RTE 2Cody Cross has spoken to Irish broadcaster RTE about his treatment for a medical condition that is also affecting his family.
The 28-year-old said he has had to withdraw from rugby in recent weeks as he has been prescribed a treatment called gbs medical therapy.
The Irishman said he was in intensive care for six weeks as his condition has progressed and he has not been able to perform his usual sport activities.
He added that he has to undergo several tests, including blood tests, to check on his health before he can be released from hospital.
The condition is called GBS and it is caused by a deficiency in the B cells of the immune system, which produces antibodies that attack the virus.
When the B-cells die off, the virus cannot be passed through the bloodstream, and can cause serious side effects such as inflammation of the lungs, heart and brain.
Dr Cian Kelly of Mayo Clinic said that GBS is usually treated with anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but it is possible for the symptoms to return after prolonged treatment.
“The disease can progress very rapidly and may result in severe adverse events,” she said.
“If the patient is at risk of further complications such as pneumonia, organ failure or death, then the prognosis is not good.”
I would say GBS affects about half of the population.
It is not a condition you get into if you’re a rugby player.
It’s something that you should be aware of as it can impact your health.
“It’s really important to take the time to discuss the situation with your doctor and have a specialist team of specialists who are in-house to help with your treatment.”
In recent weeks, RTE has been trying to contact Mr Cross to see if he can play a part in the Ireland vs France rugby series in June.
Mr Cross said that he was happy to do so, but he is not going to be taking part in rugby this year.
“They’re looking for me, but I’m not going anywhere,” he said.
I’m not getting any money for playing rugby, so I’m just going to do my thing and see how I go.
I’ve got to be realistic.
