Addiction Left Her Without a Bladder: 'I Now Urinate Through My Navel, and Here's Why I Want My Story Heard'

Liv McCaul, a young woman from Essex, is bravely sharing her story about the devastating impact of ketamine addiction, which resulted in the surgical removal of her bladder. McCaul now manages her bodily functions through a catheter inserted into a surgically created pouch in her navel, a procedure that has brought her significant relief from debilitating pain.

The ordeal began in 2023 following a traumatic horse riding accident where McCaul sustained facial injuries. To cope with the pain and sleep disturbances, she started using painkillers, eventually turning to ketamine. What began as self-medication quickly spiraled into a severe addiction, with McCaul admitting to using up to 15 grams of ketamine daily. This excessive use led to excruciating abdominal pain, commonly known as 'K-cramps,' and a rapid deterioration of her health.

McCaul's health continued to decline, leading to liver surgery, drastic weight loss, and two hospitalizations for sepsis. Initially, she concealed her addiction from medical professionals, who treated only the symptoms like urinary infections and bladder issues. The true extent of the damage was only recognized later, after she sought rehabilitation in May 2025.

During rehabilitation, new severe symptoms emerged, including blood clots and intense bladder pain. Despite various treatments over the next year, including nerve therapy, Botox injections, and bladder stretching, the damage was deemed irreversible. In early June, McCaul underwent an eight-hour robotic surgery to remove her bladder. Surgeons constructed an "Indiana pouch," an internal reservoir made from a section of her intestine, which she empties using a catheter through her navel. Although the description of her new method of urination might sound unusual, McCaul states the surgery has brought her immense relief, allowing her to live without constant suffering.

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This is the reality of k*tamine damage. One of the UK’s most complex bladder removals… and this is recovery. Any advice to make this part easier 🤍