Get well soon, Rep. Lampson

My best wishes to Rep. Nick Lampson as he recovers from his recent angioplasty.

"He's doing great - laughing and joking about getting out of Christmas shopping," said Lampson family friend Dave Matthiesen, a Houston-based lawyer who visited with Lampson and his wife in the congressman's private room at St. John's Hospital. "He's looking forward to getting up to Washington Jan. 4 to begin his term in Congress."

Lampson, D-Stafford, first went to the hospital Thursday night after complaining of illness at a friend's party.

Doctors at St. John's Hospital in Nassau Bay ran tests on Lampson that night and Friday.

During a routine test about 3 p.m., doctors confirmed earlier tests that had indicated a blockage in one vessel and decided to go ahead with the angioplasty.

Cardiologist Ghyath Samman inserted a wire-mesh stent, put a balloon into Lampson's vessel and inflated it to remove the blockage. Lampson was awake and alert throughout the procedure and is expected to make a full recovery, Samman said.

Samman added that Lampson should follow a low-cholesterol diet, but otherwise his activities won't be restricted.

All things considered, that doesn't sound too bad. I feel confident that Rep. Lampson will be his usual energetic self in no time. Here's an email he sent to supporters since the story was first reported:

Dear Friend,

In the coming days we will gather with family and friends to share in the holiday spirit. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of my wife, Susan, and myself to wish you our very best for a happy and safe holiday season. This past year has truly been a remarkable one and each of you have made that possible. Susan and I are so grateful for all that you did to make 2006 such a special year.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how I am doing. As you may have heard I recently made a visit to the hospital when after attending a dinner at a friend's house I began to feel a little faint. Fortunately, I had a great team of doctors, nurses and technicians to take care of me at the hospital. I am back home, feeling much better, and looking forward to enjoying the upcoming holidays in the company of my family. I would like to thank everyone for keeping us in their thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for your continued support. Susan and I wish you and yours the very best for a joyful holiday season. I look forward to working with you in the New Year!

Sincerely,
Nick Lampson

Get well soon, Rep. Lampson.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on December 24, 2006 to National news | TrackBack