Bret Michaels is taking time off from his live shows to focus on his health.
The 63-year-old rock star was in the middle of his Live & Amplified World Tour and ended up needing emergency surgery after performing three shows while in “intense” pain.
A press release on Bret‘s website notes, “On Sunday, July 19, Bret was subsequently diagnosed with a complicated obstructing kidney stone requiring immediate surgery.”
Bret‘s doctor Dr. Abby Borhan noted that “a ureteral stent was successfully placed during the procedure and remains.” The doctor also listed underlying health factors such as diabetes and a lower back compression fracture.
“He is restricted from performing for the next 3 to 4 weeks and only prescribed light physical activity as part of his recovery. A ureteral stent causes significant internal friction, constant physical discomfort, and localized inflammation. The physical demands of Bret’s high-intensity live performances exacerbate these symptoms. Strenuous physical exertion carries a high risk of intense pain spikes, gross hematuria, and acute stent displacement, which would require immediate medical intervention. Michaels’ recovery is also complicated by his lifelong Type 1 Diabetes. Although I understand Bret’s determination to play through the pain, I explained that because Type 1 Diabetes inherently compromises the immune system and impairs healing, he faces an exceptionally high risk of contracting a serious UTI or developing urosepsis, a blood infection, until the stent is removed.
The demanding nature of a high-intensity tour schedule makes it impossible to maintain the sterile environments, strict hydration schedules, frequent rest, and precise blood glucose management required for his safe recovery. He must strictly refrain from all live performances until we re-evaluate his condition in 3 to 4 weeks to determine when he can safely resume touring.”
Bret also spoke out in a statement.
“I’m forever grateful for the amazing medical treatment and ongoing medical attention throughout my personal life and career, and truly grateful for family, friends, fans, band, crew and promoters for their understanding and, if all goes well, will hit the road late August back to delivering 1000% energy, intensity and truly nothing but a good time.”
Posted To:Bret Michaels Music