Fernando Pisani's Blog: Battling back from ulcerative colitis
Fernando Pisani scored 13 goals and 22 points in 56 games with Edmonton this season. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)
Fernando Pisani
2008-05-06 11:10:33
Hockey players often take their health for granted. That all changed for me in 2005 when I started feeling sick.
I knew something was wrong with me, but I was kind of embarrassed to see somebody about it. As time went on and I began to feel worse, I knew I needed to get well and had to see a doctor. I finally did and that’s when I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
I was able to continue playing, but last July all the symptoms started coming back, only worse this time. I was going to the bathroom 20-30 times a day, losing a lot of blood and a lot of weight.
I was trying to stay in shape at the same time, but I couldn’t do anything. I was too tired and I had no energy at all. I lost about six pints of blood and I even developed diabetes temporarily because of all the medication I was taking. It was awful.
I could barely leave the house and when I did, I had to know where the nearest bathroom was. Just walking up and down stairs was exhausting for me.
In the back of my mind I was thinking about hockey and what was going to happen to my career. I was in touch with our trainer, telling him how I was really not feeling well, but they didn’t know much about my situation and what we could do to make it better.
Eventually, when I was feeling my very worst, hockey became the furthest thing from my mind. I was 40 pounds lighter than normal and it was pretty scary. I normally play at 205 pounds, but I got down to around 165.
Every time I looked at myself in the mirror, I was just skin and bones. I can joke about it a little now, but it was like I was staring at Mr. Burns.
All I wanted to do was get healthy again. You play 80-100 hockey games a year with pre-season and the playoffs and you start to feel invincible, then something like this comes along and knocks you out.
My doctor decided to put me on a drug called Remicade and that’s when things finally started taking a turn for the better. I started to notice small changes and it was the first positive sign I had seen in such a long time. I started getting better and better. It was such a relief.
I was finally able to eat food and drink again. It had gotten to the point where I didn’t even want to eat or drink because everything I put inside my body went right through me.
Once I started feeling better, my thoughts turned back to hockey. Of course in terms of training, I had to start from scratch.
I went from lifting a lot of weights – bench-pressing 230 pounds – to just using the bar (45 pounds). It was a little frustrating at first, but I had to start somewhere. I had to take baby steps. I didn’t want to push myself too hard in case it had a negative affect. I felt stronger with each passing week.
I started taking Remicade in September and I was back on the ice in December. I look back now and it was remarkable the changes my body went through.
My first game back was against Anaheim. I wanted my return to be on the road. I was so nervous; it reminded me of my first NHL game. I just wanted to get out there and get it over with. The guys in the room were having fun with me, asking if I was nervous. I said, “Yeah, absolutely!” It was great to be back.
Today everything has stabilized. I go in for treatment every eight weeks and my weight is back to normal. Everything is positive.
Selected in the eighth round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, Fernando Pisani has played his entire NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers. The 31-year-old, who led the NHL playoffs in goals with 14 in 2006, missed 26 games during the 2007-08 season while battling ulcerative colitis.
Raziel T. Whitebear (Posted 2008-07-17 08:03:49)
I'm really, really glad your feeling better from what was happening to you.
I hope you stay with the Oilers for all of your career. I'd be deviastated if you ever got traded off to a different team. Your my favorite Oiler also, but if you ever got traded, i for sure would STILL be your fan. I wear your new 08' jersey everywhere i go! atm i reside in victoria b.c. (nuck country) and of course i still wear the edmonton colors and your name/number with pride! =p
Keep up the great work,
and may you have many more healthy years to play our world's greatest sport!
~one of your biggest fans,
Razii
Jean Kruse (Posted 2008-05-28 12:21:22)
I read an article in the paper this AM about your battle with UC. I have been struggling with this disease for 2 years and have not been able to find any relief. I have tried the usual medications and they have not been successful. I am now on one that is helping somewhat but I am losing my hair. My doctor recently indicated that he wants me to go on
Remicade. I have been reading about it and the possible side effects are scary, but I am 69 years old and have been virtually confined to my home for almost 2 years and I want to get my life back. After reading about your success with it I am encouraged and will be doing it after I complete
some medical testing and a minor surgery. Thank you for sharing your story. This is a terrible disease and many people do not understand the
problems it involves. Not being able to go shopping because if the bathroom is at the other end of the store from where you are when you suddenly have to go -- you're in trouble. I have been unable to attend parties, weddings etc. without eating Imodium like candy and then suffering the cramping and after effects of tying up your system. I am hoping that the Remicade will help me as it has you and others. God bless you and your family. You are and inspiration to many.
