KIERON DYER has undergone a “life-changing” liver transplant.
The former England star, 44, was recently diagnosed with incurable liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Dyer subsequently underwent a successful operation at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
He has since offered fans an update, saying that he feels “healthier than ever”.
The former Newcastle and Ipswich ace said: “In 2019 I was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition that has no cure.
“Ever since that day, I knew that I would require a transplant. Three months ago, I was admitted to the Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“A fortnight ago came the life-changing news that I was to be the recipient of a new liver, and would swiftly undergo a transplant. This morning I was discharged from hospital.
“Simply saying ‘thank you’ to the staff at the hospital feels insufficient. They have been extraordinary.
“Be it the nurses, porters, doctors or consultants, I have been blown away by the quality of care I received.
“I could not have been in better hands throughout, and my appreciation goes beyond words. I will never forget them.
Most read in Football
“I know that the liver I have been given has come from someone of a similar age to myself and that is truly heart breaking. It is the generosity and kindness of others that gives those in my position a chance, and I will ensure I make the most of it.
“The gratitude I feel for the position I find myself in, has no bounds and I feel blessed to leave hospital feeling healthier than ever.
“I would like to thank my family who have offered extraordinary support during what has been a very tough period, and whilst there will inevitably be bumps in the road ahead, I return home with my optimistic outlook that I worried would never return.
“Strangely, football has been even more important to me during this time. I have watched more games from my hospital bed in the last three months, than in any other period of my life.
“I want to thank my hometown club Ipswich Town who have been in regular contact with me, and also Chesterfield, where I am on the coaching staff after joining towards the end of last season.
“A particular thank you to the manager Paul Cook, who has given me the ability to contribute, even from hospital, where I’ve watched every fixture as the lads have made their way to the top of the National League table.
“In due course I look forward to returning to coaching and media work, but I respectfully ask for privacy for myself and my family at this time as I strive to make what I hope will be a full recovery.”
The 33-cap star retired from football aged 34 in 2013.
He returned to Ipswich in 2014 as an academy coach and worked there for five years – while also taking part in series 15 of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2015.
Dyer was back at Portman Road once again in 2020, becoming Ipswich’s Under-23s manager.
Read More on The Sun
Under Paul Cook he became involved with the first team, until stepping down in March 2022.
He has since reunited with Cook at Chesterfield in the National League.
What is primary sclerosing cholangitis and how can I spot it?
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare chronic liver disease that causes the bile ducts in the organ to become inflamed and scarred.
Over time, the ducts can become narrowed or blocked, causing bile to build up in the liver and causing further damage.
The exact cause of the disease is unknown.
While liver damage and cirrhosis is often linked to alcohol abuse, PSC is not related to booze in any way, according to the British Liver Trust.
Experts believe it may be triggered by an unknown bacteria or virus in people who are genetically susceptible to the disease.
It often occurs in people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
PSC does not always cause symptoms at first and is often picked up in abnormal blood tests of people with those conditions.
Early signs can include tiredness and tummy discomfort, particularly in the upper right part of the abdomen.
Itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, fever, shaking and chills can occur later on in the disease’s development.
If your GP suspects you have it, you may be sent to a hospital specialist for tests, including a cholangiogram or liver biopsy.
There is no cure or specific treatment for PSC currently, but patients may be prescribed cholestyramine to help with itching.
Patients at risk of cirrhosis may need a liver transplant, like Kieron Dyer.
Source: The British Liver Trust
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
