George H.W. Bush hospital discharge expected by Christmas
(CNN) - Former President George H.W. Bush remained in a Texas hospital Thursday, but the hospital said his condition was improving and he was expected to be home by Christmas.
"Given his current pace of progress, doctors expect that President Bush will be able to celebrate Christmas at home with his family - though no release date has been set at this time," a statement from Methodist Hospital in Houston read.
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Bush, 88, was initially hospitalized on November 23 with bronchitis and remained there with what his spokesman described as a "lingering cough." His office originally expected a release in late November or early December.
"President Bush's condition has steadily improved to the point that, instead of battling the lingering effects of bronchitis, the focus of his treatment now centers on a physical therapy program designed to increase his strength in advance of his eventual discharge," the hospital said Thursday.
Bush has a form of Parkinson's disease that affects his legs and requires him to use a wheelchair.
He is the oldest living former president and a World War II veteran.
He was previously hospitalized overnight in 2007 after a fainting spell caused by dehydration and hot weather while golfing in California.
- CNN Senior Producer Eric Fiegel contributed to this report
Maybe he should get some sun in Iraq and help Junior find those weapons of mass destruction.
I wonder if he's using the government funded healthcare we pay for him to have and use. In any case, I wish him a speedy recovery.
Good. I'm glad. I could not stand the little shrub, but I had and have nothing but respect for the elder Bush. He deserved a second term, his stuipid son not so much. God bless you George H.W. be well.
The Father should not be held accountable for the sins of the son. Get well soon, and stay healthy. Undoubtedly your medical bills, are being payed by the tax payer. Quite frankly, none of us can afford our own medical treatments.
Hey, big guy. I hear that you're gonna be a great-grandfather. Enjoy yourself.
So, this isnt news. Who cares!! I hope the care your getting in the hospital is good since the taxpayers are paying for it.