Hawthorn legend Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico has opened up on his urinary retention issue which he says was “worse than any footy injury”.
It’s a big claim from the five-time premiership winner and 1986 Brownlow Medalist, particularly when he famously played the 1989 VFL Grand Final with broken ribs and a punctured lung.
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The urinary retention issue is a condition where the bladder fails to empty completely and left DiPierdomenico urinating 30 to 40 times a day and requiring surgery for the painful condition.
He also revealed he was forced to wear a nappy for the health issue.
DiPierdomenico has urged men to go and get themselves checked out and not just suffer in silence.
“Fortunately it wasn’t cancer or my actual prostate, but a lot of my mates were worried about me because of my so-called leakage,’’ DiPierdomenico said.
“I thought silly men like me just put up with the pain, we all think we’re invincible. A punctured lung could have been my last game, but this was worse than any footy injury.
“The worst is when you’re walking around the chemist looking for nappies and trying to hide it.
“We talk about men’s health all the time. The pain got so bad I went to emergency, and the persistence of the doctors fixed me up quick.
“I had an operation in April and every now and then I face a challenge, but I’m OK. I just wish I’d got it looked at earlier.”
The 64-year-old footy great is a regular on sportsmen’s nights and used the events to promote men taking care of their health.
“We’ve lost EJ Whitten and many others so it’s just important to get the prostate and all areas checked,’’ DiPierdomenico said.
“Talk about it to your wives and girlfriends and partners. I feel great, and touch wood everything is going well.
“If I could open myself up and give myself a body clean-up I would have liked to go back to age 38-40.”
DiPierdomenico said he’d “never been more busy of popular in my life” and is currently filming three shows — Dipper’s Backyard BBQs, Dipper’s Destinations, and Dipper’s Big Rigs.
He was also on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2021, sharing an awkward moment with reality star Abbie Chatfield over a skimpy bikini.
DiPierdomenico also reportedly separated from his wife of 41 years last year.
