Ailing Rep. Thomas on road to recovery

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

BRAZIL -- Indiana State Rep. Amos Thomas (R-Brazil) recently called The Brazil Times to update his recent status regarding surgery.

Thomas -- who represents District 44 -- informed The Times Monday he is currently rehabbing after a few surgeries following a laminectomy in December.

"I've been going through various procedures and operations," Thomas said via phone call Monday. "I've been on medication to the extent where I was very, very uncomfortable."

After the initial procedure two months ago, Thomas began experiencing severe headaches. Doctors informed Thomas the headaches were spinal headaches and were caused by a leaking of spinal fluid.

A procedure was performed on Thomas during surgery by creating a "patch" in the area where the initial laminectomy had been performed.

But the "patch" did not work as efficient as hoped. Since then, Thomas has been recovering from more operations to take care of the area.

"I've been kind of out of it for a great amount of time," he said Monday. "But there's a good possibility I could get out of here by the end of the week. It looks like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel." However, Thomas said he may be restricted to home and is uncertain when he will be able to get back to his duties as a legislator.

"There's a little blip on the radar screen that is a minor problem," Thomas said. "The only question is how long (will doctors) restrict me to home."

In December, Thomas told The Brazil Times he had noticed weakness in his left leg while walking up the steps of the Indiana State House. During the summer, Thomas said he had problems walking in parades.

After seeking a professional opinion, he opted for the surgery, which also included the removal of bone spurs. Thomas was treated as an outpatient and released, but began experiencing severe migraine-like headaches only days after.

Thomas said although he hasn't been involved in the current state session, he hasn't missed any "big" votes.

The current legislative session is set to conclude in March.

Thomas has yet to file for re-election. The filing deadline for state positions is noon, Feb. 22.

Currently, three people have filed for candidacy for District 44, including Republican Duane Conover and Democrats Richard Thompson and Nancy Michael.

Jason Moon is the managing editor of the Brazil Times, sister newspaper of the BannerGraphic.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: