PGA golfer Phil Mickelson, currently ranked the #2 player on the planet and ever so close to overtaking Tiger, revealed to reporters that he recently spent time at the famed Mayo Clinic for treatment of psoriatic arthritis.
The condition, which hit the athlete shortly after his 40th birthday some 8-weeks ago, causes pain and inflammation of joints after the body’s immune system goes awry and begins to attack healthy cells and tissue.
Ironically, he was stricken with the first symptoms shortly after bragging to his wife Amy Mickelson that he has never felt better. He lamented: “I was commenting to Amy the week before the Open, I said, ‘I’ve never felt this good. I have no aches and pains, my back feels great. I feel stronger and more flexible than ever before.’ Four days later, you know, it’s just crazy.”
His current treatment is a shot of Enbrel once a week to prevent his immune system from affecting his joints. He said, “This has put it in remission. I’ll probably take this drug for a year and feel 100 percent. Then I’ll stop it and see if it stays in remission, and it may never come back.”
Another lifestyle change that Phil is trying goes against his affinity for burgers. He has sworn off meat and become a vegetarian. Mickelson said, “I read a book and just thought maybe it would help. And if it helps my situation, I’m all for it.”
Phil, who is competing in the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits this week, expects a full recovery and feels about 90 percent. In his typical upbeat style, he predicts: “Things have been looking great, and long term there shouldn’t be any issues. It’s very treatable, and the medicine I’ve been taking is very helpful.”
Good news – it sounds like Phil will be cheered on this week by his wife, who has been battling breast cancer. Her aggressive treatment protocol has kept her close to home for the past year. Phil told reporters, “Amy looks like she’s going to come out this week.”
Check out a video report on Phil below: