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Michael Nesmith Recovering From Quadruple Bypass Surgery
July 26, 2018 by fred.velez
Filed under blogs, Fred Velez, michael, monkees alert, news, news feed
According to Rolling Stone Magazine, Michael Nesmith is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery after canceling the remaining June dates Mike & Micky Monkees shows.
Link: Rolling Stone – Michael Nesmith In Recovery
Quoting Nesmith from the article:
“I was using the words ‘heart attack’ for a while,” says Nesmith. “But I’m told now that I didn’t have one. It was congestive heart failure. It has taken me four weeks to climb out of it. If anybody ever comes up to you on the street and offers you [bypass surgery] for free, turn them down. It hurts.”
Andrew Sandoval commented on his Facebook page.
‘ A little added perspective from Andrew Sandoval:
The last month has been utter hell seeing my friend suffering. So many people were demanding answers, but it was simply a time for healing and privacy. The information age has caused too many to be pushy and inconsiderate – there I said it. This guy is a member of my extended family and I am so thrilled to hear the happiness in his voice now and the eagerness to play his beautiful songs for the people.”
Christian Nesmith’ Facebook update:
Nez’s surgery and clarifying the Rolling Stone article.
On the day of his surgery I was in LA and immediately made plans to go to Monterey. I was there first thing the next morning and I was with him as often as hospital policy and sleep needs would allow.
Here’s what RS got wrong. He did not spend a month in the hospital.
Nez was in ICU for 6 days, a little longer than average but well within the window. He spent another two and a half days in a regular room and then I drove him home. I’m sure it seemed like a month to him, though.
The first week at home he progressed from just being able to take a few steps to being fully autonomous – dressing, shower, bathroom. Every day he was stronger and clearer.
By the way, full anesthesia is some scary stuff and the most difficult thing for me was watching him climb out of that hole mentally. It’s like “is he ever going to be his old self again?”
Well, not only is he himself but, from where I stand, at 4 weeks after the surgery this last Monday, he’s healthier, more energetic, and clearer than when he went in.
AND he’s super excited to do these shows. I was with him for 17 days. Since I’ve been back in LA I talk to him every day on the phone and he is galvanized and enthusiastic. These shows and future ones are a driving goal and inspiration for him to get back to fighting weight. He actually went to the gym day before yesterday. Ha.
So you all have to come to these next shows because I have a feeling you’re going to see a Nez that’s on fire and rarin’ to go.
For anyone to go through open heart surgery is hard enough. But to do it at 75, well, let’s just say he’s a tough old buzzard. Lol.
I have to say a huge thank you to Jessica Kent, Circe Link, Robin Campbell and Melodie Akers. They we were absolutely instrumental and invaluable in their help with his needs after the surgery.
And it has been good to see all my siblings, Jessica Nesmith, Jonathan Nesmith, and Jason Nesmith rally to the cause. Nothing like family.
So, I NEVER wanna go through THAT again. But the upshot is that this surgery quite literally saved his life and to know I have many more days with him off and on stage couldn’t be regarded by me as any greater of a blessing.
Thanks to all of you for your support and understanding through this very heavy ordeal.
We’re coming to ya soon to show our gratitude.
Peace
The September First National Band Redux shows are still on with some additional dates to be announced.
