Explainers

KIERON Dyer shot to fame in the 90s as an England football star. However in 2023, the former footy ace revealed he had undergone a serious “life changing” operation.
Former footy ace Kieron Dyer has undergone an health battleCredit: Rex
Who is Kieron Dyer?
Born on December 29, 1978, Kieron Dyer is a former England star and premiership footballer.
The midfielder started his career in his hometown with Ipswich Town at the age of 17, and spent three years at Portman Road before handing in a transfer request.
In 1999, the footy ace moved to Newcastle United where he made 190 appearances.
Dyer – who’s career was blighted with injury throughout his career – also played for West Ham where he made 30 appearances before joining QPR, and then Middlesbrough.
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In 1999, he made his debut for England, and went on to make 33 appearances including in the 2002 World Cup.
Dyer made the decision to retire from football aged 34 in 2013.
However he was back at Ipswich once again in 2020, as their Under-23s manager.
Under Paul Cook he became involved with the first team, until stepping down in March 2022.
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But he has since reunited with Cook at Chesterfield in the National League.
What was Kieron Dyer diagnosed with?
In October 2021, Kieron revealed that in 2019 he had been diagnosed with incurable liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis.
This is a rare chronic liver disease that causes the bile ducts in the organ to become inflamed and scarred.
In June 2022, Dyer opened up about waiting for a liver transplant to save his life.
However in October 2023, he shared some happier news with his fans.
The former footballer revealed he had finally undergone a “life-changing” liver transplant, which had been a success.
How is Kieron Dyer’s recovery going?
In October 2023, Dyer gave fans an update on his recovery following his liver transplant, and he said that he feels “healthier than ever”.
He 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.
“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.
“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.
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“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.”
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 More