Just when we thought rocker Bret Michaels was on the road to a speedy recovery after appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show and setting dates for upcoming concerts, a whole new dilemma faces the reality TV star.
Michaels was sent back to the hospital today (Thurs. May 20) due to a small “warning” stroke that eventually led doctors to find out he has a hole in his heart!
Now, you may remember Bret having his own VH1 show to help mend his lonely heart, but it’s looking like things have gotten a bit more serious.
According to the rocker’s neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Zabramski, Bret’s condition is not a matter to play with, but it’s treatable.
“There is no doubt that the positive Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is devastating news to Bret and his family. The good news is that it is operable and treatable.”
The overnight condition comes not too long after Michaels was hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage, which was also preceded by Michaels having to undergo an emergency appendectomy back in April. However this, like any other illness isn’t going to keep Bret down. Bret is reportedly eager to check out of the hospital, but the rocker is not ready just yet for his departure, even though he’s set to compete on the finale of “Celebrity Apprentice” in a few days.
Zabramski says that he’s well aware Michaels planned on attending the New York City finale and even getting back on the road to play concerts in the near future, but now adds: “Bret’s brain and body are not quite 100% yet, especially with the hole found in his heart. Further tests will be conducted throughout the week and I will have more information next week as to how this Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) will be treated. For now, Bret will be treated with outpatient care which includes a daily injection of Lovenox (a blood thinner to reduce the chance of blood clots) and blood tests.” Still, Zabramski says “it is highly unlikely this is connected to the brain hemorrhage he suffered just a few weeks earlier.”
Bret’s rep Jann Elias also had a few words to say on behalf of his condition and sudden trip to the hospital:
“He’s in good spirits, great medical hands and is positive and hopeful that everything is going to be okay. He is up, walking, talking, continuing his daily rehab and very happy to be alive but he has made it clear he is sick and tired of being in the hospital and is ready to rock again.”
What is going on with Bret Michaels? First, his appendix. Then his brain. And now his heart!
You’ve gotta feel for the guy…
