Hawthorn legend Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico has opened up on his urinary retention concern which he says was “worse than any footy injury”.
It’s a giant declare from the five-time premiership winner and 1986 Brownlow Medalist, significantly when he famously performed the 1989 VFL Grand Final with damaged ribs and a punctured lung.
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The urinary retention concern is a situation the place the bladder fails to empty fully and left DiPierdomenico urinating 30 to 40 instances a day and requiring surgical procedure for the painful situation.
He additionally revealed he was compelled to put on a nappy for the well being concern.
DiPierdomenico has urged males to go and get themselves checked out and never simply endure in silence.
“Fortunately it wasn’t cancer or my actual prostate, but a lot of my mates were worried about me because of my so-called leakage,’’ DiPierdomenico said.
“I thought silly men like me just put up with the pain, we all think we’re invincible. A punctured lung could have been my last game, but this was worse than any footy injury.
“The worst is when you’re walking around the chemist looking for nappies and trying to hide it.
“We talk about men’s health all the time. The pain got so bad I went to emergency, and the persistence of the doctors fixed me up quick.
“I had an operation in April and every now and then I face a challenge, but I’m OK. I just wish I’d got it looked at earlier.”
The 64-year-old footy nice is an everyday on sportsmen’s nights and used the occasions to advertise males taking good care of their well being.
“We’ve lost EJ Whitten and many others so it’s just important to get the prostate and all areas checked,’’ DiPierdomenico said.
“Talk about it to your wives and girlfriends and partners. I feel great, and touch wood everything is going well.
“If I could open myself up and give myself a body clean-up I would have liked to go back to age 38-40.”
DiPierdomenico mentioned he’d “never been more busy of popular in my life” and is at present filming three reveals — Dipper’s Backyard BBQs, Dipper’s Destinations, and Dipper’s Big Rigs.
He was additionally on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2021, sharing an ungainly second with actuality star Abbie Chatfield over a skimpy bikini.
DiPierdomenico additionally reportedly separated from his spouse of 41 years final 12 months.