NRL fullback in hospital with awful illness requiring $12,000 drug to recover

St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Cody Ramsey if battling to protect his NRL career after being left in hospital with an awful illness.

For the last two weeks he has been battling an illness called ulcerative colitis which leaves ulcers all over the digestive system.

He may require surgery and long term treatment to recover.

It is often caused when there are problems with the immune system.

His specialists are using a drug called Infliximab via intravenous injection while he is in hospital.

It’s a government-funded drug that costs $12,000 per injection and takes two hours to deliver.

“Cody thought it was just a bug and ran his nine-and-a-half kilometres,” said his mum, Kim to the Daily Telegraph. “That’s where it all unravelled. His immune system was fighting something it couldn’t fix.

“The doctor originally said he might need surgery and it could end his footy career.

“I’ve never seen him so sick and in so much pain.

“Fortunately, he’s progressing now and we’re hopeful he’ll be OK to play again next season.

“He’s a tough cookie and he’ll hopefully be back in the new year.”

Club doctor Thomas Carrigan said: “Cody is being treated with immunotherapy for an inflammatory bowel condition.

“He is responding well and with support from the medical team and coaching staff will hopefully make a swift recovery.”