Be carefree, go out, have fun, meet friends. This is how the life of a 17-year-old should be and this is exactly how Jakob Döhler’s was until a few months ago. Everything is different now. He became infected with Corona in November of the previous year, started training again too early, developed myocarditis and is now fighting his way back to life after three months of sick leave. A difficult path for the passionate soccer player, because uncertainty has become a constant companion. But the Mettmacher knows what he is struggling for, because at some point he wants to be back on the football field. He also wants to spare others his own fate.
OÖN: What does football mean to you?
Jacob Doehler: Until recently I would have said anything and that’s no coincidence. My dad is an extreme football fan, although he never played himself. When I was only a few months old, he put me in front of the television and watched games with me. He also drove with me to Dortmund and to the 2016 European Championship final. So far he hasn’t missed almost any of my games. He is the stadium announcer at UFC Mettmach, often drove me and my friends to training and always encouraged me. He sparked my passion for football. It connects us and I am grateful for that.
Have you dreamed of going pro?
Dreamed, sure, but I know it wouldn’t have been enough for that. But that doesn’t change my enthusiasm. I always gave my all and was allowed to play in the main team three days after my fifteenth birthday.
Do you remember your debut?
Good even. It was extremely exciting. And compared to youth football it’s like day and night.
In terms of sport, things haven’t gone well for Mettmach recently. Doesn’t that demotivate you?
Under no circumstance. They were difficult years and the situation, third from last in 2nd class West, is not easy, but we have gained important experience and together we will do everything we can to make things better again.
Except that you can’t be there in the spring. Why?
It hurts to talk about it, but it’s important. I got my second corona vaccination in July 2021, but got infected in November. I had hardly any symptoms, only aching limbs for a day. That’s it. At least that’s what I thought. That’s why I started training again after the quarantine. I should have let that stay.
How so? Have you been unwell?
Not at all. I said to the coach at my last soccer training session that I had never felt so fit. However, I had skin problems, so my mum insisted on having my blood drawn. She’s a nurse, so she made sure all values were looked at. Without them, nobody would have noticed that I had myocarditis. I would have just kept going. Maybe until it was too late.
How did you find out about your diagnosis?
My mom called work and told me to go to the hospital right away. My troponin I value at this point was 600 instead of two. I then immediately went to the hospital. Blood was drawn from me there and various tests were carried out. And then it became clear relatively quickly that it was myocarditis.
Did you know at that point what does that mean for your further life?
It took me a while to realize everything, but then it hit me with full force: nothing is like before. I was not allowed to leave my room and had to stay in bed. Three months. When you have that much time to think, a thousand things go through your head. What got me down was the uncertainty. No one could or can tell me if I’ll ever get my old life back.
What’s different now?
Before that I trained three times a week, was out with friends, carefree, in top shape and had a really cool life. Now, every time I climb three floors, I have to take at least one break. That’s embarrassing. I feel like everything that was fun is lost.
Are there no medicines who help?
No. The body can only heal itself. You have to give him time for that. Patience is not easy at 17, but this disease requires extreme responsibility.
Who is helping you during this difficult time?
I don’t know how I would have survived the last few months without my parents, my girlfriend Andrea and my friends. People have also come forward that I haven’t thought of for a long time. Something like that gives strength.
But there are others unhelpful comments…
Yes, unfortunately. That’s why it’s important to me to tell my story correctly. I have been asked several times by people if I am the young man who has had such problems with the vaccination. That’s just wrong. My illness has nothing to do with the vaccination, but is a consequence of the infection. The doctors made that clear.
What keeps you going?
I always think of the day when I can play football again. Preferably at a home game. I walk onto the pitch and my dad, as the stadium announcer, announces that I’m going to be substituted on. My family and friends are sitting in the stands and are happy with me that I’m finally back. I’m working towards this moment. Every single day.
Source: Nachrichten
