Former president Bush remains hospitalized after fall
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine — Former President George H.W. Bush was still hospitalized and listed in fair condition Thursday after falling and breaking a bone in his neck Wednesday.
"I just was with him not even an hour ago. He was in great spirits as was his family. As his wife said, it takes a lot more than this to knock his spirits down," said Dr. William D'Angelo at Maine Medical Center.
Spokesperson Jim McGrath said Bush, 91, fell in his Kennebunkport home. The president was first taken to Southern Maine Medical Center, and then was transferred to Maine Medical Center. The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital is housed at Maine Medical Center.
D'Angelo said Bush fractured his C2 vertebra and there is no plan for surgery. He said the former president will be in several different neck braces as he heals and will need physical therapy. Bush never lost consciousness and did not damage his spinal cord.
"Speaking generically, a person in their 90s who has this type of fracture it usually takes three to four months for this type of fracture to heal, so I would imagine that in this period of time that his mobility will be curtailed," D'Angelo said.
The doctor also said this type of injury is common in seniors, especially if they fall.
On Thursday morning, Bush's granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager, said the family is optimistic that he will heal well. "Thanks for all your thoughts+prayers for our dear Gamps," she tweeted.
The Bush family lives in Kennebunkport in the summer. They have been summering in the town for years, well before Bush's time in politics.