Former prime minister Jean Chrétien appeared to be in good health during an appearance with Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff in Shawinigan, Que., on July 22. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)Jean Chrétien has been released from hospital — just three days after undergoing brain surgery.
Friends of the former prime minister say they're thrilled by the speed of his recovery.
Doctors at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital signed off on his release papers Monday, and the 76-year-old Chrétien is on his way home to Shawinigan, Que., to rest.
The problem came to doctors' attention on Thursday, when Chrétien's daughter called to say her father was having difficulty walking. She was advised to have him brought in.
A brain scan Friday revealed a three-centimetre-wide subdural hematoma — a potentially life-threatening pool of blood between Chrétien's brain and skull.
The hematoma was pushing about 1.5 centimetres into his brain. A two-hour emergency surgery was performed Friday afternoon to rectify it.
Doctors said they didn't know what might have caused the hematoma but noted Chrétien had hit his head on his basement staircase in late June.
While doctors were impressed with the speed of his recovery, Chrétien — an avid golfer — must now rest for two to four weeks.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff expressed his support for the former prime minister.
"I think they caught it in time and we're all rooting for him," he said.
And Prime Minister Stephen Harper was also moved to wish Chrétien well, predicting he would emerge from this challenge the way he emerged from others — by winning.
In a statement, the family expressed appreciation for the care Chrétien received at the hospital.
