From LADbible · · 1m
Ketamine addiction leads to bladder surgery
A man who used ketamine daily since age 16 now needs bladder removal surgery.
In brief
A man who used ketamine daily since age 16 now needs bladder removal surgery. Josh, 16-year ketamine user, faces bladder removal surgery due to ketamine-induced uropathy. Originally reported by LADbible.
Josh's ketamine use
Josh started using ketamine at age 16 and took it daily for over a decade.
“I started using ketamine ten years ago and it was pretty much every weekend without fail”
Bladder damage
Ketamine destroys bladder lining causing irreversible damage known as ketamine bladder syndrome.
“It has caused a lot of damage to my health. It got to the point where it was life or death”
Bladder failure
Josh's kidneys are swelling due to urine not draining to his bladder.
“They aren't functioning at the moment. The urine wasn't draining to my bladder”
Surgery preparation
Josh is awaiting major bladder reconstruction surgery using his small intestine.
“They're going to remove my old bladder, and reconstruct a new one out of my small intestine”
Urine management
Josh wears external bags to collect urine while awaiting surgery.
“I have been praying to God to take the pain away”
Long-term risks
Josh faces dialysis for life if complications arise from surgery.
“I'm very lucky to have been given that opportunity but at the same time, there could be complications”
Liam's story
Liam, a five-year ketamine user, experiences severe bladder pain and cramps.
“I have been addicted for five years, but in the past year my bladder got so much worse”
Rehabilitation
Liam is in rehab after using ketamine daily for five years.
“I started getting the cramps, but my downfall was that I kept taking ketamine”
The bottom line
Josh, 16-year ketamine user, faces bladder removal surgery due to ketamine-induced uropathy.
