March 7, 2009
Posted: March 7th, 2009 03:15 PM ET
Former first lady Barbara Bush was moved from ICU Saturday after undergoing heart surgery.
Former first lady Barbara Bush was moved from ICU Saturday after undergoing heart surgery.

(CNN) - Former first lady Barbara Bush was moved Saturday out of intensive care after undergoing heart surgery earlier this week, the former president's spokeswoman said.

Jean Becker, a spokeswoman for former President George H.W. Bush, said the former first lady would be in the hospital for about another week.

Doctors at Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston, Texas, performed a 2 1/2-hour surgery on Barbara Bush on Wednesday, and replaced her aortic valve with a pig valve.

"From our perspective, this was a very routine procedure, and we expect her to make an excellent recovery," Dr. Gerald Lawrie told reporters on Thursday.

Bush had experienced "severe narrowing of the main valve that lets the blood come out of the heart into the circulation," Lawrie said.

He said an echocardiogram showed her condition was "extremely severe." Typical symptoms of problems with an aortic valve include shortness of breath,
fatigue, weakness and swelling, he said.

Though his patient is 83, "she's a very fit lady," which helped make the operation a "relatively straightforward" procedure," he said.

Barbara Bush had been diagnosed with the problem less than a week before the surgery. Becker said the former president was visiting his wife Saturday at
the hospital.

Barbara Bush has forbidden her children, which include former President George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, from visiting until she leaves
the hospital, Becker said.

George H.W. Bush visited her shortly after the operation, saying "I've been a nervous wreck about it."

The former politician said he had received telephone calls of support from President Barack Obama and from surviving former presidents.

Asked to describe what occurred between the two when he saw her, he said, "I don't remember any words. I'm not the anecdotal one in the family. It was
just a reunion of two people who love each other."

Afterward, the former president turned to a hospital administrator and said, "I'm sorry I get emotional, but I can't help it."

Filed under: Barbara Bush • Popular Posts


rich   March 7th, 2009 8:14 pm ET

My mama told me when you dont have nothing to say to keep my mouth shout. On this one, Ill follow her advise.

Dennis   March 7th, 2009 8:11 pm ET

"Doctors at Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston, Texas, performed a 2 1/2-hour surgery on Barbara Bush on Wednesday, and replaced her aortic valve with a pig valve."

WAS HER SON THE DONOR??

Farrell, Houston, Tx   March 7th, 2009 8:10 pm ET

The former president said "Barbara is getting the best medical care that you can get". I'm glad she's doing fine but don't we all want the same thing. That's why Obama is working so hard for the American people and he will succeed.

tony   March 7th, 2009 7:51 pm ET

People, stop whining about how someone didn't give you a handout. The woman had heart surgery and people only worry about themselves. This is the reason our country is in this position, we only care about ourself and not our fellow Americans. Get well Barbara, some people do care.

worriedmom   March 7th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

I am ashamed of some of the statements made here. This is not the place to put your gripes about health care. I hope you don't act this way with your love ones. You guys need some serious help to wish anything bad or say anything bad on a sick individual. Heck, I didnt vote or care for Obama but I would NEVER wish anything bad on him or his family.

AndyBlue   March 7th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

A truely disgraceul woman. The United States and the rest of the world would have been better off if the past three generations of Bush's never existed. Burn in hell Barbara Bush.

margaret   March 7th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

I cannot believe the kind of remarks you people are making. Barbara was the best first lady ever. She is a dear sweet person and I respect her in every way. God bless you dear lady. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Time for Change   March 7th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

I hope Mrs. Bush has a speedy recovery, but I couldn't help but notice George's comment that he was confident she had the best medical care in the world. By the "deer in the headlights" look right after he said that, he must have realized the gravity of his comment -especially after President Obama recently shifted focus to health care reform.

C W   March 7th, 2009 7:33 pm ET

Pat, for some people it isn't a choice between "expensive toys" and healthcare – it's a choice between food and healthcare. And even with coverage, one catastrophic illness (cancer, heart problems, etc.) can bankrupt a family pretty quick.

Do some research before you start typing!

ch   March 7th, 2009 7:31 pm ET

remember when she said the victims of Hurricane Katrina were "probably better of now than they were before". Ugh – i wish her good health but she is no one to admire.

another Dave   March 7th, 2009 7:28 pm ET

It's amazing how many folks who whine about having no health isurance manage to have car payments, cable and HBO, eat out, have rims on their cars (worth more than their cars) You have to take SOME personal resposibility. Hey Health care does need to be reformed, evrybody should have access to basic affordable / preventative care, when it's available I wonder if the lazy whiners will actually use it or will our ER's still be full of non-emergency cases...

