Ailing South Dakota senator on the mend

[welshTerrier2]

source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070119/ap_on_go_co/ailing_senator_2

WASHINGTON - Sen. Tim Johnson 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. <skip>

He was upgraded from critical to fair condition on Jan. 9 and has since been moved from intensive care to inpatient rehabilitation.

His recovery is expected to take several months. <skip>

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."

[Frustratedlady]

1. That is great news for the Johnsons AND us.

It sounds like he is determined to win this battle and return to the Senate. God speed and good luck!

[Vidar]

2. Thanks for the good news.

[Straight Shooter]

3. Three hours a day of therapy is difficult. The man is determined to get well.

:thumbsup:

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

4. Yes and it's very inspirational that he's that driven. He could live off the public dime without

lifting a finger.

Good on him! MKJ

[Zenlitened]

6. Grueling stuff. The guy's a fighter. :)

:thumbsup:

[Eurobabe]

5. Keep on improving Sen. Tim!!

:hi: we're all pulling for you!