BILLINGS – Former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns is undergoing rehabilitation in Billings as he works to overcome the effects of a stroke he suffered in December.
Burns began twice weekly physical, occupational and speech therapy at Billings Clinic last month, after a stroke left him so weak that he needed help to get out of bed.
The three-term Republican senator was hospitalized for more than three months in Washington, D.C., and then in Billings. The stroke affected his short-term memory and problem-solving skills and debilitated his left side.
It takes work, but he can walk without a cane and his left side is steadily gaining strength.
And the stroke had no effect on his sense of humor. He complains that he does the rehab work while physical therapist Chris Sturdevant gets paid to watch.