Bret Michaels to Have Heart Surgery in January

By PopEater Staff Posted Sep 23rd 2010 02:45PM

Bret Michaels can't catch a break. On the heels of his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in April, the Poison singer-turned-dating show star will head back to the hospital in January to repair a hole in his heart. According to RadarOnline.com, it's related to a condition he's had since birth.

The hole was discovered after he had a stroke, but all in all, the 'Rock of Love' alum is pretty optimistic, according to a rep.

"He said that there are times when, of course, he worries but he has great people around him and he's cautious," the source said.

"He'll rest up, have surgery, take some time off, hopefully take a family vacation and get back on the road touring and promoting his upcoming book," the rep said.

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Bret Michaels Snapshots

Bret Michaels performs onstage during the 15th Annual Rib America Festival at Military Park in Indianapolis on September 3. More Pics >>

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Bret Michaels Snapshots

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 03: Bret Michaels performs onstage while being filmed for the new Vh1 reality TV series 'Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It' during the 15th Annual Rib America Festival Day 1 at Military Park on September 3, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joey Foley/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels Snapshots

LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 23: Poison singer Bret Michaels (L) and NBC News anchor Natalie Morales arrive at the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant at the Mandalay Bay Events Center August 23, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two co-hosted the show. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bret Michaels;Natalie Morales

Bret Michaels Snapshots

It's been a rough year, health-wise, for Michaels, who at the height of his tenure on 'Celebrity Apprentice' suffered a brain hemorrhage on April 23. It all started with a crippling headache that landed him in the hospital in critical condition.

"I've never been shot, thank God, but I can tell you this: It sounded like a small handgun went off in the back of my head," he told Oprah Winfrey a couple weeks after the incident.

Then in early May he was back in the hospital after suffering a stroke. On his Facebook page, Michaels' reps released the info that says he went back to the hospital after "suffering numbness on the left side of his body." Doctors later diagnosed Michaels as having suffered a Transient Ischematic Attack (TIA), otherwise known as a warning stroke.

According to doctors, an Ultrasound Bubble test of Michaels' heart was then done, and they found a hole in his heart described as a Patent Forum Ovale.

Michaels' neurosurgeon, Dr. Joseph Zabramski, said at the time, "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 and we think we may have diagnosed the problem that caused the Transient Ischemic Attach (TIA) or warning stroke."

The singer spoke to PopEater in June about his month of life-threatening scares. "I combined diabetes with appendicitis with a brain hemorrhage, then a warning stroke and the PFO ... that's a five whammy cocktail punch. If you would have told me all that combined together, I would have said, 'That person has to be a goner.'"

Since recovering from the hemorrhage and the stroke, Michaels has kept himself busy with touring and TV appearances, including co-hosting duties at the Miss Universe pageant in August.

Michaels' new VH1 series 'Bret Michaels: Life As You Know It' will premiere on Oct. 18.

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Comments

(101)

Friday 24 September

By Darlene Chaffin

Vote down Vote up Report this

Good luck Brett.
I went through the PFO closure two years ago and my energy level
increased dramatically after the procedure.
I couldn't even exercise with Richard Simmons without thinking I was some kind of lazy moron for not being able to keep up.
I wasn't overweight either, just wanted to firm up.
Stay cool!

By dennis2003m

Good luck. Wish you would kick back and rest up for your surgery in Jan. I would like to know if you are parchly bald is why you wear that bandana all the time.

By GaBarngodess

My brother has the same condition, PFO. He had a mini stroke while in his 30s. Yes, there is a surgery to correct this condition, but his insurance will not cover to correct the problem until he has another stroke, which could be fatal. Some medical system we have.

By Linda Beeson

I think it is miraculous that he survived at all. This heart 'condition' is from birth; you people need to learn to read or learn about medical terminology before you start spouting off about something.
Bret will be fine; there will be millions praying for his speedy recovery, including me.

Monday 17 January

By Chester

Why are you people being so vicious toward someone you don't even know? I pray that this man does fine in his surgery!

By Julie

I think Bret has a purpose on this planet and that's why he's still with us. I think Bret must be a pretty good guy.

By DAN

KT-HANNIHUIKCE-MATT- IT SUCKS TO FRUSTRATED. RIGHT! I GET A CHUCKLE OUT OF THE CINICS. THERE IS TOO MUCH NEGATIVITY IN THE WORLD, PEOPLE WHO ARE MAD AT THE WORLD, AND FIND IT HARD TO SAY ANYTHING NICE. BRETT MICHAELS IS A GREAT GUY. EVERYONE LIKES BRETT. WATCHING HIM UP CLOSE, HE'S A KIND, CARING, LOYAL GUY, LOVES HIS KIDS,AND HE NEVER SAYS ANYTHING BAD ABOUT ANYONE. I WISH HIM WELL, KEEP ON ROCKIN' BRETT. SO ALL YOU CINICAL CRITICS THAT ARE FILLED WITH VENOM, LOOK IN THE MIRROR, TELL ME, WHAT DO YOU SEE.

By mike tyson

good luck and recovery brett

By Jon

Do you think Brett Michaels might take the rag off his head long enough to have hert surgery ?

By cheryl

that's "ischemic" attack

Wednesday 29 September

By Brett

Damn! After all he's been through...now he has to have this! SUCKS! Good Luck Bret!

Saturday 25 September

By elton john

sorry folks, but bret michaels is a walking dead man! All he needs now is to be diagnosed with cancer or AIDS and his life will be finished!

By regs

Rock your heart, Bret....luv ya bro

By Paul

Hey Karen, couldnt help but notice your cheap shot at Steven Tyler, he cares about his fans more than you think, i like Bret Michaels, but he has no business even being mentioned in the same sentance as Steven Tyler.

By hey Jj

thats what i say....who cares???

n while im saying somethin' ... n e one who has contact with him tell him to get his own style n STOP TRY'N TO BE TOBY KEITH...
THIS GUY IS A JACKAZZZZZZZ.............!!!!!!!!!!

By Kimberly

Wish him all the best.

By Inkling

Good luck with your surgery, Brett. I hope all goes well for you.

By Beth

Brett is not sitting home feeling sorry for himself and keeps on living his busy life. Good for him.

By jbjg24m

heart surgery is no laughing matter !

Sunday 31 October

By Angie

Brett is in good hands...I was a neuro nurse at the facility that Dr. Zabramski works at, and have personally worked with him on his patients. He is an EXCELLENT neurosurgeon and I would trust him with my life. I have moved on to another area of nursing, but have always had a great deal of respect for Dr. "Z" and his colleagues. :) And, no, this is NOT a plug for him...just want to let you all know that Brett is in good hands. :)

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