In his first television interview since [article id="1638403"]suffering a serious subarachnoid hemorrhage[/article], Bret Michaels appeared live via satellite on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Wednesday (May 19) to discuss his medical emergency and subsequent recovery.

"My life didn't flash before my eyes," Michaels told Oprah about his experience. "It wasn't like, all of a sudden, a rerun of my life. What happened was, I got very sad. I went into completely just asking God, 'You have to let me through this.' "

Michaels said that while he prayed to God, he didn't necessarily hear back. "I was doing a lot of asking at that point," he explained with a laugh. "I know I've done a lot of rotten things, but I'm asking for a break here. If you could cut me a break just this time, I promise I'll be better in the future."

In a video segment, Dr. Joseph Zabramski said that Michaels' condition was very serious when he first arrived to the hospital. "I tried explaining to him what we would be doing, and he was really unable to stay awake," he said. "It's really quite a miracle that he's done so well."

Zabramski said it's still unclear exactly what caused the hemorrhage, but added: "The chance for re-bleeding is really no higher than anyone else in his age group. I think this is more common than people realize."

During his struggle, Michaels said his thoughts were affixed on "what matters most," including his kids, family, best friends and loved ones. His career was not on his mind. "The only thing that matters right now is taking care of my family, my kids, and I thank God I'm still around to talk about it," he said.

A photo revealed that [article id="1639421"]Michaels was still wearing his trademark bandanna[/article] throughout his ordeal. "It's like Superman without the cape," he laughed when asked why he continued to wear it. "If I'm going to go out, I want to go out rockin'!"

Michaels' family and friends appeared in pre-recorded video messages to discuss their fears and wish the Poison rock star well. "I just want to say hurry up and get your bum back to L.A., because your sugar mama needs you," said Sharon Osbourne, Michaels' co-star on [article id="1639317"]"The Celebrity Apprentice."[/article] "I want to give you a great big hug, and I want to see those gorgeous blue eyes of yours."

"The scariest part was thinking that my dad could die tonight," Michaels' daughter Raine recalled. "All these memories went flashing through my head of him. My first time on stage with him, my first time singing in the mic with him, my first time playing basketball. To think my dad wouldn't be growing up with me or walking me down the aisle for my wedding was really heartbreaking."

Michaels teared up after both segments: "I'll tell you, I said I wasn't going to cry. That got me. I got the lump in my throat."

Michaels revealed that he's asked his doctors to increase his rehab sessions to twice a day. Currently, he's having trouble moving in his lower extremities, his neck is very stiff, and he continues to have headaches, though those are getting better with each passing day.

"I don't know what the reason is just yet," he told Oprah of why he got a second chance at life. "Whatever or whomever blessed me, whatever guardian angel I had when I think of all the crazy, crazy things I've done in my life, I'm just very thankful to be here."

What did you think of Bret's interview with Oprah? Let us know in the comments.

If you love Bret Michaels, check out "When I Was 17" -- this week featuring Bret, Kevin Jonas and Katharine McPhee -- Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV.