Wayne Carey’s Health Journey and Recent Medical Challenges
Wayne Carey, a revered figure in Australian Football League (AFL) history, has recently shared an update on his ongoing health battle. After undergoing a six-hour surgery to address a severe spinal issue that could have left him paralysed, Carey has been open about the challenges he has faced.
Carey, who played for North Melbourne Kangaroos, has long struggled with health issues, particularly related to his spine. His career was cut short in 2004 when a neck injury put him at risk of permanent paralysis. At the time, doctors advised him to retire, which he did just two weeks after the incident.
In late April, Carey described his current symptoms, stating, “My left hand is basically numb, right hand going numb, I’m getting shooting pains, all that sort of stuff.” He also mentioned that he had fallen over a couple of times recently, initially attributing it to aging. However, after consulting a neurosurgeon, he underwent MRIs to assess the extent of the problem. The last MRI he had on his neck was about 15 years ago, and it was already concerning.
Carey has since revealed the difficult experience of being treated in hospital. He shared, “Once upon a time they would have cut you from ear to ear to do this operation and now the incision’s a keyhole.” The procedure involved placing a cage in his spine, removing debris that was compressing his spinal cord and nerves. Following the surgery, he experienced a cough, some infection, and a fever.
This setback led to an extended hospital stay, and Carey is now preparing for another surgical procedure. “I have a hernia,” he said. “I’ve got to go and have that done [operated on] in six weeks… this is the aftermath of playing AFL footy.”
Another side effect of the surgery was constipation caused by painkillers. Carey managed to wean himself off the medication after three days but required a suppository to regain regularity.
Known as ‘The King’ for his exceptional performances on the field, Carey suffered the cervical spine injury during a match against Geelong on June 12, 2004. He retired two weeks later after learning that continuing his career posed a risk of paralysis. At the time, he reflected, “I was always half expecting the neurosurgeon to say what he said, but in saying that, it’s always a surprise.” The injury ended his career nine games short, which he found disappointing as he had hoped to finish strong with the Adelaide Crows.
The neck injury was not the only long-term consequence of Carey’s career. In 2022, he revealed that he had undergone surgery to replace and repair his left shoulder, following two reconstructions on that joint and a further reconstruction on his right shoulder.
