Liverpool supporter Isaac Kearney is preparing for surgery after years of struggling with breathing difficulties, his parents have revealed.
The youngster, who has been living with severe sleep apnea, attended a crucial hospital appointment today where the family received news about his upcoming medical procedure. His parents shared the emotional update with supporters who have been following Isaac’s health journey.
Isaac’s breathing problems have persisted for several years, causing concern for his family. Earlier this year, doctors officially diagnosed him with severe sleep apnea, a condition that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep, potentially leading to serious health complications if left untreated.
Following the diagnosis in July, Isaac was referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon to evaluate whether his tonsils and adenoids might be contributing to his breathing difficulties. The assessment was necessary before doctors could consider starting him on a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, a common treatment for sleep apnea that helps keep airways open during sleep.
Difficult Decision Made
After today’s consultation with the ENT surgeon, Isaac’s family has made the difficult decision to proceed with surgery. The operation will involve removing Isaac’s tonsils and adenoids, as well as fitting grommets to help with drainage and reduce the risk of ear infections.
In a heartfelt post shared with their community, Isaac’s parents wrote: “Another hospital appointment today , Isaacs been having breathing difficulties for a few years now. He was diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea earlier this year. Back in July we were referred to an ENT surgeon to assess his Tonsils/Adenoids before starting on a CPAP machine.”
They continued: “Today we seen the ENT surgeon and have decided to go forward with the surgery and have his tonsils and adenoids removed aswell as having grommets fitted. This isn’t guaranteed to help Isaac and his breathing/Sleep Apnea, we’re just hoping it does .”
Uncertain Outcome
The family acknowledged that while the surgery offers hope, there are no guarantees it will resolve Isaac’s sleep apnea. However, they feel it’s a chance worth taking for their son’s health and quality of life.
“Another procedure for him to get over, But if there’s even a small chance it can help him why would we not go for it,” they explained, demonstrating the determination and love that has characterized their approach to Isaac’s medical challenges.
Post-Surgery Care
Due to the severity of Isaac’s breathing difficulties, his medical team has indicated that he will need specialized care following the operation. Isaac will spend time in the hospital’s High Dependency Unit (HDU) after surgery, where he can be closely monitored as he recovers.
The HDU provides a higher level of care than a standard ward but is less intensive than a full intensive care unit, ensuring Isaac has the support he needs during this critical recovery period.
The family is now waiting for a surgery date to be confirmed by the hospital. Isaac’s parents promised to keep their supporters updated throughout the journey, ending their message with: “So now we just await a date. I can keep you all updated as we go “
Isaac has gained significant support from the Liverpool football community and beyond as news of his health struggles has spread. The young fan’s resilience and his family’s openness about their challenges have touched many hearts.
As the Kearney family prepares for this next step in Isaac’s medical journey, they face it with a mixture of hope and apprehension, knowing that while the outcome is uncertain, they’re doing everything possible to help their son breathe easier and live a healthier life.
