ALBANY, N.Y., March 7 (UPI) -- New York Gov. George Pataki has returned home 2 1/2 weeks after surgery to remove ruptured appendix but will need additional treatment for some time.
Doctors at New York Presbyterian Hospital, from where Pataki was discharged, said the governor continues to improve but will remain on intravenous antibiotics at home to treat any lingering infection and ward off a potential relapse, reports the New York Post. Pataki also will remain on a restricted diet.
Pataki walked out of the hospital, telling reporters, "I never thought I'd enjoy the fresh air as much as I do today."
The appendix was removed Feb. 16 by doctors at his hometown Hudson Valley Medical Center. He was transferred to New York-Presbyterian five days later, where he underwent a second surgery to alleviate an intestinal blockage, the report said.
