The 93-year-old former Louisiana governor, Edwin Edwards, placed himself in hospice care last night but says it is not because he is dying.
The four-term governor went to St. Elizabeth Hospital on Sunday after complaining of significant pain in his right lung.
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Physicians at St. Elizabeth performed a battery of tests including X-rays and a CAT scan of both lungs but the tests revealed nothing, doctors said.
Edwards then decided it would be easier on him and his family to place himself in hospice care at his Gonzales home.
“Since I have been in and out of hospitals in recent years with pneumonia and other respiratory problems, causing a lot of people a lot of trouble, I have decided to retain the services of qualified hospice doctors and nurses at my home,” said Edwards.
The former governor says just because he is in hospice does not mean he is dying.
“While people assume that hospice means I’m dying, I assure everyone it’s simply a matter of good and convenient care that is less trouble for everybody,” said Edwards. “I’ve made no bones that I have considered myself on borrowed time for 20 years and we each know that all this fun has to end at some point. But it won’t be anytime soon for me.”
Edwards says that he is so sure his health will turn for the better; he is already looking to his future.
“In fact, I am planning my 95th birthday party for next summer and hope you’ll come,” said Edwards.