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Posted By	Discussion Topic: Olajuwon makes a quick recovery
BaLLooN NoT	posted on 03-26-2001 @ 6:06 PM
O&A Board Regular Registered: Oct. 00	Olajuwon looks good in Monday practice -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press HOUSTON – Two weeks ago, Hakeem Olajuwon's season and career were in jeopardy because of a blood condition in his left leg. Tuesday night, he expects to be in the lineup for the Houston Rockets when they play the Utah Jazz. Olajuwon "He's an amazing player. He was very sharp in practice and I didn't see any rust," coach Rudy Tomjanovich said after the team's practice session Monday. "We expect him to play (Tuesday) night but we don't know how much." Olajuwon returned to full workouts with the team Monday for the first time since doctors announced on March 13 that the Rockets center would be sidelined three to six months while taking medication for a blood clot in a vein in his lower left leg. Further tests last week, including a second opinion by famed cardiologist Dr. Denton Cooley, revealed the blood vessels in Olajuwon's left leg are now open, clearing his return. Doctors originally had Olajuwon taking a drug called coumadin, a blood thinner, that could result in more serious internal injury if he encountered hard contact while on the court. Olajuwon switched to daily injections of heparin, a low molecular weight blood thinner. He has stopped using heparin and is now taking aspirin daily. He also will wear elastic support stockings while playing and will undergo monitoring by doctors for the rest of the season. "It is great to get back, it is a good feeling how the rest of the guys made me feel so good about getting back," Olajuwon said. "I think I am ahead (with conditioning) because I didn't stop working out and I kept shooting the basketball." Olajuwon has missed nine games going into Tuesday's contest in Compaq Center against the Jazz. The Rockets have lost three straight games, putting their playoff hopes in serious doubt. "I thought today he looked the same. We are lacking some scoring points in the middle so we can really use him," guard Steve Francis said. Tomjanovich needed to hear something positive. "I learned about the first month in this job that you expect the unexpected and that usually it is the bad unexpected," Tomjanovich said. "When you get a positive unexpected, it's great." Olajuwon had conceded that his season was over last week before the new round of tests. He had scheduled a business trip to Acapulco but canceled it because of the good news. It was just another twist in the final year of Olajuwon's contract that pays him $16.5 million. Despite his medical condition, Olajuwon has not ruled out playing next season and the Rockets won't discount his return. "It's just a part of life, you do the best you can and don't worry about what's out of your control," Olajuwon said. "I just thank God that it wasn't anything major. Two weeks later, I am thanking God again that you can go play." Visit this Website METS will go ALL THE WAY THIS YEAR !!!!!!!!!!! Yankees & the Braves SUCK !!!!!
Francine Banger	posted on 03-26-2001 @ 6:46 PM
O&A Board Regular Registered: Dec. 00	The Rockets still arent making the Playoffs, so it doesnt matter.

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