MrOiler (Posted 2008-05-26 20:05:53)
Amazing story. A true inspiration to anyone who is having health issues. Masterson X2.
Fernando!
Darrell Hails (Posted 2008-05-17 11:28:06)
I am glad that he is currently doing well using the Remicade. However, the progress of the disease will continue unless some lifestyle changes are made, including, but not restricted to, eliminating ALL wheat and dairy from his diet. As a long-time sufferer of Crohn's Disease (since 1984), I have had 2 small bowel resections and became a holistic nutritionist as a result. Now I do not take ANY prescription medications whatsoever!!!!
john mcguire (Posted 2008-05-14 09:30:50)
Great story since I had UC but now went into Crohn's. Mr Pisani just keep your head and keep going. Had my colon remove 01 after being told only at 6mths to live cause of steriod and blood damage. Had bag for 2 mths recentally fell out of remission and just dealing with that. Good Luck thank You for sharing also I play rec hockey and play through all of the crap pardon the bun!!!!
Amber Nielsen (Posted 2008-05-13 02:51:59)
Thank-you so much for sharing your amazing story! My brother, who is a huge hockey fan, found your story and thought that I should read it. Once I started reading, I realized what an inspiring story it is for me right now. Right now I am battling with Ulceritive Colitis...and I find that it is so hard to get enough energy to do the daily things that I need to get done. It must have been so difficult trying to find the energy to work-out and practice...especially when life has to be planned around this condition until it is under control. I have been spending a lot of time with GI specialists, as they try to find out if a medication will help me to get better. I just spent a couple of nights in the emergency last week, because my hemoglobin level was in the low 80's. I had lost so much blood, and I had started to lose a lot of weight - it's hard to think about eating when nothing looks good, and like you said, you know it is going to be going right through you. I am so glad that you have shared your story with the public, especially since it has such a major impact for so many people - even when you may not realize how many people it can reach! You are a hero for many:) Keep healthy and good luck with winning the Masterson trophy this year because you deserve it!
Kate Stewart (Posted 2008-05-12 14:33:55)
Thank you for sharing your story! I too had UC- I say "had" because my colon was removed in February of 2007. Ironically- I was battling UC and had just met with my surgeon for the first time during the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals when you were here playing the Canes. I also became a steriod-induced diabetic during treatment and nothing, including remicade, worked for me. I am now healthy, minus my colon. I know that it was a long road back for you and I am very happy for you!
kendell friess (Posted 2008-05-11 18:54:28)
Our son was 13 at the time of his first attack. We lived in Edmonton and just made our move to Kelowna, B.C. I noticed his energy level dive along with his appetite. We had just finished spring hockey and he play CAC triple AAA hockey in Edmonton in the 2006/2007 season. He went from being somewhat sick without a diagnosis to having to be air-lifted out of Kelowna into the Stollery (WHAT AN AMAZING HOSPTIAL!!!!) We spent all of August 2007 at the Stollery and J.D. was a week away from losing his colon. He started to respond to his treatments and we were able to go back to Kelowna. He lost 25 pounds and his Hemoglobins went down to 79. He was suppose to start at The Pursuit of Excellence in Sept. but was to weak to attend. At the end of Sept. he began school and slowly worked his way back on the ice. He is now able to play with the bantam 94's and they are headed to the Challenge Cup this week in VCR. You can imagine how happy this kid is. All he keeps saying to us is he can't wait to play another game of hockey. We also enjoy every moment and are inspired by his strength. I can't tell you how inspirational it was for J.D. to be able to associate with a hockey hero and we know it helped him gain strength and heal.
Mick (Posted 2008-05-09 22:55:28)
I know exactly what you have gone through, as I have gone through it myself. I was diagnosed with UC in 1991. By 1998 I wasn't responding to treatment and had to have my colon removed. At my lowest I lost over 50 - lbs. I too had to take time out from sports, but did return to play hockey and baseball. (Not quite at the level you are competing at!!!) Please, stay healthy. All the best.
Grant Patterson (Posted 2008-05-09 22:15:47)
Congrats on your comeback! I was diagnosed with UC while in college and it forced me to leave my team and stop playing hockey for 2 years. Now that I look for it I've found inspiration from professional athletes in both sports that I love (ice hockey and cycling). Your perseverance and dedication to the sport drives me to continue doing what I love despite difficult times. Keep up the amazing effort- you have a fan for life.
