Mark Making Remarkable Recovery
January 3, 2000

Mark with two pole trophys Mark received good news from his doctor last week. After nearly six weeks of laying flat on his back for 22 hours a day, Mark's fusion surgery has healed and he is ready to resume many of his daily activities. During a follow-up exam last Thursday, the latest x-rays showed the bone in Mark's back was completely fused together. "Dr. Kollmer was very pleased with my progress," Mark said. "He said I could be up and walking more now, and gradually increase my weight program. He said the bone had grown in and looked good. I finally have more freedom to move around and get back to work." Mark has spent all of his time recovering at home in Daytona Beach, Fla., since his lumbar fusion on Nov. 22. He was only allowed to sit up for 20 minutes at a time since the surgery, but is now looking forward to resuming a more normal life. "I'm anxious to start lifting weights again," Markn said. "I will be careful not to overdo it since I certainly don't want to jeopardize the progress I've made since the surgery. I feel great and I can't wait to see everybody at the Ford test in a few weeks."
Mark will still have Roush Racing teammate Greg Biffle testing his Valvoline/Cummins Taurus in Daytona and Talladega this month. Mark will attend the Daytona test, but does not plan on getting in the car at this time. He will be able to sign autographs at the Winston Preview in Winston-Salem, N.C. on Jan. 15.
 

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