Jackson Begged For Sedative, Nurse Says

Nutritionist Says Singer Struggled With Insomnia, Was Crying Out For Help

(AP)  Michael Jackson was so distraught over persistent insomnia in recent months that he pleaded for a powerful sedative despite warnings it could be harmful, says a nutritionist who was working with the singer as he prepared his comeback bid.

Cherilyn Lee, a registered nurse whose specialty includes nutritional counseling, said Tuesday that she repeatedly rejected his demands for the drug, Diprivan, which is given intravenously.

Lee said on "The Early Show Wednesday she wasn't surprised to hear about TMZ's report that Diprivan was found at Jackson's home.

"It's heartbreaking, but no, it does not surprise me," Lee told "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez.

Lee received a frantic phone call from Jackson four days before his death, which made her fear he somehow obtained Diprivan or another drug to induce sleep, Lee said.

While in Florida on June 21, Lee was contacted by a member of Jackson's staff.

"He called and was very frantic and said, `Michael needs to see you right away.' I said, 'What's wrong?' And I could hear Michael in the background ..., 'One side of my body is hot, it's hot, and one side of my body is cold. It's very cold,"' Lee said.

"I said, `Tell him he needs to go the hospital. I don't know what's going on, but he needs to go to the hospital ... right away."

"At that point, I knew that somebody had given him something that hit the central nervous system," she said, adding, "He was in trouble Sunday and he was crying out."

Jackson did not go to the hospital. He died June 25 after suffering cardiac arrest, his family said. Autopsies have been conducted, but an official cause of death is not expected for several weeks.

"I don't know what happened there. The only thing I can say is he was adamant about this drug," Lee said.

Lee shares her thoughts on "The Early Show":


Watch CBS Videos Online

Lee told Rodriguez on "The Early Show" Jackson asked her if she could bring an anesthesiologist to help him get sleep.

"He said, 'Bring an anesthesiologist here, let him stay with me overnight, as long as they monitor me, I know I'm going to be okay. And I know when I wake up, I'll be well rested,"' she said. "That's all he was searching for."
Following Jackson's death, allegations emerged that the 50-year-old King of Pop had been consuming painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants. But Lee said she encountered a man tortured by sleep deprivation and one who expressed opposition to recreational drug use.

"He wasn't looking to get high or feel good and sedated from drugs," she said. "This was a person who was not on drugs. This was a person who was seeking help, desperately, to get some sleep, to get some rest."

Jackson was rehearsing hard for what would have been his big comeback - his "This Is It" tour, a series of performances that would have strained his aging dancer's body. Also, pain had been a part of his life since 1984, when his scalp was severely burned during a Pepsi commercial shoot.

Several months ago, Jackson had begun badgering Lee about Diprivan, also known as Propofol, Lee said. It is an intravenous anesthetic drug widely used in operating rooms to induce unconsciousness. It is generally given through an IV needle in the hand.

Patients given Propofol take less time to regain consciousness than those administered certain other drugs, and they report waking up more clear-headed and refreshed, said University of Chicago psychopharmacologist James Zacny.

It has also been implicated in drug abuse, with people using it to "chill out" or to commit suicide, Zacny said. Accidental deaths linked to abuse have been reported. The powerful drug has a very narrow therapeutic window, meaning it doesn't take doses much larger than the medically recommended amount to stop a person's breathing.

An overdose that stops breathing can result in a buildup of carbon dioxide, causing the heart to beat erratically and leading to cardiac arrest, said Dr. John Dombrowski, a member of the board of directors of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Because it is given intravenously and is not the kind of prescription drug typically available from pharmacists, abuse cases have involved anesthesiologists, nurses and other hospital staffers with easy access to the drug, Zacny said.

In recent months, Lee said, Jackson waved away her warnings about it.

"I had an IV and when it hit my vein, I was sleeping. That's what I want," Lee said Jackson told her.

"I said, 'Michael, the only problem with you taking this medication' - and I had a chill in my body and tears in my eyes three months ago - 'the only problem is you're going to take it and you're not going to wake up," she recalled.

Lee told Rodriguez, Jackson didn't seem like he wanted to die, he just wanted to have uninterrupted sleep.

According to Lee, Jackson said he had been given Diprivan before, but he didn't want to discuss the circumstances or identify the doctor involved.

The singer also drew his own distinctions when it came to drugs versus prescription medicine.

"He said, `I don't like drugs. I don't want any drugs. My doctor told me this is a safe medicine,"' Lee said. The next day, she said she brought a copy of the Physician's Desk Reference to show him the section on Diprivan.

"He said, 'No, my doctor said it's safe. It works quick and it's safe as long as somebody's here to monitor me and wake me up. It's going be OK,"' Lee said. She said he did not give the doctor's name.

Lee said at one point, she spent the night with Jackson to monitor him while he slept. She said she gave him herbal remedies and stayed in a corner chair in his vast bedroom.

After he settled in bed, Lee told Jackson to turn down the lights and music - he had classical music playing in the house. "He also had a computer on the bed because he loved Walt Disney," she said. "He was watching Donald Duck and it was ongoing. I said, `Maybe if we put on softer music,' and he said, `No, this is how I go to sleep."'

Three and a half hours later, Jackson jumped up and looked at Lee, eyes wide open, according to Lee. "This is what happens to me," she quoted him as saying. "All I want is to be able to sleep. I want to be able to sleep eight hours. I know I'll feel better the next day."

Lee, 56, is licensed as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner in California, according to the state Board of Registered Nursing's Web site. She attended Los Angeles Southwest College and the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Sciences in Los Angeles.

Comedian Dick Gregory, who knows Lee and her work, said he believes Jackson's insomnia had its roots in the pop star's 2005 trial on child molestation charges. Jackson's health had deteriorated so much that his parents called Gregory, a natural foods proponent, for help.

Gregory said Jackson wasn't eating or drinking at the time and, after he was persuaded by Gregory to undergo testing, ended up hospitalized for severe dehydration.

But Jackson obviously was healthy enough to withstand the level of medical scrutiny needed to insure him for the upcoming high-stakes London concerts, Gregory said. "That you don't trick," he said of the exams.

Lee, who has also worked with Stevie Wonder, Marla Gibbs, Reynaldo Rey and other celebrities, said she was introduced to Jackson by the mother of one of his staff members. Jackson's three children had minor cold symptoms and their pediatrician was out of town.

Lee said she went to the house in January, the first of about 10 visits there through April, and treated the children with vitamins. Michael, intrigued, asked what else she did and took her up on her claim she could boost his energy.

After running blood tests, she devised protein shakes for him and gave him an intravenous vitamin and mineral mixture - known as a "Myers cocktail," after Dr. John Myers - which Lee said she uses routinely in her practice.

"It wasn't that he felt sick," she said. "He just wanted more energy."

Lee said she decided to speak out to protect Jackson's reputation from what she considers unfounded allegations of drug abuse or shortcomings as a parent.

"I think it's so wrong for people to say these things about him," she said. "He was a wonderful, loving father who wanted the best for his children."

[shoperoo]

Just watched this woman's Greta interview and I think she's lying about certain things. Whether she's making up the whole Depravin story, I dont know,but I think she's exaggerating some things to satisfy the media interest in her. She met the guy in January,originally brought in to check over his kid's diet?? I fear she is just another opportunist trying to make a buck out of Jackson. We'll find out ofcourse cos she will now be part of the invesigation into possible manslaughter charges if it proves someone did administer this anasthesia to Jackson. Cops will be wanting to talk with her. She would be called to testify about her claims which in the Greta interview get very detailed indeed and is just not convincing imho. Watch this space.

[ingtix]

It appears that the news media continues to ignore the root cause of MJ's difficulties....VITILIGO. This skin disorder gave Michael no other option but to depigmentize his skin. A performer of his status could not perform half white and half black before millions of fans...the only option available, was the one he chose. African-Americans, especially should not accept media misinformation that he wanted to be white by changing his skin color.
The cosmetic surgery was done to eleviate any resemblance to "albinism"
For those of us with VITILIGO understand Michael's turmoil and hope the recognition of this disorder will allow others to live more comfortable in their skin.

[Sky017]

I'd just like to add, Thank you to Cherilyn Lee.

I don't think there's anything more she could have done. She rejected his requests for Diprivan, WARNED him of the consequences, and carried the proof of her warnings (The Physican's Desk Reference book) for him to read. He did not heed her warnings.

At some point the curious public may just have to accept that Michael shares some accountability in this.

Who knows, had she given in to his earlier requests maybe Michael would have been dead weeks ago. Who knows how many near-misses Jackson has had previously? Sad to say, but it seems like he was on a tragic collision course.

RIP Michael Jackson.

[ianlou]

Thou it is sad that MJ died so young, I believe that, like Elvis, MJ's best days as an artist and performer were behind him.

This is what differentiates the level of tragedy between MJ's death and the untimely deaths of John Lennon, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Marley and Buddy Holly who all left us with, perhaps, their greatest works unrealized.

[zumazuma13]

Michael was a chronic, compulsive liar who lived in a alternate fantasy world. He lived a life of lies and illusions. He says, "I don't like drugs" but asks for one of the most powerful drugs to just get some sleep. Most of the people around him are just trying to protect themselves and their own self interests. Hardly anyone is telling the GD truth. I feel very sorry for the three children, I can't imagine what they must feel and how life will be for them growing up.

[nishaboston]

We are going to here a million Micheal Jackson stories for the next 100 years...Whatever. All these people coming out from under their rock say this and that. Nothing but garbage! Being a celebrity must be tough, there is not many loyal people around you.

[andie52]

"Sources tell TMZ an extremely dangerous and potent drug used for surgical anesthesia was found at Michael Jackson's house after he died ... and this may well be the drug that killed him.

We're told the drug Propofol was discovered at the residence. The drug is used to put people under anesthesia before surgery. It is an extremely powerful drug that is only available to medical personnel. As one source said, "There is no conceivable way this drug can be properly prescribed for home use."

The drug can only be administered with an IV. Interestingly, Propofol burns and the drug Lidocaine is used to reduce the pain associated with the Propofol injection. As we first reported, Lidocaine was found near Jackson's body.

One of the major side-effects of Propofol is cardiac arrest if it's taken in combination with narcotic painkillers, however, Propofol is so powerful it can stop someone's heart on its own.

A registered nurse has come out and said Jackson begged her for the drug Diprivan -- the brand name for Propofol. She says he needed it for insomnia but she declined to supply it.

Sources say the drug is so inappropriate and reckless for home use, if a doctor facilitated it for Jackson and it caused his death, he or she could be prosecuted for manslaughter"

http://www.tmz.com/

[Dgunner]

Michael Jackson was a man that lived in two worlds and was torn betwweeen the real one and the one inside his mind. His attempt to be a chameleon and hide his pain became unbearable and was seeking a diiferent colored blanket in which to wrap his mind and problems. Lost within hisself with the tools and the ability to demand or reques anything he wanted except what he wanted most but would only admit to himself. Was inner peace andto be the Michael That was beforw the scandal. I personnally was not a fan of hip hop but a tremendous admirer of anyone who could balance the world on thier finger tips.Michaels' world often tipping over.We had among us a enigma of a human only to be copied and missed and reveered by future generations yet to know the icon.A showman extraordnaire and a little brother with the weight of his entire family on his shoulder and the eyes of the world on his every move.Millions will miss him and even millions more shake thier heads on subject of Michael Jackson for cenruties to come.

[tbbaot]

There is one thing missing from this story. Diprivan burns when it is injected and lidocaine is given with it to ease the burning. Lidocaine was found in the house next to Jackson's bed.

[OmaliB]

Gosh! people... let MJ rest in peace...

why does every one try to put in their two cents...what's the use of all these comments after his death..it's not going to wake him up..atleast pay respect now and let him rest in peace if you really care..

with all what was happening while he was alive.. now atleast his soul needs to have peace..just think if it was you or some one whom you dearly loved would you like all this crap going on & on..himself and his family are just normal humans like every one else..

Let MJ rest in Peace and may God bless his soul.. and may God bless his little ones

[onesword]

Michael is resting in peace. I'm afraid his family is not and won't rest for awhile. People just don't know when to leave things well enough alone.

[wattEYEno]

I think that Joe Jackson should be ashamed of himself, taking time from mourning his son's death in order to PLUG & PROMOTE his business doings. Not once but twice at two separate news conferences which were supposed to be about Michael, Joe Jackson turned the oportunity towards his own intrests and introduced his new business partner and announced his new recording company.
Thank You JOE! Now I know what music to BOYCOTT.
If you have ever been abused in any way, physical, emotional, mental, if you condemn child abuse, if you ever admired the work of Michael Jackson, I ask that you join me in this BOYCOTT of any record company associated with JOE JACKSON.

[Sky017]

Hmm... Jackson seems like he was playing everyone around him, and no one had the whole story of the meds except Jackson himself.

OK, if we acknowledge that Jackson was child-like in some areas, then maybe he did something that kids do when they want to have their way. They know that their Mom may say no, so they go to Dad for icecream. And because GrandMa doesn't know they had icecream yesterday, they go all sweet and starry-eyed to Grandma to get them icecream. It's a game that children play all too well. Instead with Jackson, he wasn't playing with icecream, it was prescription meds.

