Bret Michaels has shared an update after recently undergoing what he described as a complicated surgery to remove a kidney stone. The surgery required Poison frontman and solo star Michaels, 63, to pause his Live & Amplified world tour after experiencing severe kidney pain during a series of concerts, including a private one in Spokane, Wash. on July 18 that he finished, before rushing to a hospital after trying, and failing, to pass the stone.
After being diagnosed with a “complicated obstructing kidney stone” that required immediate surgery, according to a post on his site from Monday (July 27), Michaels’ physicians said the tricky procedure went well. Dr. Abby Borhan reported that a “ureteral stent was successfully placed during the procedure and remains in situ.” But due to the singer’s post-operative condition and preexisting underlying health factors (diabetes, lower back compression fracture), Borhan said Michaels is restricted from performing for the next 3 to 4 weeks and can only engage in light physical activity during his recovery.
Dr. Borhan noted that the stent can cause “significant internal friction, constant physical discomfort, and localized inflammation,” meaning the physical demands of the singer’s high-energy shows could possibly exacerbate his symptoms. “Strenuous physical exertion carries a high risk of intense pain spikes, gross hematuria, and acute stent displacement, which would require immediate medical intervention,” Borhan added.
Michaels’ recovery is also complicated by his lifelong battle with Type 1 diabetes, and though Borhan said the rocker’s determination to perform through the pain was understandable, because his diabetes compromises the immune system and delays healing, he faces a high risk of contracting a serious UTI (urinary tract infection) or developing a blood infection (urosepsis), until the stent is removed.
“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,” Michaels said in a statement.
That said, due to the demanding nature of touring and the difficulty of maintaining a sterile environment, strict hydration schedule, appropriate rest and precise glucose management for a safe recovery, Borhan ordered the singer to stay off the road for three or four weeks until his team can re-evaluate his condition.
Michaels had a run of North American shows slated from July 30 through August 29; at press time the gigs slated for July 30 through Aug. 15 are listed as canceled or postponed and no make-up dates have been announced yet. In addition to managing his Type 1 diabetes since childhood, Michaels has survived a series of serious health issues over the years, including a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in 2010 and a related warning stroke before that, as well as having a hole in his heart repaired in 2011 and kidney surgery in 2014.