Podcast.