LIKIYE   March 7th, 2009 7:11 pm ET

IT IS A BLESSING TO BE OLD AND STILL ENJOY GOOD MEDICAL CARE AND ATTENTION. WE WISH BARBARA A SPEEDY RECOVERY AND PRAY THAT ALL AMERICANS SEE THE NEED TO REVAMP THEIR MEDICAL POLICIES TO ALSO BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD GOOD AND EXPENSIVE MEDICAL CARE.

Cheney   March 7th, 2009 7:09 pm ET

So?

Dave   March 7th, 2009 6:59 pm ET

Never been a big fan of the Bushes, but I'm glad she made it through and I hope she gets better soon.

Homer   March 7th, 2009 6:55 pm ET

They needed a very powerful microscope to operate on her heart.

lisa   March 7th, 2009 6:55 pm ET

Ok. So does this means we'll get better jobs or do we need to send get well cards?

Steve (the real one)   March 7th, 2009 6:55 pm ET

I remember when Supreme Court Justice Bader has recent surgery for cancer. Some republicans and others made ingorant statements. Now some liberals and others are making ignorant statements about the former first lady. This proves my point that ignorance and hate is not the domain of any single party!

Amazed   March 7th, 2009 6:54 pm ET

Every American citizen deserves the same medical coverage that Mrs. Bush is getting. Those who were sent to war by her husband and son deserve even more. Since neither are true, I care less about her condition just as she did not care about the condition of millions of unisured who suffered from their illness and all solders who received no post-war trauma treatment.

Robin   March 7th, 2009 6:51 pm ET

Bob,
You are the reason I am not a liberal. Go away angry little man.

Rob in Ark   March 7th, 2009 6:36 pm ET

WOW ! All that HATE coming from people that belong to the party of love,inclusion, and feel sorry for everybody Dimocrats ? You should be a shamed of it !

Craig B   March 7th, 2009 6:25 pm ET

God bless you Mrs.Bush and get well

Ryan   March 7th, 2009 6:20 pm ET

Why are some so bothered about who paid for her health coverage? Put the political diatribes aside for once. She was a wonderful first lady and deserves our well wishes. May God bless her and her family.

CNN, PLEASE POST MY COMMENTS, THANKS   March 7th, 2009 6:13 pm ET

A speedy recovery to you Mrs. Bush!

Pat   March 7th, 2009 6:11 pm ET

sensible Cape Coral FL March 7th, 2009 1:23 pm ET
I'm glad that Mrs. Bush is doing well but I'm sorry we all don't have the same level of health care that she does. Is it our tax money that pays for her care?
-----------------
Medicare pays for her care. It also pays for YOUR mother's care if she's 65 or older if she worked and earned enough credits to be eligible for Social Security - OR if her husband has such elibility.

Also - it's NOT true that most people are automatically discharged from Intensive Care after 2 days, as someone stated in this blog. Discharge depends on many things, including extenuating health concerns - and patients frequently stay in the hospital in step-down units for more than a week.

Kathy   March 7th, 2009 6:08 pm ET

I do not wish Babs ill will, but does anything her family does help the average "JOE" out there. The premiums I pay are out of the ballpark, and the deductible is so high. I hate doctors and don't usually seek health treatment but there are some things I feel I might persue. Broken bones, bloody body. Insane pain. Yea, your husband and son have made it almost impossible to get medical treatment.

Care   March 7th, 2009 6:08 pm ET

Wouldn't it be wonderful if mental illness received the same level of care...I hear the French and the Brits have good health care. The USA is smart enough to come up with a better plan of universal coverage than any other country, so what is the PROBLEM!

B   March 7th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

Get Well Soon Mrs. Bush.
Your husband loves you very much and it takes a real man to be able to cry over someone or something he loves. I'll take a man like that anyday over a cold hearted thug.

God Bless

Bob   March 7th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

Yes, we are starving after being robbed by the bankers,,,but also paying for this ancient relic to continue breathing? Kill the citag and let it become reincarnated as a starving baby in China or India (or even US). Let that old bag reap some of the suffering her family has wrought.

Al   March 7th, 2009 5:57 pm ET

I wish Barbara Bush a successful and speedy recovery.

Buck in NC   March 7th, 2009 5:56 pm ET

What Americans need is affordable health care, not affordable health insurance. The insurance companies are parasites.

SC   March 7th, 2009 5:56 pm ET

@Proud American....you are the IDIOT!!!!

Best to Mrs. Bush!

Peggy   March 7th, 2009 5:54 pm ET

I wish Mrs. Bush the best of luck and a speedy recovery. I am a Democrat and I can't believe the political comments people are making at a time like this. Yes, she and her family can afford hospital care, but heart surgery is heart surgery no matter who you are.