Rick Fuller (Posted 2008-05-09 16:56:52)
Thank God you responded to treatment. I've been down that road and had my colon removed after trying everthing else first. I am extremely happy for you. Play some great hockey!!!
Da man (Posted 2008-05-08 18:23:34)
I'm not going to lie.. You are the man..
I am a Canucks fan and was at the game when you scored the shoot out winner (first or second home game back) .. When you were skating up the ice I was acctualy hoping you scored, but knew you were going five hole. haha
You are the man bud and best of luck this season.
Paul Kelly (Posted 2008-05-08 10:14:09)
Fernie is a man among men. A true hero. GO OIL!
C Dawg (Posted 2008-05-07 21:32:43)
God Bless Pisani,
I have UC also. Thank you for taking it public and helping to draw attention to it.
Cam Cash (Posted 2008-05-07 18:50:10)
I know how this is, almost. My mother went through this for years. Growing up like that was a little tough but its given me a greater appreciation for that sort of thing and what its like to have that disease touch your life. My mom pulled through it and is doing better now, all the best to Mr. Pisani and his family.
Cooper Means (Posted 2008-05-07 12:24:53)
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis last September. It was a very dark time for me and went throught the same things that Pisani went through.
I'm a huge hockey fan and it was inspiring to read about and watch Pisani's comeback. His comeback gave me hope that things will start to get better in my life. Since then, I have become a fan of his as well as the Oilers (though, the Blackhawks will forever be my team).
Thanks, Pisani, for sharing your story with us.
Troy (Posted 2008-05-07 11:11:09)
35 pts in 56 games...that would be a career year over a full 82 game sched for Pies. It amazes me how tough most NHLers really are. Pies looked to be better than ever when he returned. Here's a guy who goes through a near death experience comes back and scores at a rate of 0.625 pts/game...wow. I'm certain his name has already been stenciled on the Masterson Trophy. Between his 2006 playoff heroics to near death, no one is more deserving this year. Congrats on your life thus far Fernando, you are a hero.
Tyler Broadstock (Posted 2008-05-07 10:41:15)
Fernando spoiled us, we all got used to his defensive abilities and a uncanny timing to score when the oil really needed one.it was no coincidence the winning ways began after his return.spiritual lifting and his dedication is a credit and an inspiration.i wsih him future health as im sure he is always going to be aware of and to let him know its a real joy to watch him play every night...espec as a HUGE OILER FAN!!!!!!!!!
he knows all about dedication and determination in life and hockey!
thanks Fernando!
Kasie (Posted 2008-05-07 01:17:23)
I Just wanted to say that Pisani is an amazing player and an inspiration to me. When I found out about his ulcerative colitis my heart went out to him. Just seeing people sick makes me feel sorry and I only wanted the best for him. Seeing him back on the ice in December was just down right amazing. The Oilers were just not the same team without him. He's a soft spoken leader that leads by example.
He works hard for everything he does and for everything hes achieved and it shows. Talking to others about his disease wasn't easy for him but he had the courage to do it and that alone shows good character. I have nothing but compassion for Pisani and hope his future is bright and full of happiness. I also pray that he'll stay healthy so he can continue to do what he loves and what he's worked so hard for - Playing Hockey.
Mike Fitzpatrick (Posted 2008-05-07 01:06:39)
Pisani for Masterson!!!!!
Paul McGannon (Posted 2008-05-07 00:25:35)
cut out bread and pasta.......glad you are back..............
Ryan Delvenne (Posted 2008-05-06 23:54:21)
You're the man. I can't imagine what the last year and change has been like for you but you are truly an inspiration and what you've accomplished in just playing hockey again is simply incredible. It tore my heart apart when I heard that this disease might take hockey out of your life but it was great to see you back on the ice again. Keep on making us proud.
james henning (Posted 2008-05-06 23:50:22)
when i first heard that fernando was sick i was so deppresed i had been planning to get a pisani jersey for the start of the season then i heard he was sick an may not come back. to lose such a talent would have been a shame and when it was annoced he would be returning i counted down the games till his return
Petr (Posted 2008-05-06 22:24:42)
Seeing Fernando back on ice in December was one of my season highlight. I'm so happy he's back (and OK). Rock on!!!
Aislinn Brophy (Posted 2008-05-06 21:30:17)
wow, Fernie. Thats such a story. All of your fans were rooting for you to get better. Just glad your feeling a lot better and got back in the lineup.
flames SUCK (Posted 2008-05-06 20:49:28)
your awasome!!
