Posted on 01/19/2007 5:17:47 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record) is taking part in three hours of physical, occupational and speech therapy every day, and his tracheotomy tube has been removed from his throat, doctors said Friday.
Johnson, who suffered a brain hemorrhage over a month ago, has been working with parallel bars and participating in speech therapy, including naming objects, his office said in a statement.
That includes strengthening exercises to gain mobility on his right side, said Dr. Philip Marion, head of rehabilitation at George Washington University Hospital. Johnson's right side was weak when he arrived at the hospital Dec. 13.
His recovery is expected to take several months.
The Democratic senator from South Dakota was rushed to the hospital after becoming disoriented during a phone call with reporters and underwent emergency surgery hours later. He was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation, a condition, often present from birth, that causes arteries and veins to grow abnormally large, become tangled and sometimes burst.
He was sedated and on a ventilator for several weeks, due to fluid that developed in his lungs as a result of the initial hemorrhage. He was upgraded from critical to fair condition on Jan. 9 and has since been moved from intensive care to inpatient rehabilitation.
Johnson's sudden illness raised questions about the Democrats' one-vote majority in the Senate. South Dakota's Republican governor, Mike Rounds, would appoint a replacement if Johnson's seat were vacated by his death or resignation.
Johnson's wife, Barbara, said in a statement that her husband "develops more skills each day and typically exceeds the goals that others set for him."
Good for you! IMO, what he said about President Bush's proposal last week was despicable.
It is just not part of their 'self-serving'; self-aggrandizing MO. . .these people would not recognize 'honorable' if it hit them upside the head and down as well.
Just heard Robert Redford bash Repubs offering that HE. . .appreciates Democracy. They do not know who they are. . .cannot recognize themselves; no matter how big the mirror; and their own sick reflection.
Like most Democrats, he'll keep voting even after he is permanently disabled or dead.
It works in the individual precincts, why not in the U.S. Senate?
As I have said many times, they have no conscience.
No reflection? Maybe they really are vampires!
. . .lol. . .
As for the descriptions given here; and Harry's first observations that he is great(!). . .reminds me that Fidel is coming along well, also. . .
Well, I offered 'sick reflection'; but could well be the mirror IS empty. . .when they stand before it.
Seems obscene to me. . .as for Hagel making the jump. . .could be; so maybe better to be 'less one vote'; than for Repubs to 'get' one more.
He's dishonorable whether he becomes a Dummy or not! Being a 'Rat and being honorable is almost always an oxymoron in current politics, in case you haven't noticed.
" was mildly encouraged by the vote "
Stay mildly encouraged. As the House bill differs from the Senate version, it will go to a joint committee to iron out those differences. Be afraid.
That's funny I called and asked the question "Is it true that he is going to cross the aisle and become a democrat?" They quickly said no and and I told them that was strange because he's been sounding like a democrat.
Answer: In all probability, nowhere near as rosy as the AP reporterette is letting on.
He's out of the woods as far is immediate death is concerned, but he's obviously suffered significant damage to the left cerebral hemisphere. He'll be fortunate if he is ever able to speak intelligibly, and is likely to have problems with walking.
I understand the Senator has half a mind to quit.
Seriously, I pray for his full recovery and that the suffering of his family be relieved.
Come on! Did you complain when Strom Thurmond was in the Senate? He got wheeled onto the floor only when his vote was needed.
What makes Johnson different?
There was no discussion of running off old Strom. He kept getting elected.
Let's try that with Johnson.
I'm sorry to hear about your friend's father. I can only try to imagine how frustrating it was for him.
Well, one thing about it, since he's a RAT it won't matter how much brain damage he's suffered. Look at Boxer, pelosi, etc.
It's my understanding that Strom was still coherent, still had a functioning mind. Doesn't sound like that's the case with Johnson.
Will not commente on how that translates for a Democrat; but suffice to say; think here can be little doubt; or none at all; that the real story here is a bit grim.
Cannot imagine being hit with such a slam; but I can imagine how this would be in media focus if Johnson were a Repub.
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