Worsening back pain keeps Mayor Menino hospitalized

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is dealing with severe back pain as he recovers from a blood clot and viral infection in the hospital.

Menino checked into the hospital on Oct. 26 where he was treated for a viral infection and a blood clot in his leg, which cut his cruise to Italy short. Those issues have largely been dealt with, according to Menino’s doctors.

The mayor’s doctors held a news conference at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Tuesday afternoon. His doctors said while lying in bed last week, Menino suffered a compression fracture in his back. The pain has worsened in recent days. Doctors are trying to figure out why the compression fracture is causing Menino so much continued pain.

Menino is on pain medications, but doctors believe the medicines do not impair his ability to make decisions about the city.

“We have no reason at all to be concerned that the kinds of medications he’s taking have any impact on his ability,” said Dr. Charles Morris of Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

“Obviously he’s frustrated. He’s a guy that likes to be out on the streets and seeing people,” said Dot Joyce, Menino’s spokesperson. “You guys certainly know he’s out there a lot, he’s a bit frustrated, but his frustration is now focused on getting better. He’s doing everything that these guys are telling him. And God love the nurses upstairs, they have done tremendous work for us and him.”

Doctors said the mayor shows no sign of cancer and his heart is good. Menino’s spokesperson said he is getting better every day.

Menino did not appear at Tuesday’s news conference. Joyce said he has been active in running the city, but she wouldn’t put a timetable on how many hours a day he spends on city business.