Former PM John Howard out of hospital after emergency surgery for appendicitis
Former Prime Minister John Howard, 81, has been released from a Sydney hospital following emergency surgery and has revealed why he has reason to be thankful.
National
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Former Prime Minister John Howard has been released from hospital after having emergency surgery on Monday last week.
The 81-year-old reportedly had a “sudden attack of appendicitis” and was rushed to Sydney’s Royal North Shore private hospital after visiting his GP.
He underwent emergency surgery and, at the time, was “recovering well”.
A spokesperson told NCA NewsWire Mr Howard was discharged over the weekend and is recovering at home.
“He is most grateful for the wonderful attention he received from the surgeons, other medical and nursing staff at the Royal North Shore Hospital,” the spokesman said.
Mr Howard last week assured wellwishers that he is being “very well cared for”.
He was rushed to hospital by ambulance after his GP ordered a series of tests.
His wife Jeanette is understood to have travelled to the hospital with him.
Mr Howard is Australia’s oldest living former prime minister following the death of Bob Hawke in May last year.
It is the second health scare for Australia’s second longest serving prime minister in five years after he was treated for a heart condition in 2015.
In February of that year, had been playing golf when he felt a tightness in his chest.
Back then Mr Howard was transferred to the Royal North Shore Hospital emergency department and then moved to the private hospital where he had two stents inserted.
Two years before that, in 2013, Mr Howard spent two nights in hospital after suffering a severe allergic reaction to anaesthetic during routine dental treatment at Castlecrag Private Hospital.
Then PM Tony Abbott said at the time: “He’ll probably be on the golf course next weekend, I suspect.“
In 1997, when Mr Howard was in office, he was admitted to hospital after the flu and bronchitis turned into pneumonia.
“On doctors’ advice and to enable a full recovery from his current illness, the Prime Minister, John Howard, has been admitted to hospital in Sydney,″ a statement from his office said at the time.
The treasurer at the time, Peter Costello, took over as acting prime minister until then deputy prime minister, Tim Fischer, returned from leave.
Throughout his term of office from 1996 to 2007 Mr Howard was renowned for his fitness, talking daily morning walks often in a signature green and gold tracksuit.
His exercise regimen started when he entered parliament in 1974 when he vowed to never miss meals or be late for flights.
“I couldn‘t think of two things more likely to give you ulcers,” he said later.
Mr Howard also resolved to not snack between meals and to take catnaps during very long days in parliament.
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