BRET MICHAELS: 'I Could Have Died'

POISON singer Bret Michaels has posted the following message on his Fancast blog regarding the emergency surgery he underwent last week to remove his appendix:
"Hey guys!

"Sorry I couldn't blog about 'Celebrity Apprentice' this week. But as I'm sure you have read, I've been in the hospital. Here's what happened…

"I was at Sea World in San Antonio, Texas because we were doing a sold-out concert. For a few days I had not really been feeling 100%, but we were out doing the concerts and nothing was really alarming. I just felt a little off through the morning of April 11.

"I was throwing up all day and really thought I had just got a severe case of the flu. About 10 minutes before show time doctors got on the bus and said, 'Bret we really don't think this is the flu' and told me that I WAS GOING TO THE HOSPITAL. After a CAT scan, they determined it was acute appendicitis and they performed emergency surgery right there in the middle of the night. After the fact, they told me that if I had gone onstage like I wanted to, it likely would have ruptured and I could have died. Not good.

"I have played concerts with broken bones, extremely low blood sugars, the flu, colds, and all kinds of things before. I tend to try to perform at all costs. But, I knew I was really sick this time when I started throwing up that morning and didn't stop all day. I just didn't realize how bad it was. The real red flag was when the doctors came on my bus and told me in no uncertain terms that I was going to the hospital. That's a pretty clear sign that something is seriously wrong.

"As I write this, I'm feeling pretty bad… to tell you the truth. When you're not planning on having a body part ripped out of you, it can be a shock to the system. While the doctors are amazing in San Antonio, there is just no way around the fact that getting your appendix out HURTS. I have a pretty good threshold for pain, but this one hurts.

"I don't know how much longer I will be under medical supervision. I've spoken to several doctors and they all seem to be impressed with the condition I have been able to keep myself in as a juvenile diabetic. But a lot of extra care needs to be taken to make sure my body heals correctly. It's no secret I love my kids, my life, and being on the road, so I want to make sure I do everything I can now to make sure I can continue that later. They say it can take four to six weeks to recover, but maybe longer for a diabetic.

"And yes, there are hot nurses taking care of me, in case you were curious. I mean, come on, every man has the nurse fantasy, don't they? Actually, again, the staff has been amazing and wonderful people.

"I've been spending my time in the hospital watching 'Modern Family'. It is the best new comedy out there. I have the episodes downloaded onto my iPhone. On TV, I've been watching baseball. We all know that I am an avid sports fan. And, I've received tons of phone calls. Holly [Robinson Peete] called, and all of the 'Celebrity Apprentice' producers, and a lot of the other staff. The amount of support has been overwhelming. I am still not 100%, so I am sure I have missed some names and messages.

"And, I want to set the record straight on two things: One, contrary to reports on the Internet, my daughter Raine is alive and well. And, second, none of my concerts will be canceled. We will reschedule all the dates and come back in the summer and fall.

"I also just want to say thanks to everyone for their support and well wishes. My staff has been making sure I get the messages and have told me about the outpouring of e-mails, cards, and get-well gifts, which has been amazing. So, once again, thank you.

"I didn't get a chance to watch last Sunday's 'Celebrity Apprentice' because, obviously, I was a bit busy being under the knife and all. But, I certainly will be back next week provided I feel up to it.

"Until then…"