NBA Star Tyrese Haliburton Opens Up About Shingles Battle and Medication Side Effects
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has publicly addressed the surprising weight gain that sparked concern among NBA fans, revealing it stemmed from a serious health condition rather than his extended absence from the court due to a torn Achilles tendon. The revelation came during a candid appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show,' where Haliburton detailed his ongoing struggle with shingles over the past eight weeks.
Medication Side Effects Lead to Unwanted Weight Gain
Haliburton explained that the medications prescribed to combat his shingles have triggered intense hunger pangs, resulting in significant weight gain. 'I've switched my meds like three times and I've got a Botox injection,' he shared, noting that his face has been particularly affected. 'None of it has helped. And the new meds, a side effect of the meds is that I'm always hungry and weight gain. So, it's making me gain weight.' This clarification dispels earlier assumptions that his physical changes were due to inactivity during recovery.
Social Media Mockery and Personal Resilience
Prior to this disclosure, Haliburton faced ridicule online, with one memorable comment dubbing him 'Tyrese Haliburger.' 'They're killing me on social media,' he admitted to McAfee. Despite the harsh nature of these remarks, Haliburton maintained a positive attitude, smiling broadly during the interview and taking the criticism in stride. He also described the challenging symptoms of shingles, including a swollen eye for much of the past two months and even losing part of an eyebrow, bluntly stating, 'It's been trash. It's been trash.'
Recovery Progress and Future Outlook
On a brighter note, Haliburton has made strides in his recovery from Achilles surgery, recently returning to workouts and participating in full 5-on-5 training sessions. With the Pacers' season now concluded, he has ample time to focus on healing from both the shingles and his injury, aiming to regain his form for the upcoming NBA season. This period of rest and rehabilitation is crucial as he works to overcome these health setbacks and prepare for a strong comeback.
