An Australian fashion designer has come forward with a terrifying health crisis that saw him fighting for his life in intensive care after developing severe complications linked to vaping.
From Fashion Runway to Hospital Bed
Premal Patel, the founder and creative director of popular Sydney fashion house Runaway The Label, took to Instagram this week to share his sobering experience. He posted a striking image showing him lying in a hospital bed in the intensive care unit, connected to breathing apparatus that was keeping him alive.
In his emotional post, Patel revealed that his health nightmare began four weeks ago when he was rushed to hospital with dangerously low oxygen levels. "I was mid conversation and literally falling asleep," he recounted. "My oxygen was so low it wasn't compatible with life without an external tank keeping me alive."
A Harrowing Medical Journey
Doctors initially struggled to identify the cause of his rapidly deteriorating condition. Patel spent a week in hospital undergoing numerous tests but received no clear answers. Against medical advice, he discharged himself, only to find his condition worsening dramatically.
"I discharged myself – and two days later I was back in Emergency again," Patel shared. "Sent home. Then back in ICU for a third time."
During his third hospital admission, his situation became critical. "I wasn't so lucky. I was placed into an induced coma with two tubes down into my lungs," he revealed. "I was at 50 percent oxygen, on super high-flow support. My lungs were so severely inflamed that they couldn't absorb oxygen. I was actually dying."
The Shocking Diagnosis
Medical professionals eventually identified the cause of his life-threatening condition: vape fluid had accumulated in his lungs, causing severe inflammation that prevented oxygen absorption.
"Then they finally found it – vape fluid in my lungs," Patel wrote. "They blasted my lungs with anti-inflammatory treatment just to keep me breathing."
The fashion designer issued a stark warning to others who vape, describing the habit as "gambling with your life." He emphasised: "If you vape and want to gamble with your life, keep vaping. I choose life. And I would never put my loved ones through what they just went through for me."
Patel reflected on the unexpected nature of his health crisis, noting: "The one thing I thought I had under control became the hardest battle of my life. Take this seriously. I always thought 'that won't happen to me.' But it did."
Outpouring of Support
His post attracted widespread support from friends and followers, including Bachelor star Keira Maguire who commented: "Omg babe this is terrible. So glad you're recovering & so glad you shared – I try to tell everyone I know not to vape."
Fashion blogger Shannen Jai added: "I'm sure this was hard for you to share but it's going to help so many people. Sending my love and wishing you a super quick recovery."
As creative director for the Prem Group, Patel oversees design direction for multiple fashion labels including Runaway The Label, Seven Wonders The Label, Prem The Label, and She Is Us. His candid sharing of his health battle serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the potential dangers of vaping.
