Politics,  Tim Johnson

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson is Improving But Still Requires Ventilator at Night

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Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) makes a stop on a drought tour at the Oahe Grain Elevator in Onida, South Dakota, in this August 9, 2006 file photo. Johnson, whose brain surgery fueled speculation about upcoming Democratic control of the U.S. Senate, has improved and is being taken off sedatives, aides said on Thursday.

AP: Doctor: Johnson improving after surgery

Weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage, Sen. Tim Johnson (news, bio, voting record) is improving but still needs a ventilator at night to help him breathe, his doctor said Wednesday.

In the most detailed update yet on Johnson’s condition, his doctor said a test Wednesday revealed no evidence the tangled arteries that triggered the senator’s stroke remain. “This angiogram shows that there is no further surgery needed at this time,” Dr. Vivek Deshmukh said in a statement released by Johnson’s office.

The doctor said Johnson no longer needs a ventilator full-time. “His breathing has steadily improved and now he only requires ventilator assistance at night,” said Deshmukh, the neurosurgeon treating the senator.

The ventilator requires a tube to be placed down Johnson’s throat, making it impossible for him to even attempt to talk.

Johnson, who turned 60 last week, had emergency surgery last month to correct a condition called arteriovenous malformation. He underwent the angiogram Wednesday at George Washington University Hospital, where he has been in critical condition since Dec. 13.

His long-term prognosis is unclear. Deshmukh said his recovery is expected to take several months.

As Flap thought weeks ago, Senator Johnson’s recovery would be slow and require many months of rehabilitation. It is uncertain if he will ever be able to resume full senatorial duties or if he would desire to do so, if capable.

The Senate will be governed by the Democrats as a result of last November elections holds a slim 51-49 margin, including Johnson’s vote and the votes of two elected independents.

Frankly, it does not seem appropriate to count Johnson’s vote or reduce the 100 member majority if he fails to attend the reorganization of the Senate tomorrow. It is obvious that Johnson will not be attending any Senate session for months.

Why or if the GOP agrees to this is beyond me.

Stay tuned……

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Previous:

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Remains in Critical Condition

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Stable Condition After Brain Surgery

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senate Back to 50-50 Split?

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson in Critical Condition After Late Night Brain Surgery

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Senator Undergoes Surgery

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Democrat Spokesman Says Johnson Did Not Suffer Stroke

Senator Tim Johnson Watch: Johnson Hospitalized with Apparent Stroke


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