Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry was readmitted to Howard Hospital on Tuesday due to post-operative complications to his kidney surgery, but there are no signs of rejection, according to spokeswoman Natalie Williams.

 

Two weeks ago, Barry underwent kidney transplant at Howard University Hospital after battling diabetes and high blood pressure for 20 years. Last April, he found out that he would need the kidney transplant. The donor was a longtime friend named Kim Dickens who is currently in good conditions.

 

Barry hoped to return to work Tuesday, but he was not present at the start of the 10 a.m. Council meeting. He is currently a member of the District of Columbia Council.

 

“The doctor advised that he get a little bit more rest before coming back. So that's kind of a hard pill for him to swallow because he wants to be here working. But it's best for him and his health,” said Bernadette Tolson, Barry's chief of staff.

 

Williams said doctors had discovered large amounts of air in his stomach. Barry had been complaining of extreme discomfort, and doctors determined that was due to the combination of medicines he’s taking.

 

“The kidney itself is functioning as it should be at this time,” Williams said. She also denied tumors of internal bleeding or organ rejection.

 

Coming back to the hospital is “strictly for continued evaluation and strictly to be under the direct care of Dr. Callender,” she added. Dr. Clive O. Callender, chairman of the Howard University Hospital surgery department and founder of the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program, performed the kidney transplant surgery on Barry.