Statement from the Office of Senator Johnson

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Washington, DC— U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) underwent an angiogram this morning at George Washington University Hospital.

"Today's angiogram revealed no evidence of residual arteriovenous malformation," said Dr. Vivek Deshmukh, MD, neurosurgeon. "Senator Johnson continues to be responsive to both his family and physicians-- following commands, squeezing his wife's hand, and understanding speech."

Senator Tim Johnson underwent surgery for an intracranial hemorrhage caused by an arteriovenous malformation at George Washington University Hospital on December 13th. As a consequence of the initial hemorrhage, Senator Johnson developed fluid in his lungs. Doctors placed him on a ventilator to assist his breathing. "His breathing has steadily improved and now he only requires ventilator assistance at night," says Dr. Deshmukh.

"My family and I are so pleased with today's angiogram results, and I want thank everyone for their constant prayers and support. Tim has had some challenging days since surgery, but step by step, he's been making great progress. We know there is a long road in front of us, but Tim's determination will make all the difference and he'll be back at work as soon as he can be. We ask that everyone keep us in their prayers," said Barb Johnson, wife of U.S. Senator Tim Johnson.

Senator Johnson's overall medical condition has improved steadily over the past three weeks. The next phase of his recovery is expected to take several months and focus upon rehabilitation and physical therapy.

http://johnson.senate.gov/~johnson/releases/200612/2007103933.html


Sen. Tim Johnson's recovery expected to take months

CAPITOL HILL South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson's office says the senator's recovery from a brain hemorrhage and emergency surgery is expected to take several months.

Johnson underwent an angiogram today at the Washington hospital where he has been in critical condition since December 13th. The test shows that Johnson no longer has the tangle of arteries and veins in his brain that caused bleeding that sent him to the hospital for emergency surgery last month.

A doctor says Johnson's long-term prognosis is unclear, but that the senator "continues to be responsive to both his family and physicians."

http://www.ktvotv3.com/Global/story.asp?S=5888419&nav=1LFs

Although I wasn't elated to read that his "long-term prognosis is unclear".

However, his speech may or may not return; if it does, he's likely to need a very long course of speech therapy.

He may also need physical and occupational rehab.

The problem with neurology is that you never know what you've got until you get it. However, the fact that he's following commands and moving is a very good sign.

:kick:





As a sidebar - this does technically mean the Senate is going to effectively be split 50-50 vote-wise for the foreseeable future. :(

He is a vital element to our clawing our way out of the deep,
dark hole, the Bush administration has put this county in.

His survival is key to our success.

We need you in there!

We're all rootin' for ya.

:kick:

K and R!

I hope someone on his staff has hired a food taster.