The Michael Jackson Trial

[Nik]

Anybody been watching the live streams on Sky news recently ? Prosecution have been relentless and ruthless in trying to prove Conrad Murray's guilt. Caught a bit last week with anaesthesiologist Dr Steven Shafer. If I remember correctly 15.5 litres of propofol were ordered in March 2009, which equated to an average dose of almost 200mg/day until his death. Same doctor also lambasted poor care when administering propofol with lack of basic monitoring equipment eg pulse oximeter, BP cuff which was in in a cupboard in another room. Also pointed out no records kept by Murray of any care given to MJ whilst under his care. Now we have Dr Paul White, so called "father of propofol" being cross-examined, to try and counter the devastating comments from the former anaesthesiologist. From what I have seen he doesn't look confident against the prosecutor, and seems to have been caught out on a number of occasions. Defense relies upon the assumption MJ self administered the lethal dose of propofol whilst Dr Murray was doing something else in the room/went to the toilet. Fascinating stuff !

[crit care]

no way that MJ could ahve self administered the drug. I think conrad was blackmailed into giving MJ the propofol...i had read/heard that MJ threatened to pull out of his tour if conrad didn't get him his "magic milk". Imagine that, having the promotors on your case for allowing MJ to pull out the concert...millions of $$ lost!

[johnep]

No induction agent should be used in this way. Thiopentone was first and when being induced could feel slight burn as it travelled up the vein. Propofol gave a cold sensation. Both better than the ether I had in 1946 when had my tonsils extracted. Last words I heard 'Hold him down' Induction was done by squirting ether onto my top lip and one shot went up my nose. Was 65 years ago.
johnep

[Nik]

The negligence involved from the doctor's point of view is unbelievable. Don't forget the cocktail of drugs he was supposedly taking prior to his death - hydroxyzine injections, hydromorphone, pethidine injections, alprazolam, sertraline, fluoxetine and methylphenidate.

[crit care]

thats how my repeat prescription reads, and you don't see me getting my dr to give me more just so i turn up to work................

[Nik]

Essentially Murray was giving him "boluses" every night before setting up an infusion to maintain sedation - this is the bit that creeps me out. These are powerful and dangerous drugs used in surgical settings. Could he have been that stupid in leaving the room and letting MJ alone with IV equipment and vials of propofol ? In my view he's a goner...

[Nik]

The additional drugs found at his house (apparently) included the following:
1) Methadone 7) Vicodin
2) Fentanyl 8) Diazepam
3) Midazolam 9) Temazepam
4) Oxycodone 10) Benadryl
5) Lidocaine 11) and bizarrely Clindamycin !
6) Zopiclone

[crit care]

maybe clindamycin for his skin conditions?? or he might have wanted to induce diarrhoea to overcome the constipation

[admin]

I've been watching the weekly highlights on Sky Anytime - very interesting stuff indeed.

FWIW in my opinion it was Michael Jackson, and with his money he would eventually find a Dr that would take the risk and give him these drugs. I don't think Murray actually murdered Jackson, just that he was extremely negligent, and obviously had no idea how to monitor a patient whilst on these types of drugs.

From Jackson’s point of view I suspect he was so tolerant to hypnotics etc. that he wanted something that "instantly" sent him to sleep. I had an anaesthetic in Jan 2011 and wouldn't want it every night!

I guess this shows how deep a person can fall once they get into drugs.

Personally, I don't believe that Jackson self administered the lethal dose, I'm quite sure the Dr did that.

In a way, this is indicative on how the USA system works. Talking to people on the internet from the USA it seems you go to a Dr and tell him/her what you want. If they say no you just move on until you find a Dr prepared to give you what you want.

As I recall, Elvis didn't consider himself a drug addict, because everything he took was prescribed by Dr's.

Maybe Jackson felt the same way.

[hibernia]

Most addicts buy their drugs on the black market. Instead Jackson just bought the doctor.

Those addicted to alcohol can buy enough of their drug of choice to ruin their lives or even to kill themselves without having to break any laws.