Christy Veale (Posted 2008-05-06 19:47:20)
Wow! Great story. I can relate to the remicade. I battle with crohns and ulcerative colitis. I am only 25 years old and been married for 2 years. My husband had to go through the procedure of my colon inflamming so bad that it punctured into my organs and I had to accept an ileostomy for the time being. I have been on remicade now for a year and it is a miracle! You are an inspiration and I thank-you for showing people to keep moving forward in life and to not give up and not allow the disease to let you down.
Amy Duong (Posted 2008-05-06 19:32:04)
We were so happy to see you back on the ice again. It's a remarkable story. Good for you. Stay healthy and take care :D
Cas Wallis (Posted 2008-05-06 18:52:25)
wow great story! i was really really happy to see you get back on the ice and play again. its not the same without you!
Chris Lang (Posted 2008-05-06 18:32:09)
My 7 year old son and I were lucky enough to be in the crowd in Anaheim when you came back. We were so excited to see you on the ice during the pre-game skate. You are an inspiration and a true home town hero!! Shutting out the Ducks that night must have felt pretty good too!!Best wishes.
Sabrina Fedorak (Posted 2008-05-06 18:18:00)
It was great seeing you back on the ice...we were finally able to yell "FERRNAANDOOO" again! You are a great hockey player and huge inspiration to many children in Edmonton.
May God Bless you!
Chad Schulz (Posted 2008-05-06 17:50:48)
You will always be a hometown hero in our household.
Brendan Abbott (Posted 2008-05-06 17:48:12)
I was at your fist home game back and I still remember almost tearing up when the loudest roar from myself and the crowd all night was when you were announced on the starting line. You're my favourite Oiler and I'm glad you're back. All the best of luck in your future, Fernando
Kellen Kennedy (Posted 2008-05-06 17:30:57)
Way to go Fernando, It was hard not seeing you out there the first part of last season. But I was excited to hear of your return.
Heres hoping for a career year next year in the copper and blue for you!
-Kellen-
Sally Hampton (Posted 2008-05-06 17:16:30)
You are a hero, Fernando. To never give up when faced with an obstacle such as this is awe-inspiring! You will always be a fan favorite!
Patti Combs (Posted 2008-05-06 17:14:46)
Hi Fernando,
I/we are so glad that you are doing so well after such a difficult and scary time. Our son, Collin (14) recently was diagnosed as having Crohn's disease, only after suffering through a fistula that developed between his small intestine and his bladder (very painful). He is currently in the stage of trying to get his appetite back and gain the weight that he lost (20 lbs), as well as learn about his disease and not let it define who he is (very difficult, as I'm sure you know). I am so thankful to you for being so open with about your situation; for Collin, he can look at you as an example of how not to let his his situation put limitations on his abilities and that he can turn this around. I pray that you will continue to do well and stay healthy.
Blessings from MD
Patti Combs
Ryan (Posted 2008-05-06 17:00:14)
My wife has the advanced version of UC, Crohn's disease. She too is on Remicade and has been for some time now. The problem is that it can hurt your liver with continued usage. Good Luck Fernando!!!!
Nick Belma (Posted 2008-05-06 16:01:50)
Very inspiring! All the best to you!
oilerfreak (Posted 2008-05-06 15:27:54)
All the best to you Fernando! Many Oiler fans are so inspired by your story, stay healthy!
Ed Konyha (Posted 2008-05-06 13:49:02)
It can be overcome with a strict dietary change - most doctors won't tell you this, but it's true. Drug treatments are band aid solutions, but a strict dietary change is the best way to beat this...my wife is a holistic nutritionist and she has helped many people overcome it permanently, so I know this from first hand experience.
Good luck, Fernando.
James Mirtle (Posted 2008-05-06 13:41:08)
Good luck Fernando.
Ken Marshall (Posted 2008-05-06 13:17:09)
Fernando ought to win the Masterton Trophy this year. Here's to a healthy offseason and a successful campaign next season.
Speed Ranger (Posted 2008-05-06 13:10:24)
Congratulations! That's a tough disease, almost killed someone close to me. You have to keep your stress levels down -- not too easy for you I bet. I look forward to watching you next year!
Manfred North Peigan (Posted 2008-05-06 12:10:08)
Man, it was great to see the recovery of Pisani. Inspirational story of recovery. Brave guy. Awesome to see him back on the ice at mid-season. Great run.
Advertisement
Where do you think Mats Sundin will end up?
Our Partners
The Hockey News Corporation. All Rights Reserved © 2007 Transcontinental
Standards: XHTML 1.0 STRICT + CSS 2. V 1.1 04.03.2008
