Jeremy Piven On His Sushi-Related Health Scare

He may not have walked away with an award at the Golden Globes, but after suffering a health scare in December, “Entourage” star Jeremy Piven was very thankful he made it to the ceremony.

“I’m grateful to be here,” Jeremy told Access Hollywood’sBilly Bush on Sunday night.

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In December, Jeremy was forced to end his run on Broadway in “Speed-the-Plow,” due to a condition caused by a high mercury count, the result of eating sushi.

According to his doctor, Jeremy’s mercury limit was six times higher than the upper limit of what is allowable.

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Less than one month on, Jeremy told Billy that his health scare made a serious impact on his life.

“I was really humbled by that type of experience and if I were to try to break down to you what it was, it would sound to you like I’m being a Hollywood punk,” he told Billy.

Jeremy said the high levels of mercury in his system took a major toll on his body.

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“It completely shuts you down,” he explained. “It feels like the heaviest bout of mono you’ve ever had in your life. You’re kind of crippled from it.”

The HBO star said he first experienced symptoms during the second week of rehearsals for the Broadway play he was in, symptoms which only “got worse and worse,” according to the actor.

“I fought the good fight, my doctors propped me up and then doctor’s orders was enforced rest,” he said about withdrawing from the show last month. “That’s what I’ve been doing for a month and here I am.”

And, Jeremy confirmed he is on his way to recovery.

“I’m doing so much better. I really am,” he said.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Jeremy Piven & Kevin Connolly React To Globe Nominations (Dec. 11, 2008)
PLAY IT NOW: 2008 Emmys Red Carpet: Jeremy Piven, Kathy Griffin, Denis Leary

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