Freaky: Giant 25-inch tapeworm lived inside NHL prospect for a whole year
A 25-inch tapeworm was affecting the performance of an NHL prospect on the ice during the winter. He revealed in detail how he discovered the parasite in his system.
In a conversation with The Athletic, Carson Meyer said that he was suffering from weight loss, loss of appetite and a general lack of energy.
The 20-year-old was lethargic and even fell asleep during some of the drills, obstructing his 2017-18 season with the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks.
Months went on and Meyer had no idea what was draining him out. Several tests for mononucleosis, depression and other diseases were conducted but they brought back nothing.
He had lost all hopes for the future.
The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, who played for Miami University last season, said that he discovered what was holding him back only in February when he crapped out a giant tapeworm during a nauseating trip to the bathroom.
According to Meyer, the tapeworm looked orange in color.
According to reports, all of 50 segments of the parasite along with its head and neck came out as he sat in the toilet.
“I Face-timed my mom and was like, ‘What the hell is this thing?’” Meyer said. “I was freaking out. Absolutely freaking out.”
Holly, Carson's mother, said that she has never been so horrified by anything in her life, or relieved, according to The Athletic.
“I was trying to be calm,” she said. “He showed me everything and I remember saying, you have to get that to the trainer and figure out what it is so they can get you fixed.”
According to medical experts, the parasite residing in Meyer's body was most probably diphyllobothrium latum, one you can get from eating undercooked fish, pork, or beef on a daily basis.
Meyer says he has lost appetite for seafood ever since.
“And I did say at that moment, ‘This is why everything has been the way it’s been, Carson. This was it.’ It was scary, but it was a relief,” said Meyer’s mother, recalling her reaction to the worm.
Now, if the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) keeps him off the ice rink over transfer rules for the 2018-19 season, Meyer would probably have to blame the school for the parasite as he hopes to transfer from Miami to Ohio State.
Although the tapeworm looks like it is out of Meyer's intestines and into the drains, the parasite could have a major effect on his hockey career.
Meyer hopes to join Ohio State and leave Miami (Ohio), but due to NCAA rules, he could be forced to miss the 2018-19 season unless he wins his petition and the onus is shifted to his former school for improperly diagnosing him.
Meyer's standing with the Blue Jackets could suffer after a dismal performance last year combined with a missed college season, for no fault of his own.
Meyer recorded just 10 points in 34 games as a sophomore with Miami.
Having said that, for now, Meyer's feeling a lot better and he makes sure to cook his food thoroughly.
His RedHawks teammates have christened the tapeworm "Teddy."
Meyer was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round of the 2017 NHL Draft.