Calum's Journey: Professional Footballer to PSC Patient
"I have to be honest, your posts and support to people who live with PSC is truly inspiring.
"I believe I have a story to tell which could resonate with a lot of people who suffer from this invisible illness and unless you live with the condition it’s sometimes difficult to explain the impact to others it has on your everyday life."
My Journey from Footballer to PSC Patient
I was diagnosed at 12 years old with Autoimmune Hepatitis. With medication it was controlled and, if I’m being honest, put to the back of my mind as I finished school and started my career in football.
I had to retire at 27 years old due to bad knee injuries and immediately began coaching and managing. For nine years I sacrificed everything to get an opportunity to manage in the SPFL, and at 36, I finally got the chance in March 2024!
However, subconsciously I knew something wasn’t right within my body. I wanted to believe it was stress, but symptoms like swelling, itchy skin, “monkey spots” and, of course, major fatigue were impossible to ignore.
By December I could see a rapid change in my appearance, and by January I was visibly jaundiced. My wife physically took me to the doctor for blood tests.
Diagnosis and a Difficult Reality
Within 24 hours I had an appointment at the hospital, going through all the scans and tests. The consultant informed me I had cirrhosis of the liver and PSC.
My blood tests were through the roof and needed to be repeated twice per week.
I was in a really bad place. The medication gave me an initial boost, but the fatigue was getting worse. I also felt ashamed for my wife and kids to see me like that. And to make matters worse, I was sacked while in hospital having a biopsy - that didn’t help.
Refusing to Give Up
Tests continued, and I remember the day the consultant called to tell me I should go on the transplant list. I refused and asked him to give me six weeks. If nothing changed by then, I would agree.
From that moment onwards, I decided to try to control the disease instead of letting the illness define me.
Lifestyle and Determination
My wife and I completely changed our diets. No processed food. No sugar. A total body cleanse. I had put on 10 kg from the medication. I’ve since lost 8 kg.
My results showed progress:
June 2025:
- Bilirubin – 95
- ALT – 82
- ALP – 452
- GGT – 605
September 2025:
- Bilirubin – 55
- ALT – 42
- ALP – 160
- GGT – 112
The results have improved significantly. I still have days when I need to lie down, but my highs now are far greater.
I know I will need a liver transplant one day, but not today. I want to be present for my kids.
Gratitude and a Message to Others
I have been so lucky to have my wife. Without her support, I’m not sure what my situation would be right now. I know there are people who don’t have this kind of help, so if I can support anyone in any capacity, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
The awareness PSC Support is generating is amazing — I only wish I’d found it earlier.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you Calum and his family for sharing their PSC story in advance of our Big Give Christmas Challenge raising vital funds for PSC research.
