Rugby Player with Rare Condition Makes Recovery

Singapore national rugby player Jay-Hykel Jailani has announced he will return to the sport he loves after a battle with a rare disorder called Paget-Schroetter Syndrome that affects 2 individuals out of ever 100,000.  The disorder, also referred to as Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis (UEDVT) causes blood clots in the deep veins of the upper body.

Patients are most often young and active males and may show signs of swelling in their arms.  In Jay-Hykel’s case, he was forced to undergo surgery to remove an extra rib bone near his collar that was compounding the condition.

In November of 2014, the 22-year old winger – who is known for his speed – was devastated to learn that he may never get to play the sport he loves again.

“To miss out on the (South East Asia) Games after training so hard and so long shattered me emotionally, physically and mentally,” Jay-Hykel recounted recently.  “I felt in my peak and to get injured just before the final hurdle was brutal, and I felt really helpless when I was watching the team play from the sidelines during the Games.”

Jay-Haykel will made his return last week, competing in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, where the Singapore club took 10th place.  He is also expected to play in the upcoming matches in Bangkok and Sri Lanka.

“From being in a position where I honestly didn’t know if I would ever be able to play rugby again, to representing the country in a regional tournament is a huge achievement for me. Of course, it’s always mentally challenging to get back on the field after a serious injury, but I’m just keeping positive and focused on working to reach my peak again.”

To learn more about Paget-Schroetter Syndrome please click here.

Photo credit: The Straits Times