Sen. Kerry to return from hip surgery in time for start of second Senate session

Sen. John Kerry, whose athletic pursuits became political fodder during his 2004 presidential bid, underwent his second hip-replacement surgery in six months on Monday.

The Massachusetts Democrat is expected to return to work in time for the second session of the 111th Congress that is scheduled to begin on Jan. 20, an aide said. The upper chamber will be in pro-forma session starting Jan. 5.

Doctors replaced Kerry’s left hip at Massachusetts General Hospital. Kerry, 66, had his right hip replaced in August.

“He’ll be back in time for work;, that’s why he chose to do it during this time of the year,” said an aide. “He’ll be in the hospital for a couple days and then at home with his family.”

Victor Khabie, co-chief of orthopedic surgery at Northern Westchester Hospital, who is not treating Kerry, said the senator would face six weeks of rehab.

“He will begin walking on his replaced hip the day after surgery with crutches,” said Khabie.

“His daily activities will not be affected after a few weeks of recovery, and he will be able to be active in a majority of recreational activities. He should avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping.”

Kerry, along with Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), will spearhead efforts to pass bipartisan global climate change legislation in the Senate this year.
 
Kerry has also taken an increasingly active role in global diplomacy. The lawmaker flew to Kabul, Afghanistan in October to help convince Afghan President Hamid Karzai to agree to a runoff after a disputed election. Last month, Kerry flew to Copenhagen, Denmark in the midst of the Senate healthcare debate to address foreign dignitaries about the prospects for climate change legislation in Congress.

Kerry has built a reputation as one of the most athletic members of the Senate. He is known to participate in 100-mile bike races and other strenuous physical feats.

Kerry took time off during the 2004 presidential campaign to snowboard in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Kerry is also an accomplished windsurfer, something his opponent, former President George W. Bush, seized on for political gain during the 2004 campaign. Bush aired an ad showing Kerry windsurfing off Nantucket to portray him as a candidate who shifted with the prevailing political winds.