Dec. 7: He collapses on-stage at the Beacon on 74th while rehearsing for Dec. 10 HBO concert, just before 5 p.m. Rushed to Beth Israel Medical Center. In stable condition, but blood pressure low - 70 over 40. Per the Times account: "Linda Wolff, the owner of Joe's Boutique, a store next to the theater, said she had picked up the sounds of Mr. Jackson's rehearsals all week through the walls. Just before his collapse yesterday, she said, "He was doing his song 'Black or White,' and then it just stopped."
Some speculation of med overdose in the press: He'd been using painkillers after his head was burned in the 84 Pepsi fiasco.
Dec. 7: later that day: HBO, which hopes special will be seen by 250 million worldwide, said status uncertain. Show was to have been taped on the 8th, then the rest on Saturday, for the Dec. 10 telecast on Sunday. HBO executives gulp visibly.
Dec. 8: Some speculation that he had cardiac arrhythmia; gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and possible kidney and liver problems. "Mr. Jackson will require several days of critical-care monitoring and treatment," doctors said in a statement.
Dec. 8: HBO concert officially "post-poned" and year and half marketing effort by Sony to get "HIStory" off the mat is history. Show would have included six piece band, 40-piece orchestra; 32 dancers, but because of bigger stage seating capacity is reduced; theater now only holds 1700; rumors Jackson is unhappy with tiny venue. HBO schedules "The Specialist," starring Sylvester Stallone and Sharon Stone, for that Sunday night.
Dec. 8: And yes, first big whiff of controversy, when Daily News gossip columnist A.J. Benza reports the following: "Michael's sexy sister phoned us from Germany with this little nugget of sisterly charity: "I know all of Michael's little moves and his little schemes that he pulls when he thinks he need attention. . . . It's a publicity move." With a sister like this, who needs supermarket tabloids?"That's why he flew his own doctor in, so he would give the reports out and they [the media] wouldn't get it from other doctors," added La Toya, who said she spoke to their mom. Mrs. Jackson, La Toya related, said doctors told her "there was no reason for [Mrs. Jackson] to come. He's fine."
Dec. 9: Doctors refute LaToya: Dr. William Alleyne of Beth Israel North Hospital told a news conference, "Absolutely. . . . We were fortunate that we were able with the assistance of the EMS team and the emergency team at Beth Israel to rapidly replace his fluids and restore an adequate blood pressure."
Dec. 9: Later that day, the official diagnosis, per AP: Michael Jackson is suffering from a viral infection and had been ill for a week or more before he collapsed during a rehearsal this week, a doctor said Friday.Dr. William Alleyne said diarrhea from the infection led to severe dehydration, which in turn dangerously quickened Jackson's heartbeat while lowering his blood pressure, causing his collapse. No evidence of drug use. He could - doctors add - have died.
Dec. 12: He's cleared to leave the hospital.
Dec. 13: He's out. Here's the AP wrap:
"Blowing a kiss to excited fans and flashing a victory sign, Michael Jackson left a hospital Tuesday under doctor's orders to get more bed rest after treatment for a life-threatening illness.
A white van whisked Jackson away, and his publicist wouldn't say where the singer was headed to continue his recuperation.
"Jackson, wearing rouge and foundation, a black fedora and long black coat, walked out of the hospital on his own. He didn't speak to reporters or 50 screaming fans waiting for him.
"'Michael, we love you! We love you!' several women cried as they ran after the van."
Source:
The TV Zone
i will search for some magazine i have from the past. maybe i will find something interesting.