Thank God Mrs. Bush Gets Free Government Health Care   March 7th, 2009 5:54 pm ET

So should 47 million other Americans.

G.O.P.: When you've got NOTHING, you've got nothing to lose   March 7th, 2009 5:53 pm ET

Thank God, Mrs. Bush had good government health care.
It's a shame about the other 47 million Americans, but the Rushpublicans
say no.

Jason   March 7th, 2009 5:49 pm ET

I'm glad she doesn't have to worry about health unlike the rest of us that are unfortunate. It's good to hear that Barbara and Dick can afford countless heart attacks. It's also a shame that they don't want to share a bit of that health care with the rest of us. But I guess in their eyes health care is a luxury not a necessity, right?

Cliff   March 7th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

Excellent medical care is available. The best way to obtain it is by working.
I am amazed at the mentality of those who would be so "hateful" because of a person being ill.
I think most of them must be products of the "me generation" and expect they are FIRST......even before one who is ill.
What a bunch of sickos. I can just see you standing in front of your mirror and saying.........
OH, WHAT A PERFECT WORLD IT WOULD BE IF ALL THE PEOPLE WERE JUST LIKE ME!!!

reggie   March 7th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

God Bless her and her family. All the best for a speedy recovery.

Jim Hall   March 7th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

It would be also nice if the people that do not have health care or are struggling to make the payments for it each month would have the same excellent care she is getting Jim Hall Kansas City Missouri.

amt, CA   March 7th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

This kind of medical care needs to be available to all Americans, not just ones who can afford it. Hopefully we are on the right path to that being a reality of health care for everyone. Thanks to the Obama admin.

pa   March 7th, 2009 5:27 pm ET

I wish her well, but always felt she was arrogant. She sure had her hands full with W.

Sick of it!   March 7th, 2009 5:18 pm ET

How can most of you people expect anything better for your life? All you do is spew hate 24/7 on these posts. That is so counterproductive. Use your vile energy to do something good for people.

Love=endorphins=feel better. Try it!

Janet   March 7th, 2009 5:18 pm ET

That's nice for Barbara, but not to worry – she'll receive the best care money and prestige can buy – which is more than I can say for the rest of us and our parents.

gary, gpp   March 7th, 2009 5:16 pm ET

@ andrew 12:33 pm

I totally agree with you.

joethedumber   March 7th, 2009 5:12 pm ET

Please get well soon you old dog!

Lost in Texas FOREVER   March 7th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

I just wondered if ANYTHING can be posted on this website good or even tragic that the left or the right won't make negative or hateful comments about. The right normally attacks the "warm and fuzzy" Obama stories and the left goes after stories like this. It's sad to me in a way. I was never a big supporter of president Bush but I would NEVER want anything bad to happen to his mom. But after seeing somebody post "BIG DEAL" after President Obama's grandmother died some of comments really don't surprise me anymore.

karen   March 7th, 2009 5:04 pm ET

Wishing for full recovery. I guess that earmark for pig odor may came in handle. I didn't know doctors were using pig parts to replace human parts. I think highly of former First Lady. She has always carried herself in a positive strong way. I could see her as President in today's time

Belle   March 7th, 2009 5:04 pm ET

I am very ashamed of Americans that would ridicule the former First Lady.

I do suppose if someone you have loved for many, many, many years was possibly going to die, you just might shed a few tears too.

I wish her godspeed in her recovery.

CA Indie for Obama   March 7th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

Out of ICU is step one; my father never got out when we lost him. My best wishes to Mrs. Bush on a speedy recovery and regards to the family, even W.

Henepenny   March 7th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

It is unfortunate that the right does not understand just how much damage the last president did to this country and how those that have paid a price for his incompatence feel about him and his family. Just ask yourselves why are these people so upset. Let's start with the Iraq war that was not necessary.

ShirleyAnne Canada   March 7th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

It's not your time yet Mrs. Bush – so all the best for a speedy recovery. You should be commended in putting together such a lovely family that have dedicated themselves to serve their country. We look forward to Jeb in politics one day soon.

decent american   March 7th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

my husband had this sugery 36 years ago as a teenager, going strong. this is NOT political fodder, only for fools.

Beth   March 7th, 2009 4:43 pm ET

Drea, you, too, are a mean, horrible, evil, disgusting, miserable, repulsive person. He is crying because she is his wife of 64 years. People turning a heart surgery into a political issue, regardless of your political affiliation, must be lonely, miserable people.

Godspeed to Barbara and the rest of the Bush family!

Jeff   March 7th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

I wonder if old and sick Republican aristocrats are in danger of losing their health care coverage.

