Sen. Tim Johnson improving, but still in critical condition

[RedEarth]

MARY CLARE JALONICK The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 12/29/2006 10:53:41 AM EST


WASHINGTON -- Sen. Tim Johnson turned 60 Thursday, two weeks after emergency surgery to repair a brain hemorrhage that has left him in critical condition.
Julianne Fisher, a spokeswoman for the South Dakota Democrat, said Johnson won't be present in the first days of the new Congress next week but is continuing to improve. She said he is responsive to directions from his wife but has not yet spoken.

It's too early to tell how long recovery will take, Fisher said.

In a statement Thursday, Johnson's doctors said he remains in intensive care at George Washington University Hospital. They have released few new details about Johnson's condition and prognosis since the days after the Dec. 13 surgery to stop bleeding in his brain.

Dr. Vivek Deshmukh, head of Johnson's surgical team, said in a statement that the South Dakota senator's overall condition has improved and he is gradually being weaned off sedation to help his brain heal.

.........

Dr. Keith Siller, director of the Comprehensive Stroke Care Center at NYU Medical Center and assistant professor at the NYU School of Medicine, said it is unusual for a patient to be sedated after brain surgery for more than a few days. "The two-week period is longer than I would be happy with," he said.


http://www.yorkdispatch.com/nationworld/ci_4919204

[MrCoffee]

1. Good news! Best of luck for a speedy recovery, Senator!

[Deep13]

2. Slow ascent is good news.

He's getting better, not worse. Sorry, Freepers, looks like God wants the Ds to be in charge.

[quinnox]

3. Sounds good

He can stay in recovery indefinitley and still keep his senate seat, so Democrats may not have anything to worry about as it turns out.