Pat Sajak, the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” opened up about the month following his emergency surgery for a blocked intestine in his first interview after the procedure. He revealed that he feared dying just before the surgery.

Sajak experienced excruciating pain while walking his daughter in November and was soon on the verge of surgery. The pain was so severe that even powerful painkillers didn’t initially alleviate it. However, after receiving a painkiller from medical staff, he described feeling like he was floating and even thought he might be experiencing death.

Despite his fears, Sajak survived the procedure, which was deemed “totally successful.” Doctors couldn’t pinpoint an underlying cause for the intestinal blockage, so he doesn’t need to make any major lifestyle changes.

Sajak returned to work and jokingly expressed concern that his longtime co-host, Vanna White, might take over as the show’s primary host. Despite the humor, Sajak remains committed to his role on “Wheel of Fortune” and is grateful for his recovery.