Stuart Pearce reveals medics ‘shoved a tube down his throat’ as he relives horror health scare on trans-Atlantic jet
STUART Pearce has opened up about his health battle after falling ill during a transatlantic flight.
The former England ace turned pundit described having chest pains on his way back from Las Vegas before doctors had to “stick a tube” down his throat and dramatically “reboot” his heart.
Fans had been rooting for the hardman defender, nicknamed Psycho, since we told how he became ill during a Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow.
The father-of-two, 62, appeared on talkSPORT today as he continues his recovery, having been discharged after spending five days in hospital.
Speaking to Jim White and Simon Jordan at midday, he said: “I feel brilliant in myself and have done since probably mid last week, to be quite honest with you.
“I’m in really good hands. The people in the hospital have been magnificent.”
He said his insurers are looking at how to get him home to the UK, explaining he needs a “medical chaperone”.
“Over the next day or so, hopefully,” he added.
During the flight, Pearce was hooked up to a monitor as he began sweating profusely and struggling with acute pain on Flight VS156.
First aiders treated Pearce, whose partner watched helplessly as the drama unfolded.
The decision was made to divert the flight to St John’s on Newfoundland where the star was helped off the plane.
Describing the health scare itself, Pearce told talkSPORT: “On the flight I had chest pains, so the crew on Virgin were brilliant and looked after me fantastically.”
He continued: “My heart rate was racing, my resting heart rate was anything above 155 bpm so that was ridiculous, really.
“My heart wasn’t pumping enough blood around the system and had some swelling…
“At the end of the week, on Friday, they said we’ll stick a tube down your throat, if there’s no swelling around your heart we’ll stop your heart and reboot again and that’s exactly what they did.
“My heart went back to a normal rate and I left the next day.”
He’s been able to watch some football as he recovers, saying: “I’ve been fortunate enough to watch a few games – the Forest game against Man City was very humbling.
“Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support.”
The former full-back, who played for Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Man City, received 24/7 care but has been out of hospital now for several days.
‘IN GREAT SPIRITS’
During Saturday’s Premier League game between Forest and City, supporters stood for a round of applause in the third minute. Pearce wore the number ‘3’.
Sam Matterface, a talkSPORT colleague, told listeners: “I spoke to him yesterday and he was in great spirits.
“He isn’t 100 per cent — that is definitely the case.
“But he’s in the right place in the hospital. They’re dealing with it.
“He’s a little bit disappointed about not being here today. He actually said to me, ‘I’ve got so much I’ve had to cancel. Great games and Mumford and Sons are playing next Wednesday night and I can’t go!'”
Pearce, who won 78 England caps, had been flying home after watching Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors in Vegas in the first rugby league Super league match in the US.
A source previously said: “Stuart’s pains appeared to be getting worse as the flight continued.
“He was constantly shifting position in his seat to try and find some comfort.
“It was very clear the situation was serious.
“The crew and other passengers trained in first aid were marvellous.
“He received the best available care in the circumstances and was so grateful to everyone involved, and for the plane diverting to Canada.”
The remaining 225 passengers were later flown to Heathrow, arriving at 6.15pm on Monday — six hours later than scheduled.
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