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Kirk’s Brain Swelling Stabilizes

Doctor continues to be pleased with progress though condition unchanged.

Swelling in the brain of has stabilized today, according to Dr. Richard Fessler, the neurosurgeon who has been treating the senator. 

“Senator Kirk is doing quite well this morning,” Fessler said. “He is alert, responding more rapidly to questions and the swelling in his brain has stabilized. We are pleased with his continued progress.” Kirk remains in serious but stable condition. 

On Wednesday, Kirk had further surgery to create more space around his brain to prepare the senator for expected further swelling of the brain which stabilized today, according to Fessler. There were no complications.

 where doctors discovered a carotid artery dissection in the right side of his neck, according to a release issued Monday by Kirk’s office. He was transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where further tests revealed that he had suffered an ischemic stroke.

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Richard Schulte January 28, 2012 at 01:54 pm
We're praying and rooting for a speedy recovering for you, Senator Kirk. Congresswoman Giffords is an inspiration to us all and I think you will also be an inspiration to us. Looking forward to hearing you once again on the Don and Roma show. God bless you.
marilyn January 28, 2012 at 02:44 pm
Scary thing, he is young. I do find it odd that there is hardly any mention of him in the media at all, yet it seems that democrats get lots of attention when they get sick or hurt or are in the hospital.
Charlie January 28, 2012 at 03:23 pm
Marilyn, really, you say more about yourself than much of anything else.
Richard Schulte January 28, 2012 at 04:11 pm
And your comment about Marilyn's post says a lot about you as well. Get well Senator Kirk.
Charlie January 28, 2012 at 04:37 pm
Yes it does Richard, and I'm proud to have a civil approach to what is the appropriate expression in context with the right time and the right place to express it. I'm certain that the Hon Senator Kirk would rebuke the insensitive context of Marilyn's comments and your endorsement of those comments. If nothing else, the man is a classy guy. Why do you insist on insulting yourselves?
Richard Schulte January 28, 2012 at 05:14 pm
Marilyn's post was a simple observation-nothing more or less. Only someone who sees everything through the lense of politics would have had anything to say regarding Marilyn's comment. I also noted that lack of media coverage on Senator Kirk, except on WLS-AM.
Once again, my best wishes for a speedy recovery for Senator Kirk.
Charlie January 28, 2012 at 05:49 pm
Richard, you suffer from vision limitations which prevent you from grasping any credible aspect of how lens selection works. Stick to what you know and that should shorten everyone's task of wading through your tedious drivel.
john January 28, 2012 at 05:51 pm
Like Gabby Gifford, Kirk should step down so Illinois has a full time Senator. He will probably just be an absent tee senator for a few years and Illinois will just end up being screwed again.
Charlie January 28, 2012 at 05:51 pm
And learn how to spell and use ... the word is "lens" Richard.
john January 28, 2012 at 05:52 pm
Like Gabby Gifford, Kirk should step down so Illinois has a full time Senator. He will probably just be an absent tee senator for a few years and Illinois will just end up being screwed again.
Charlie January 28, 2012 at 06:04 pm
John, that is also absurd and insensitive. And your sense of timing couldn't be more disrespectful.
LMS January 28, 2012 at 07:01 pm
Richard and Charlie are you really concerned about Senator Kirk's health? Cause it seems to me that the both of you are having more fun criticizing each other!
Charlie January 28, 2012 at 08:47 pm
Scroll up to the top of this page. Look at the man in the picture who is looking directly at you and pointing at you. Look him in the eye and ask yourself what you think he would say to you in a very private moment about politicizing a get well wish with sour grapes. I'll stand up and criticize tacky behavior every chance I get, and I believe Sen Kirk would also.
Russ January 29, 2012 at 03:20 am
Marilyn and Richard,
Senator Kirks illness was broadcast on MSNBC,Wcpt in Chicago ,ABC and all major news outlets.I think the coverage is adequate.Remember, Giffords condition was sensationalized due to the violent nature of her attack. I pray for Kirk's recovery as should all of us.
Greenwood January 29, 2012 at 04:11 am
The Tribune has a good story about stroke rehab and aftermath. Resign? That's up to Senator Kirk. For john's concern that Kirk would be an "absent tee" senator, well, so was Obama. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Senator Kirk!
Harlon Katz January 29, 2012 at 06:00 am
Hey John - how long did it take Giffords to step down? I am sure your opinion has nothing to do with politics. Let's give him some time.
dmz January 29, 2012 at 04:10 pm
Boy Marilyn, you have to bring politics into everything huh? How much have you heard about Kirk on Fox?
Charlie January 29, 2012 at 04:42 pm
Mr. Schulte I hope you are doing something to remedy your vision deficits and select the correct lens. Get well soon.
Brad Faxton January 30, 2012 at 01:46 am
You self centered.... I'll stop.
Need to kick some kittens too?
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Steven June 11, 2013 at 01:19 pm
There is nothing historical about this house. The historical house was torn down in order to buildRead More a modern house which vaguely resembles the home that was owned by Lyman Wilmot. But calling this new construction "an important part of the history of Deerfield" is a travesty.
annette kalcheim June 14, 2013 at 07:39 am
Mara, So sorry you feel this way. We feel that this really improves the neighborhood. Tried toRead More keep much of old structure, but Igor's rehab and lack of upkeep, made it impossible. couldn't even keep floors, all warped from water and walls full of mold. City did nothing to stop Igor from combining two distinct properties. I am having a champagne lunch Wed. June 19, 11:30 to 1:30. Would love for you to come and see the house. Maybe that will change your mind. Annette Kalcheim
Mara Meyer June 15, 2013 at 09:33 pm
Annette - my first statement was "beautiful house" so I have no qualms with your outcome -Read More however, this is a re-do, re-creation not the original house. But good luck! I am sure you will find a buyer quickly!
J.Lyn June 9, 2013 at 06:10 am
I neglected to include contact information. Please contact Jennifer at : j.lyn.mclick@gmail.com