Pat   March 7th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

Karrie March 7th, 2009 12:36 pm ET
. . . Anyone can have health insurance. All you have to do is pay the premiums.
--------

Absolutely true! And there are many different levels of coverage for which you can buy health insurance, depending on your age and projected health care needs. But, as with anything else - it depends on what your priorities are - expensive toys you don't need or health insurance - simple as that.

Janice   March 7th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

After the nasty remarks she made about Hurricane Katrina victims, I'm surprised she had a heart to operate on.

Arizonan for Obama/Biden   March 7th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

Hey Jimbo

There are responsible Americans that don't have health insurance because they can't afford it. Maybe your name isn't really Jimbo but Rush Limbaugh?

WisconsinEric   March 7th, 2009 3:46 pm ET

Mrs. Bush has my best wishes. My father had similar surgery at one year older (84) and lived many happy years subsequently; he too kept a photo of a pig on his wall (as I saw former Pres. Bush saying on CNN). As for the political comments on here, why not treat her like a human being, save the politics for another time!

ty   March 7th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

the country is in deep trouble thanks their politics.
it made them rich, but not the country..
but i am happy at least mrs. Bush has money to pay for her medical care although half of the country cant afford it..thanks to shady politics..or wait did i forget to say thank you?

ib   March 7th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

You liberals are sick people; sick in the mind. I despise Obama and what he is trying to do to this country with his goverment take all but I would never wish him or his family to be sick or die from something. If you haven't given up close family members you don't know what you are talking about or you are just have no feelings except for your selfish self.

Mike in VA   March 7th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

You vulgar libs cannot even contain your deluded political derangements in any sense of decency. You love to make it look like Mrs. Bush is 'lucky " to afford the health care she received. She has the same health care plan that Obama and his wife have, as well all all the other federal government elected officials active or retired ...FOR LIFE!! You mindless wonders should also know that there IS a difference between RECEIVING health care and having something in place you earn to PAY for the health care.

bob   March 7th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

What no statements in this article claiming that she was joking with her doctors when she woke up? That's hard to do when you've got a breathing tube rammed down your throat.

Mercedes   March 7th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

I pray that Mrs. Bush has a timely recovery. I have had the exact same operation, Aortic Valve Replacement. I know what she is going through.
God forbid, some of you gripers have to endure what she has just gone through.
@Pat F She is still somebody's mother and they love her and that is all that matters. Your opinion of her, for all it is worth, you may keep it to yourself!

Proud American   March 7th, 2009 3:13 pm ET

Doctors are still trying to look into her brain. For anyone to give birth to someone like Georgie something has to be wrong.

welches, oregon   March 7th, 2009 3:08 pm ET

It must be nice to have such great health insurance – All American deserve the same insurance.

And isn't this the same 'person' who said the Katrina Hurricane victims have it quite nice in the Astrodome because afterall, they were underprivledged anyway. She's a piece of dirt, just like her sons

dominic tongko   March 7th, 2009 3:08 pm ET

get well soon . mrs. b. bush

catmom   March 7th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

It is so sad that people on both sides have become so jaded and negative. Why is it necessary to make such mean spirited comments about the former first lady, Ted Kennedy, President and Mrs. Obama. Keep your negativity to yourself it only brings you down.

dominic tongko   March 7th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

get well soon mrs. b. bush

MT   March 7th, 2009 3:06 pm ET

Our prayers are with you Barbara. God Bless you.
You should be proud of your family for serving this country as they have. Good luck and God bless for a very long time.

H.HUGHES   March 7th, 2009 2:53 pm ET

andrew your the retard and then some.

Niki Birdsflight   March 7th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

True about her extended stay in the hospital. It would be interesting to see if they pay the expenses over the Medicare coverage. I am sure she has good insurance and actually money is not an issue in her case. They are rich from the oil and investment deals. Likely not affected by the economic disaster their son had a part in. O well.

Drea   March 7th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

Probably because she is still around!! If it was the other way around she would feel the same way!!!

Drea   March 7th, 2009 2:42 pm ET

Her husband cries like a baby!!!!!!

Val   March 7th, 2009 2:42 pm ET

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Political Queen   March 7th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

Andy...you are my brother from a different mother...I didn't see your comment til' after I posted, if no one told you today...YOU ARE SPECIAL! lol!

Political Queen   March 7th, 2009 2:37 pm ET

Although I am not a fan of the Bushs' dictatorship, I wish Barbra well. Thank God she had health care, and she wasn't STUCK in an unsafe enviornment, no, she was better off where she was.

Don in Albuquerque   March 7th, 2009 2:34 pm ET

Who cares? So much for reporting on real news. Got anything on Paris Hilton?

mjm   March 7th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

Good to hear she is doing well.

Everyone should attempt to get their own medical insurance before we start asking the government to pay for it. Most people never actually look on line.

There are plans out there for everyone from $80-200-400 per month depending on what you want. Look into it. It's cheaper than auto insurance.

I don't see why we have to turn everything over to the government.

sick n tired of being a victim of cowardly CNN moderators   March 7th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

Get well soon Mrs Bush. God bless.

lynn in NM   March 7th, 2009 2:14 pm ET

Good luck. God bless, Barbara.

go away mongers -Ventura CA   March 7th, 2009 2:13 pm ET

Good news!

ken   March 7th, 2009 2:03 pm ET

First of all this isn't really political news and second of all, some of these comments are disgusting. She's having surgery on her heart people, show some respect. When Rush says those things about Ted Kennedy, you talk about what a loser he is. Here you guys are making some pretty disrespectful comments about someone who isn't a policy maker. She's a wife.

jeff from jersey   March 7th, 2009 1:54 pm ET

Little too late???

Good name.Remember that it was Barbara that said after hurricane Katrina and so many suddenly homeless people were evacuated to Texas "They aren't going to stay here are they?"!
Just as George W said "Nobody told me it could be that bad." while we all watched the conference call when they were telling him exactly that.

Apples don't fall far from the tree,especially the bad ones.I guess you landed to hard.

Nobody wishes her harm,including Andy.

Geri   March 7th, 2009 1:51 pm ET

I am so ashamed of the nasty blogs here. We are all Americans and if you don't like her then don't blog. She deserves respect just like anyone else does regardless of what her last name is and what her son did. I'm a democrat but am getting very tired of all the crap that goes on in all the blogs. CNN should have a little decency and not print thenasty ones while she is sick or recovering. We don't need any more of the Obama's either. We need the hard news as to how we are going to get out of this mess the country is in. CNN...you're a news station not a "rag paper". Clean it up.

James   March 7th, 2009 1:50 pm ET

I believe her son "FORMER PRESIDENT" gave her a heart problem like he gave to so many American's and all kind of people all around the world WITH HIS CRIMINAL ACTIONS and I hope that GOD will forgive him and all of his former his administration specially Mr. DICK....CHENEY.

Alfreda   March 7th, 2009 1:44 pm ET

I am happy to read that she is doing better. I will continue to pray for her and her family. Lord please watch over President Bush Sr. as he waits for his wife to be home were she belongs.

jully   March 7th, 2009 1:42 pm ET

I wish her a very speedy recovery. It's a brave and great woman.

MaryLou Shenk   March 7th, 2009 1:42 pm ET

My prayers are with you, and you are a brave woman.

I was diagnosed with same condition, but have not had any physical symptoms such as fainting and retaining fluid as of yet. You have given me food for thought.

God Bless.

Julianna   March 7th, 2009 1:38 pm ET

I am so grateful that our dear Barbara Bush will continue to share her warmth and love through her everlasting - big - heart with us, the Americans...

connie   March 7th, 2009 1:34 pm ET

Now i just heard Oprah say yesterday on her show that the economy had just started to go bad the last 18 months-now isn't that when the democrats took control of house and senate, but we must blame it on Bush. Speedy recovery Mrs Bush.

Craig - Hastings, MN   March 7th, 2009 1:34 pm ET

Can some of you idiots put aside politics long enough to wish a fellow human being good luck and a speedy recovery. Guess not. Some of you people just make me want to vomit. God Bless and Get Well soon Barbara.

Independent   March 7th, 2009 1:34 pm ET

When Americans feel the need to attack the First Ladies, rather it's Michelle, Barbara, Hillary or Laura it is a SAD DAY!!!!!!!!!

Beth   March 7th, 2009 1:28 pm ET

Andrew, you are a disgusting, miserable person.

The ENTIRE Bush family is in our prayers. Regardless of how you feel about GW, this is his mother we are talking about. Here's hope for a great recovery.

sensible Cape Coral FL   March 7th, 2009 1:23 pm ET

I'm glad that Mrs. Bush is doing well but I'm sorry we all don't have the same level of health care that she does. Is it our tax money that pays for her care?

SueEllen   March 7th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

I didn't know she had a heart.

Simmy   March 7th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

Bless your heart.

Obama 2.0   March 7th, 2009 1:19 pm ET

Get well soon dear lady :)

Independent   March 7th, 2009 12:58 pm ET

Happy to hear that she will be moved out of ICU soon....

My father had this surgery 36 yrs ago....his monthly cost for medication after the surgery was over $200.00, that was a lot of money than, just think what it probably is now....My Dad had a pace maker put in also, but only survived 18 months after...

I suffer from asthma, my inhaler has gone from $60 to $128 in the last 9 yrs...I don't have insurance...or a drug card...2008 it was $118, now it went up another $10....I guess I'm paying for one of those CEO's bonuses.....

kaw   March 7th, 2009 12:55 pm ET

Good lord, some of you people are pathetic. Can't you drop your political diatribes for just a moment and act HUMAN!

The stress of any individual confronting a health crisis and the worry of their families who fear they will lose a loved one is universal.

How can it be that those of you who are so quick to call republicans heartless can turn on a dime and act the exact same way? Hypocrisy is ugly no matter which side of the political aisle you sit on.

Darren D.   March 7th, 2009 12:52 pm ET

Grandmom, "God's love and blessing".

Russ   March 7th, 2009 12:51 pm ET

We love you Mrs. Bush and wish you a speedy recovery!

Get Well Soon GOP   March 7th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

Hey, lets call it the Barbara Bush Memorial Healthcare Program. We can name it after her or Kennedy, who ever dies first.

Get Over It   March 7th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

The haters on here,are truly sick and disgusting people.Mrs.Bush,you`re in our prayers during this difficult time for you and your family

big papa   March 7th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

Nationalize healthcare...

...institute means testing...

Proud American   March 7th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

I heard they were going to move her to the Houston Astrodome. I also heard that someone said it would be a step up for her.. My God Bless that entire Idiot family.

Independant Thinker   March 7th, 2009 12:50 pm ET

To:

gary, gpp Had It K Roberts Andy lou

YOU people are SICK.

God bless and get well soon former First Lady Mrs. Bush

Vic   March 7th, 2009 12:47 pm ET

I and my family gladly add our names to the list of those who are wishing Barbara Bush a speedy and healthful recovery. If we could send her a direct message, it would be to thank her for sharing with us her beauty, love of family and country, her devotion to promoting books for the greater good, and especially her "gutsiness." We hope she is soon well enough to return home to her husband and extended family.

hope you are doing well   March 7th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

I think you and your husband did a good job, I hope you are feeling well

I think your son ruined this nation however

but all the same, god bless and speedy recovery

Karrie   March 7th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

To the usual grumblers, as a government employee, I have the same health insurance tthrough the government that Mrs. Bush has. I PAY for it. It's not free and you have co-payments and deductibles just like everybody else. I have friends who don't pay a dime; their employers pick up the whole tab. Those are the companies who probably are hurting. And btw, I filed bankruptcy years ago due to medical bills because of a son disabled since birth, even with the insurance through the government.

Anyone can have health insurance. All you have to do is pay the premiums.

elana   March 7th, 2009 12:36 pm ET

Another one of our former beautiful, eloquent and gracious First Ladies! Keep that sense of humor, Barbara! And I wish for you the very best in your recovery! God Bless You!

Pat F   March 7th, 2009 12:35 pm ET

I have never understood her appeal. She looks like a loving grandmotherly type, but she's a cold-hearted patrician who has never done a day's work in her life, and thinks work is for the little people. Not a nice person.

andrew   March 7th, 2009 12:33 pm ET

who cares. she gave birth to a retard who ruined the country. she should be held accountable. her son is the reson why abortion should not only be legal but retroactive

Ed Word   March 7th, 2009 12:33 pm ET

I'm just elated that she wasn't in there having another kid.

Kyle   March 7th, 2009 12:30 pm ET

Get well soon Mrs Bush... I await the the nasty comments that will come soon enough.

JayEm   March 7th, 2009 12:28 pm ET

To the folks who know so much about health care and Barbara
Bush's circumstances, I believe you would all gripe if you were hung with a new rope. The Bush's are not indigent. The people who need
help may or may not get it under Obama's health care reform, but
it cannot be any worse than it is now. If you had your Medicaid coverage in Florida, you know that. The people who aren't covered
by Medicare and Medicaid are the ones who are getting stiffed.

Texas Proud!   March 7th, 2009 12:26 pm ET

God bless you Mrs. Bush and your family. Our family prays for your speedy recovery.

Peter   March 7th, 2009 12:25 pm ET

Anybody who brings political opinion on this story is truly a sick person. I hope the best for Mrs. Bush and if your going to complain about politics go to hell

Cheryl Tx   March 7th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

May God BlessYou and your Family!!!

Letcommonsenseprevail   March 7th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

Even though this won't get posted, I'd like to weigh in with this little thought.

She is the spouse of a former president. A former federal employee to be technical. She is entitled to health care as are all of us who are fedeal employees. Further, her family has money as do most politicians, including our current president. Dare I mention the millions of dollars Miss Health Care herself, Hillary, wipes her butt with everyday? Let's not be too bitter about Mrs Bush receiving good health care, it's her entitlement as the spouse of a former federal employee and she can afford it because ALL politicians get rich off of our money, not just Republicans.

Marge   March 7th, 2009 12:19 pm ET

I am so glad she is doing well. But just think, if everyone could have such excellent medical care how nice it would be.

REPUBLICANS YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR DENYING CITIZENS THIS.

once upon a horse   March 7th, 2009 12:15 pm ET

I admit she happens to be my favorite Bush, Godspeed Mrs. Bush, GOODPEED!

Dave Froyalde/Washington   March 7th, 2009 12:14 pm ET

Wishing you speedy recovery Mrs. Bush. You are a nice and ideal first lady. May God continue to give you good health for many years.

Little too late????   March 7th, 2009 12:14 pm ET

Andy...yer an idiot.

How do you think Uncle Ted Kennedy made it through? Strokes, brain tumor and all the other health issues he has. OH, wait...HE is a DemacRAT and CAN get away with murder...literally. When you are independantly wealthy, you got health care...and really good lawyers.

Bill 'I did not have...' Clinton...how many heart issues, knee issues and surgeries? No wait...he was the legacy of the original messiah (JFK) and is untouchable. One good book deal (...and some Chinese, Saudi and UAE investing...) and health care is not an issue...and also having really good lawyers. '

BO and MO will get old some day, too. Their bodies will start to succome to age and the world will bend over backwards to save the messiah and his princess. Im quite sure their life after politics (shortly, we can all hope...) will be as comfortable as the Bush's, Clinton's and Kennedy's.

Mrs Bush is a good woman and deserves our respect, thoughts and prayers.

chuck   March 7th, 2009 12:14 pm ET

IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU PEOPLE AT CNN STOP SHOWING THE BUSHES IN THE NEWS. THEY ARE ALL HISTORY NOW AND NO ONE CARES. LET GEORGE BUSH GO TO IRAQ AND DO SOME MILITARY WORK.

Marie R   March 7th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

Get well soon Mrs. Bush I wish you a speedy recovery

Republican   March 7th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

CNN, why do you censor comments that point out what health care is going to be like for the elderly under Obama's plan? Why should we try to hide that Dashchle thinks age should be a factor considered when determining which treatments are "cost effective" and that Obama has vowed his plan will reflect Daschle's handiwork?

The elderly in this country are about to be screwed by Obama so he can give more handouts to all the freeloaders that helped to elect him.

old Democrat.....   March 7th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

I share her age, not her fame. My wish for a speedy recovery, Babs.
Not one of my favorite women in history.

texas   March 7th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

wishing you the best health , take care

Dumas McGee   March 7th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

Andy, gary gpp and K Roberts

welcome to the US Gov Hate Crime watch list

Eric   March 7th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

Best wishes to Mrs. Bush.

Mel   March 7th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

Mrs.Bush I pray for you to continue to improve and return to all the things you love to do.Also Mr Bush you are so sweet and still so in love with your wife.I will pray that both of you have many years of enjoying each others company.Good heath and happiness in the future.................God bless...........Mel

jeff from jersey   March 7th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

I'm glad for her.I've had 18 heart surgeries including 3 open heart surgeries and I'm grateful that I had medicare and a medi-gap supplement to pay for them or I would have died 20 years ago.It's sad to think how many people in America have to die every day because they can't afford healthcare and don't qualify for medicare.

I'm also glad that Barbara told George W. not to come visit as "this is not a place for children no matter how old they are".Too bad she didn't tell him the same thing about the whitehouse.

Richmond, VA   March 7th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

If Mrs. Bush had the health insurance Obama is promoting, she would be rotting in the ground. How sad that Obama has vowed that his health care plan will reflect Tom Daschle's handiwork. Daschle doesn't think its always "cost effective" to treat the elderly.

Bayousara   March 7th, 2009 11:59 am ET

Nice lady. Sorry she is ill.

This story is NOT political news folks.

Amy   March 7th, 2009 11:58 am ET

At least she didn't have to wait 6 months to a year for an elective procedure as she would have in many socialisit medical care states. To all of the haters, be glad we have the kind of health care that makes this possible.

Sandra Rose   March 7th, 2009 11:57 am ET

May God Bless Barbara Bush

Pat   March 7th, 2009 11:57 am ET

K Roberts March 7th, 2009 11:27 am ET
Lucky Barbara Bush to have the money and the health insurance to have that kind of care. Think of all the Americans who don't get any medical care!
--------

FYI, under universal healthcare, ANYONE Mrs. Bush's age would likely not even GET this surgery. Countries with universal healthcare stringently RATION healthcare for the elderly. In fact, the average elderly would probably already have died before he/she had been given access to the type of diagnostics that pointed to her coronary problems.

