Jerzy Stuhr struggled with these diseases. Many people had no idea about them

Jerzy Stuhr passed away at the age of 77. The actor gained popularity thanks to his role as Maks in the cult comedy “Seksmisja” directed by Juliusz Machulski. His portfolio also includes films such as: “Kingsajz”, “Kiler” and “Ubija Agaty”. He is also remembered by the young generation as the voice of Donkey from “Shrek”. He achieved many successes in his professional career, although life did not spare him. The actor struggled with many different diseases.

What diseases did Jerzy Stuhr suffer from?

At the age of 37, the actor underwent his first myocardial infarction. The condition of myocardial ischemia was so serious that doctors did not give him much chance of survival. At one point, it was only 30 percent. At that time, no one was certain that the artist would return to acting on the stage and in front of the camera. Doctors advised him to give up his career in favor of a quieter lifestyle. However, the actor did not give up and returned to his beloved profession.

It is worth emphasizing that the consequence of a heart attack is the necrosis of heart cells. The development of the disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Its main symptoms include severe and increasing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, etc. Sometimes the patient also feels discomfort in the arms, abdomen or neck. The sooner the patient receives professional help, the better. In this case, every minute counts. The best results are achieved with treatment started within sixty minutes of the first symptoms appearing (the so-called golden hour).

Jerzy Stuhr also struggled with stroke. The disease attacked him in 2020. The actor admitted in an interview that it hit him unexpectedly, when he least expected it. “Other diseases smolder in a person, and heart diseases are a crash and you lie down. Suddenly. A stroke is also sudden. It is so strange that you intellectually master the situation, but it moves away somewhere. It is not fainting, you just see the world in a completely different magma. I had contact for a long time, but I started having trouble speaking.”

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the arteries of the brain is severely restricted or completely blocked by atherosclerotic plaques deposited in the vessels. The most commonly reported symptoms of a stroke include: visual and speech disturbances, difficulty maintaining balance, numbness or paralysis of the limbs, and headaches. A person experiencing the above symptoms should receive medical assistance as soon as possible. Otherwise, very serious and irreversible brain damage occurs. The patient often becomes disabled.

Jerzy Stuhr and his fight against laryngeal cancer

Recently, Jerzy Stuhr has been battling a recurrence of laryngeal cancer. The actor was first diagnosed in 2011. During the treatment, he also suffered a second heart attack. However, he overcame his health problems. Unfortunately, twelve years later, the cancer reappeared. As the actor recalled in his autobiographical book “Tak sobie myśli …”, the cancer developed slowly and for a long time did not give any clear symptoms. The first noticeable symptom indicating that something was wrong in the body was hoarseness. It is worth emphasizing, however, that the picture of laryngeal cancer can be different. Other symptoms indicating the development of pathological changes include: sore throat, difficulty swallowing, earache or unpleasant odor from the mouth.

One of the basic procedures used in the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer is an ENT examination and biopsy. It involves taking a sample of the lesion and its assessment. The doctor often also orders an MRI scan. Treatment mainly comes down to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery is also often performed to remove pathologically changed tissues.

The official direct cause of Jerzy Stuhr’s death was not disclosed.