A man in Wales has shared his harrowing experience with inhaling laughing gas, which left him permanently disabled and reliant on a wheelchair and crutches. Connor Wilton, aged 27, was hospitalised and suffered severe nerve damage after using nitrous oxide, a drug that was made illegal in November 2023. He was found collapsed on the floor by his father in November 2022 after inhaling almost 500 balloons a week, leading to oxygen deprivation and a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Following the incident, Connor spent months in hospital and a neuro rehabilitation unit, undergoing treatment and therapy to regain some mobility. Despite this, he remains unable to stand up straight and relies on crutches, a wheelchair, and around 30 tablets a day to manage his condition. Connor started using laughing gas at 18 during social events and holidays but escalated to excessive use, up to 480 balloons every weekend, leading to his debilitating health issues.
In a cautionary message on Facebook, Connor shared his story to warn others of the dangers of using nitrous oxide, expressing regret for how the drug has “ruined [his] life.” He described the physical toll he endured, including muscle spasms and deformities in his hands, likening them to “little dinosaur hands.” Connor received vitamin B12 injections to address the deficiencies caused by the substance, and despite progressing with therapy, he continues to face challenges with mobility and chronic pain.
Conclusively, Connor Wilton urges people to steer clear of nitrous oxide, emphasising the life-altering consequences of his experiences. He acknowledges his own naivety and warns that the drug’s accessibility and perceived harmlessness contribute to its popularity among young people, urging for greater awareness of its risks and the importance of making informed choices to avoid similar tragedies.