And though this is the side that Michael presented to this nurse, it is what she witnessed from only January of this year and what he wanted to present to her. Which is to say, she really doesn't know the whole story.

And something else makes me think that Jackson was all very manipulative... just like most addicts are (I know, I've dealt with a few.) THREE people who have known Jackson for not 6 months, but well over 6 years have said that Jackson has been abusing medication: The family lawyer who was outspoken mere hours after the death said he warned of an Anna-Nicole Smith situation; Deepak Chopra who has also criticized various Doctor-enablers in his past, and then the Rabbi who was his friend.

So I will go with those who knew and were close to him for 10+ years.

Finally, and this is troubling... so MJ has a live in Doctor, but on the previous Sunday night they call this Nurse about the hot/cold situation asking for help?! That is bizarre... she wasn't even there nor administered anything. It likely means too that the Doctor did not administer whatever caused him to feel hot/cold. And why not go to the hospital if an experienced professional tells you to go right away? That's fishy.

It seems that MJ had people OTHER than the Doctor, and the nurse giving him stuff or he was taking them himself. And maybe that's why the Doctor has been fairly silent... this now becomes a tricky situation... he was the Doc but MJ was regularly bypassing him and taking substances. This is the worst situation for a Doctor. How can the Doc properly describe what happened? All he can say is what he did and didn't do... but MJ and whoever else was administering meds are the ones who can fill in the blanks. Them, and perhaps the toxicology report.

[hermitdave]

Prescription drugs can be just as dangerous to those who can afford them as street drugs. In today's world celerity doctors are in it for the money. If you have enough money you can afford both a lawyer and a doctor. I know years ago you never thought old Doc. Jones would do such a thing, but face facts, MONEY is number two under HEALTH. Some day it will be number one. Big drugs is up there with bi oil and big everything else. Just remember to DIAL A HO if a erection lasts over 4 hours. Consult your doctor but tell him you must have the PILL you saw advertised on TV.

[jamesguy]

He was born a rich black boy, and died a poor white man.

[formrusmcsgt]

How silly to think that asking a physician for drugs is any different than asking a dealer......

[barbaram99]

It was sad he could not get a good night's sleep. I live with aperson who can't sleep that well. He tried sleeping meds. He got off them. I sleep as long as I am covered in blankets and warm..I fall assleep when the TV is on. I don't watch much TV. The notebook sleeps on the stand. Some people have seeep problems. I can't sleep with music playing. I have fallen asleep reading talking books.. That is why we sleep in sep rooms as we both sleep at different hours.
The nurse was smart not to give in.

[u-r-right]

So he wasn't a drug abuser after all? He just wanted to be medicated? I have a sister-in-law like this and had a Aunt like this. They were diagnosed manic-depressive and were shop-a-holics too even though they put themselves deep in debt. They even had some made up ailments and found doctors who would sedate them to the point of teetering on being functional and being out of it.

Seems to me Michael was going through the exact same thing.

[AttentionDeficit]

isn't being a drug abuser and wanting to be medicated all the time the same same thing?

[andylance1]

Both Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith had so-called professional enablers who ultimately acted like Dr. Jack Kevorkian and killed them with kindness.

Jackson was just skin and bones. There is no way he could have pulled off his big concert gig in London. This poor tortured soul couldn't have survived much longer anyway. RIP.

[UnbiasedInSWPA]

What type of Nurse would violate a patient's (dead or alive) confidentiality. Even if it is the truth, if she was so concerned, why didn't she report it to somebody if she was so concerned. It appears as if she has ulterior motives.

[PJMos07]

This story "Jackson Begged For Sedative, Nurse Says," Singer struggled with insomnia, this explains when Michael came to work on music for his last tour, 'out of it' his body was tired and he needed sleep!

" Did the doctor give Michael something to help him sleep? Is that why Michael had a pulse, but was no breathing? Was he put under, like for an operation and then was unable to wake-up? ( I had an operation and there was problems with me waking-up!)

When someone on Michael staff, four days before his death, call Ms. Lee, 'stating Michael's body was hot on one side and cold on the other, the she believe someone had giving him something that hit the central nervous system, I believe this, too! He should have went to the doctor. Also, where was his doctor?

(I had a problem with my spine and nerves effecting one of my legs, the ablity to move it and this half coldness and hotness.) PJM.