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Peter Kay has revealed that he was rushed into emergency surgery after suffering excruciating pain caused by a giant kidney stone, a health scare that he says left his “world collapsed.”
The beloved comedian, 51, detailed the frightening ordeal in his new book, Peter Kay’s Diary, where he recalls the terrifying experience that began with what he thought was a simple backache during a train journey to Wigan.
Kay described how he first noticed something was wrong when he felt a sharp pain and had to rush to the toilet while on the train. Two days later, he was in agony, with severe throbbing pains in his lower back that made even sitting down unbearable.
After consulting “Doctor Google,” Kay suspected he might be dealing with a kidney stone, a hunch that was confirmed by doctors after a CT scan at his local hospital.
“It turned out I had a big stone blocking the exit of my right kidney,” he wrote. “The urologist reassured me but said I needed emergency surgery to remove the kidney stone, which would also involve fitting a stent in my urethra to maintain my kidney function.”
Kay went on to explain that his pre-operation blood tests showed his kidney function was “deranged,” as one nurse put it, a diagnosis that was both shocking and oddly reassuring.
“As much as I was stunned, I felt relieved,” he wrote. “I actually had something wrong with me, it wasn’t just hypochondria.”
The Car Share star added that the pain he endured was “legendary,” describing it in his typically self-deprecating and humorous style:
“I was starting to sob and make the occasional high-pitched whining sound, like when you fire an air rifle at a dog’s testicles.”
Despite his comedic phrasing, Kay’s account of the ordeal makes clear how serious the situation was. The surgery, he says, caused “major trauma” to his urethra, and he had to endure the discomfort of the stent being fitted as part of his recovery.
He also admitted that the experience left him deeply reflective about his health and mortality. “It was terrifying,” Kay confessed. “When you’re told something’s wrong with your kidneys, your mind goes to some very dark places.”
Thankfully, Kay made a full recovery and has since returned to the stage, much to the delight of fans who continue to fill arenas across the UK for his record-breaking comedy tour.
Since making his highly anticipated comeback in 2022, Peter Kay has been open about taking better care of himself and prioritising his wellbeing after years away from the spotlight. His candidness about his recent surgery only reinforces why audiences love him, his honesty, humour, and everyman relatability.
In true Peter Kay style, he ends the diary entry with a laugh: “I wouldn’t wish a kidney stone on my worst enemy, unless they’re a traffic warden.”
