There's a few in the Senate who could benefit from such rehab.
Posted on 02/09/2007 3:41:09 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record) is reading news clippings and starting to do some office work from the hospital, almost two months after suffering a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. "At this point, he has requested more contact with office and is looking for updates from staff," his office said in a statement Friday.
Spokeswoman Julianne Fisher said the South Dakota Democrat is starting slowly.
"We do not anticipate him back (in the Senate) for several weeks," Fisher said. "We are bringing work to him rather than him coming to us. His first priority still is rehabilitation."
Johnson has been undergoing physical, occupational and speech therapy since he was transferred to rehabilitation from intensive care at George Washington University Hospital last month. He recently began to read and speak in full sentences, according to statements from his doctors.
Part of Johnson's therapy has been to deal with weakness on his right side. Doctors have said Johnson showed that weakness when he arrived at the hospital Dec. 13.
He 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 that causes arteries and veins to grow abnormally large, become tangled and sometimes burst.
Johnson 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.
The senator is making decisions about his health care and expressing opinions on his daily activities, the hospital's chief of rehabilitation, Dr. Philip Marion, said in a statement released by Johnson's office.
"He continues to initiate more conversations and questions," Marion said. "His therapy now includes computer exercises and problem-solving activities."
Fisher said recovery is still expected to take some time, saying, "This is not going to be full speed yet."
Johnson's wife, Barbara, said the family is impressed with his progress: "Even though there is a long road ahead to complete recovery, we feel that we have gotten 'our Tim' back."
The senator'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.
Good for him. Hope he can resume his duties to his constituency soom.
He has done pretty damn good so far, considering the ailment.
Good to hear. Get well quickly Mr. Johnson.
"His therapy now includes computer exercises and problem-solving activities."
I think every Democrat should undergo this kind of therapy.
On another note, does not sound to me as though he will be walking into the senate chamber any time soon.
I understand that the dems will keep him in the senate as long as he's alive but I wish they wouldn't insult us like this.
I hate to seem to be a cynic, but this puff piece sounds a whole lot like something that flys actually do ingest.
I wish they wouldn't insult us like this.
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Heck, we've had Robert Sheets Byrd for how many terms in the Senate? I hear ya tho. ;-)
exercises and problem-solving activities."
I think every Democrat should undergo this kind of therapy.
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Teddy K could lead the water therapy group,, and they all need a sandbox etiquette class. ;-)
I agree. The statement that he was showing weakness on one side when he came to the hospital is a dramtic understatement that gives you an indication of how much to believe of the rest of the article.
Very glad for his family that he's showing progress. I hate to think what his wife has been going through these last few weeks.
I too am happy for his family. It's a blessing that they are able to enjoy his company still.
Now now,, we don't want to impact his recuperation. lolol (They probably were tho.)
In addition to the rightful skepticism, I have to ask if bringing work to him in the hospital is something medical professionals would even recommend.
Sorry.......not buying it.
Once they're elected, senators tend stay in office the whole term as long as they're still breathing. There was one case (I think back in the 60's) where a senator spent the last four years of his term in a nursing home. It seems the rule of thumb is, if their home state governor (who'd appoint a sucessor) is of the opposite party, then they just run out the clock.
It sounds like Johnson will be back on his feet (or at least his Senate desk) again. Glad to see his health is improving, but I don't see him running for office again. If the Dems were smart, they'd run his Army Sergeant son next time, assuming he's a Democrat. :o)
There's a few in the Senate who could benefit from such rehab.
The demoRATS forced Strom Thurmond to say late when the Senate was in session so as to try to defeat filibusters. This guy should be in his seat in Washington or resign.
Johnson should resign. Enough with this crap! Had he been a Pubbie, the Rats would have immediately demanded his resignation and the Pubbies would have caved in as usual. C'mon Rounds, appoint a replacment!
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