Life Since December 2006
On December 13, 2006 Tim Johnson suffered a life altering medical incident. An Arterio-Venous Malformation, or AVM, which had been in his brain since birth, caused bleeding in his brain and pushed Tim to the brink of death. Since that day Tim Johnson has vowed to use his second chance at life to work even harder for the people of South Dakota.
In January 2007, Tim began inpatient rehabilitation at George Washington University Hospital. By February, Tim had final tests that confirmed his December surgery had completely removed the AVM from his brain, and he was discharged from the hospital and moved to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), where Tim continued to impress his doctors with rapid progress in his speech, physical and occupational therapy. By April, Tim was living at home, and continuing his therapy.
At NRH Tim spent hours learning to walk and speak again. In that same facility he went about the work he has spent his life on. In early 2007 Tim began working from his hospital bed. Receiving regular briefings from his staff, Tim directed them from afar on his legislative priorities and what needed to get done for South Dakota. After returning home in April Tim set up a makeshift office in his dining room where he continued his work.
In August of 2007, Tim returned to South Dakota to thank his constituents, friends and family for all of their prayers and support. Just days later Tim returned to work in the Senate.
Tim lives daily with the physical effects of his AVM. His speech, though not 100%, continues to improve. And while weakness remains on his right side, Tim's mind is sharp. There has been no cognitive impact from the AVM.
With the blessing and assurance of his family and doctors that he should resume the duties of a Senator, Tim had done just that. Since his return in August, Tim has returned to doing the job he loves – working for the people of South Dakota in the United States Senate. From September 5, 2007 through this day, Tim Johnson has not missed a single vote.
