Hospital releases Wilson

U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, D-6th, is out of the hospital after successful emergency colon surgery.

Doctors at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., discharged Wilson on Monday. Wilson plans to leave Washington after casting a vote to override President Bush’s veto on a children’s health care bill.

“I have always supported the Children’s Health Insurance Program, but there’s nothing like a week’s stay in the hospital to highlight just how crucial good health care is,” Wilson said. “Everyone deserves quality health care in this country.”

After the vote, Wilson will travel to his St. Clairsville home to recuperate. Wilson said he hopes to return to a light congressional schedule in a few weeks.

“I want to thank everyone who has sent along their good wishes and offered up prayers for my recovery,” Wilson said. “It really means a lot.”

Wilson had a routine screening colonoscopy Oct. 8 in Ohio. He flew the next day to Washington and wasn’t feeling well. He visited Congress’ attending physician, who recommended he go to the hospital.

Doctors there admitted Wilson after determining he suffered a perforated colon. Wilson’s doctors determined surgery was necessary and did it Thursday.

In his first term in the U.S. House, Wilson’s district includes all of Columbiana County and a portion of Mahoning County.