Poison frontman Bret Michaels has been instructed by his medical team to take three to four weeks of post-operative recuperation following an emergency complicated obstructing kidney stone surgery. The 63-year-old rock icon is currently on his Live & Amplified World Tour. He experienced severe kidney pain after performing at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, on July 19, where he honored military heroes and their families. The diagnosis revealed a complicated obstructing kidney stone requiring immediate surgical intervention.
The announcement was shared on Bret Michaels’ official Facebook page, revealing that doctors have ordered the singer to step away from touring while he recovers.
The statement read: “Bret Michaels instructed by doctors to take 3 to 4 weeks of post-op recuperation until stent is removed following immediate complicated obstructing kidney stone surgery.”
It continued by explaining what led to the emergency procedure: “Michaels, currently on his Live & Amplified World Tour, experienced severe kidney pain following his recent performance honoring our military heroes and their families at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. On Sunday, July 19, Bret was subsequently diagnosed with a complicated obstructing kidney stone requiring immediate surgery.”
Michaels’ physician, Dr. Abby Borhan, also shared details about his condition, confirming that a ureteral stent was placed during surgery and explaining why performing is currently considered too risky. “Stated Dr. Abby Borhan, Bret’s physician, a ureteral stent was successfully placed during the procedure and remains in situ. Due to the nature of Michaels’ post-operative condition and underlying health factors (diabetes, 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.”
Borhan went on to describe the physical challenges caused by the stent and why the demands of Michaels’ live shows could make his condition worse. “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.”
The doctor also noted that Michaels’ lifelong Type 1 diabetes adds another layer of concern during his recovery, explaining, “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.”
According to Borhan, returning to a demanding touring schedule before the stent is removed would make proper recovery impossible. “Dr. Borhan continues, 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.”
Despite the setback, Michaels remained optimistic and thanked everyone who has supported him throughout the ordeal. “Stated Michaels, ‘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.'”
The announcement concluded with a message of appreciation and confirmed that more information about postponed shows will be shared when available. “Michaels, the Bret Michaels Band and his entire team sincerely appreciate the understanding, prayers and incredible support from family, friends and fans around the world. Updates regarding rescheduled performances and his return to the Live & Amplified World Tour will be shared as soon as they become available.”
Michaels’ recovery is being made more difficult by his lifelong Type 1 diabetes, which increases the risk of infection and slows healing. His doctors said the physical demands of touring make it impossible to maintain the conditions needed for a safe recovery, so he must stay off the road until he is re-evaluated in three to four weeks.
Despite suffering severe pain, Michaels completed three concerts before undergoing emergency surgery. Thanking his medical team, family, band, crew, promoters, and fans for their support, he said he hopes to return to the Live & Amplified World Tour in late August if his recovery continues as planned.
