James Johnson, a 21-year-old bouncer from Blackpool, Lancashire, experienced a life-altering health crisis after excessive vaping. He had developed a habit of constantly puffing on disposable vapes during his long night shifts, using them as a way to pass the time. This habit escalated to the point where he would finish a vape every two days. One evening in May 2024, James suddenly began vomiting blood. The next thing he remembers is waking up from a two-week coma, having suffered cardiac arrest. He was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, a condition where both lungs become inflamed, and doctors discovered that chemicals from the vapes were leaking into his lungs, filling them with pus.
James’s condition was critical, with doctors informing his partner, Charlotte, that his survival was uncertain. The initial weeks after waking from the coma were particularly challenging. He was unable to walk, talk, or eat, and the mental strain of being conscious but incapacitated was immense. He also experienced a temporary period of memory loss, failing to recognize his partner and their one-year-old daughter, Harper-Mai. The severity of his condition was underscored by the doctors’ explanation that the vape chemicals were essentially destroying his lungs.
The long-term impact on James’s health is significant. He now has only one functioning lung and faces a life with reduced respiratory capacity. Doctors have warned him that if he resumes vaping or smoking, or fails to prioritize his health, he may not live past 40. While this prognosis is daunting, James views it as a wake-up call, grateful that he learned about the dangers of vaping before irreversible damage occurred. He credits his youth and overall good health for his ability to recover from such a severe illness.
James’s experience has instilled in him a strong desire to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping. He emphasizes the importance of researching the ingredients in vapes and understanding the potential health risks. He wants to dispel the misconception that young people are immune to the harmful effects of vaping, citing his own near-death experience as evidence to the contrary. He firmly believes that no vaping habit is worth risking one’s life.
The incident has also prompted James to make significant lifestyle changes. He is committed to abstaining from vaping and smoking and focusing on maintaining good health to protect his remaining lung. He acknowledges the long road to recovery, emphasizing the months it took to regain his independence and physical strength. Despite the challenges, James remains optimistic about his future, determined to make the most of his second chance.
James is now channeling his experience into positive action. He is participating in a charity boxing match to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, further demonstrating his commitment to health and well-being. He sees this as a way to give back and inspire others to take their health seriously. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of vaping, particularly excessive vaping, and underscores the importance of informed choices about personal health.
