Plushenko back
in St. Petersburg,
treatment continues

May 27, 2004

Evgeni Plushenko arrived at his home in St. Petersburg Wednesday night. He was prohibited from flying so Evgeni took the train from Moscow to his hometown.

He was released from the Moscow hospital upon condition that he would resume treatment for an ear and lung infection in St. Petersburg.

“Evgeni is feeling better but he is unable to perform for two weeks,” MCE agent Ari Zarkanian said.

Evgeni must go to the hospital every day for the next two weeks for treatment.
After that he will be re-evaluated and it will be discussed when he will return to practice.

May 25, 2004

Evgeni remains in a Moscow hospital while nursing two illnesses.

Evgeni was hospitalized a week ago with otitis, an inflammation of the inner ear. Doctors have also diagnosed an infection in Evgeni's lungs.

Viktor Anikarov, the head doctor of the Russian figure skating team had this to say: "Zhenya's cure is continued under the diangose otitis and bronchitis. Yesterday, he was released from the hospital, signing a contract in which he took the responsibility of coming back the same day. As you know, the doctors wouldn't let the patient do that unless the situation is safe enough."

Evgeni, in discussing his illness, said: "I have two sicknesses, ear infection and infection in lungs. I am feeling better, but I am tired of being in the hospital. I really want to go home. I think I go home soon and the doctor will come to my house."

Evgeni said his spirits have also been lifted by the many e-mails, letters and cards of support he has received from his fans.

May 20, 2004

Evgeni Plushenko is resting comfortably in a Moscow hospital while being treated for, otitis, an inflammation of the middle ear.

Evgeni got sick during the tour of Irina Lobacheva and Ilia Averbukh on Tuesday. He is expected to be released over the weekend or by the first of the week.

“Evgeni will be OK. He’s in the hospital for awhile going through treatment. He’s got some events coming up and nothing has been cancelled,” Ari Zarkanian, MCE’s agent for Evgeni Plushenko, said.

News reports in Russia have overstated his illness, according to the Russian Figure Skating Federation. “It isn’t as serious as some media reported,” federation vice President Oleg Nilov said.

Alexei Mishin, Evgeni’s coach, said in a Russian interview: “Everything isn’t so serious and nothing has threatened Evgeni’s life. The illness is very unpleasant but not fatal.”

Mishin said the doctors believe it was likely Evgeni got the inflammation because of numerous pressure changes that happen during flights.

Evgeni did not participate in a scheduled exhibition in Podolsk with other world-ranked Russian skaters.

There was some concern when Evgeni was put into an Intensive Care Unit upon his arrival at the hospital. “It’s not that scary,” Mishin said. “He was put in ICU to prevent complications. If you don’t take care of otitis, there is a risk for meningitis.

Mishin said the St. Petersburg show, scheduled May 28-29, will go on. Evgeni is the organizer of the show. “There is a big chance that Evgeni will have time to recover. I am sure that the spectators won’t be disappointed.”

Send get well e-mails to Evgeni:

E-mails to Evgeni will be posted and forwarded to him. Mishin said he and Evgeni are appreciative of the support already sent. “I want to thank everyone who gives worlds of support for Evgeni and me. It is very nice and this support is very important to us,” Mishin said.

Read get well messages to Evgeni:

CLICK HERE