Senator Johnson's condition improves: doctors

[rodeodance]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061215/pl_nm/usa_congress_senator_dc

Senator Johnson's condition improves: doctors

By Richard Cowan 29 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record) continued to improve after brain surgery this week, heartening fellow Democrats who were optimistic on Friday that he will be able to remain in the Senate.


"His most recent CT scan shows that the pressure has been relieved from his brain and there is no further bleeding," neurosurgeon Vivek Deshmukh said in a statement. "Currently his brain pressures are normal."

Doctors also said Johnson will remain hospitalized until his brain swelling subsides and that he will need physical therapy for weakness on the right side of his body.

Johnson's emergency hospitalization on Wednesday raised concerns on Capitol Hill about his ability to continue in the Senate when the 110th Congress convenes on January 4 -- as well as Democrats' chances of controlling the Senate.

[etherealtruth]

1. Good news

Wishes for a speedy and full recovery to the Senator.

[Botany]

2. Good news!

Get well soon Sen. Tim .... but take your time. Sometimes the hospital is the best
place to be.

[LittleClarkie]

3. So his speech wasn't affected?

That would be wonderful. My dad had aphasia. So did my pastor (a preacher who couldn't preach, yikes!) It's a bitch.

[caseycoon]

4. THANKS for the update!

This is sounding real good.
:woohoo:

[PSPS]

5. "concerns on Capitol Hill about his ability to continue in the Senate" my ass!

There is no question about his being able to retain his seat, as there are plenty of examples of incapacitated senators retaining their seats even when they were unable to attend any sessions for months or even years.

To be accurate, this should have read, "desperate hope in the GOP that his senate seat could be stolen from him with enough spin and right-wing media bloviating."

[Seabiscuit]

11. Indeed, the MSM and the Repukes are salivating over nothing...

I read an article the other day wherein about a dozen senators since 1942 were listed who were medically incapacitated for months to years and yet continued to serve out their terms, whether they could be present in the Senate or not, and whether they were able to vote or not.

Any anticipation that Johnson will lose his seat is predicated on a death wish - Only if Johnson actually dies while in office may that Governor replace him with a Republican.

The whole political circus surrounding Johnson's hospitalization is one of the most nauseating spectacles I've witnessed in years, as hard as that is to fathom.

Meanwhile, one may rejoice at his recovery and wish him the best.

[OhioChick]

6. Thanks for posting

This is wonderful, uplifting news. :)

[Cooley Hurd]

7. Kicking - get well Senator!

:patriot:

[truthisfreedom]

8. Medical science versus the evil prayers of hundreds of thousands of insane fundie freepers...

Guess who wins.

You can be certain that every single person involved in saving the life of our Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota is fully invested in the concept of evolution. We are the evolved. They are neanderthals.

[Lugnut]

9. This is great news

I hope Sen. Johnson continues to improve.

[rhett o rick]

10. Good news. I'll bet he is in Pat Robertson's prayers. nm

[Mad_Dem_X]

12. Excellent news

Here's hoping he continues to improve. :thumbsup:

[Danmel]

13. Great News

Larry Dierker of the Astros had surgery for an AVM and was back in a few months- my uncle was treated at GU also- it is a great hospital. I'm sure Senator Johnson will be back where he belongs .

[ctaylor721a]

14. Headlines

The headlines when Johnson was hospitalized were disgusting; its as if no one cared about his health, they were all salivating over the political ramifications. Glad to see he's doing better.

[barb162]

15. terrific news.