Franky   March 7th, 2009 11:49 am ET

Is good to know that she's doing fine. Hopefully she can have a good and speedy recovery, I wish her the best for her and family.

kgh   March 7th, 2009 11:49 am ET

It's ironic that she is leaving intensive care given her son, as president, but this entire nation (and arguably, the world) in intensive care.

Connie Sturgeon from Indiana   March 7th, 2009 11:47 am ET

My Prayers are with the former first Lady and her family.Rest and get well fast.

Dixon   March 7th, 2009 11:45 am ET

God Bless you Mrs Bush.

JayPA   March 7th, 2009 11:43 am ET

Wishing her a speedy recovery.

Jimbo   March 7th, 2009 11:43 am ET

Andy Too bad that the vast majority of Americans would probably lose everything if they had a similar health crisis. Not Barbara Bush, though… she'd probably think that bankruptcy due to medical bills was "working out quite well for them," as she said about Katrina victims that were stuck in the Superdome.
======================================================
Responsible Americans have health insurance. Get off your but and stop the pitty party ...or poor me it is so tough to live in America.
Typical needed democrat!!

Jimbo   March 7th, 2009 11:40 am ET

lou March 7th, 2009 11:00 am ET
she is being reincarnated piece by piece
_____________________________________________________
Lou Please do the world a favor and run into incomming traffic!
Good luck Barb we love you!

Lush Limprick and Osama bin Laden share the same vision for America - FAILURE   March 7th, 2009 11:40 am ET

Best wishes to the former First Lady!

Sylesh   March 7th, 2009 11:38 am ET

You and your husband did a great job in the White House. I wish you the best of luck.

rl_OH   March 7th, 2009 11:38 am ET

One of the most respected members in the Bush family.
All the best on a speedy recovery Mrs. Bush.

gary, gpp   March 7th, 2009 11:37 am ET

Betcha you don't have to worry about health insurance, eh Babs ? Oops, there I go talkin' like Sarah Palin again.

Harry   March 7th, 2009 11:33 am ET

We wish you well. God Bless.

Max   March 7th, 2009 11:30 am ET

Maybe the human valve was the wrong one to begin with.

Had It   March 7th, 2009 11:30 am ET

Most people that have that surgery are pushed from the ICU in 2 days, and released to go home in 2 more days.

I guess the insurance WE provide her gives more money for better care. Shame on us for allowing these injustices.

worriedmom   March 7th, 2009 11:29 am ET

God Bless You Mrs. Bush and family!!

K Roberts   March 7th, 2009 11:27 am ET

Lucky Barbara Bush to have the money and the health insurance to have that kind of care. Think of all the Americans who don't get any medical care!

Anonymous   March 7th, 2009 11:26 am ET

We pray for you in recovery

Jen, Cali   March 7th, 2009 11:25 am ET

Speedy recovery, Mrs. Bush. We're pulling for you!

Anna, ATL   March 7th, 2009 11:25 am ET

Although I don't support her family's politics, I wish Mrs. Bush the best for a speedy recovery!

Before any of you posters get too nasty, Mrs. Bush should be acknowledged for telling the GOP to drop the PRO-LIFE position from their platform, contrary to her then-President's official position.

You're a brave woman, Mrs. Bush! Godspeed!

Andy   March 7th, 2009 11:22 am ET

Too bad that the vast majority of Americans would probably lose everything if they had a similar health crisis. Not Barbara Bush, though... she'd probably think that bankruptcy due to medical bills was "working out quite well for them," as she said about Katrina victims that were stuck in the Superdome.

Stay Active   March 7th, 2009 11:22 am ET

Our prayers are with you Mrs. Bush. I just wish everyone in the US could afford this kind of care.

Nancy   March 7th, 2009 11:21 am ET

Wish her well. She has a great spirit.

Texan   March 7th, 2009 11:15 am ET

It would be nice if all Americans could get the excellent medical treatment the Bush family enjoys.

lou   March 7th, 2009 11:00 am ET

she is being reincarnated piece by piece

~~ July ~~   March 7th, 2009 10:54 am ET

Get well soon Mrs. Bush.

Linda in MS   March 7th, 2009 10:48 am ET

I am very pleased that Barbara is doing well after her surgery. I wish her all the best.

S Callahan   March 7th, 2009 10:46 am ET

Thank God for medical care! Mrs. Bush, I pray for your speedy recovery and future good health .
It really puts things in perspective....good health is a blessing.

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