Conservative columnist Charles Krauthammer is "finally getting back on track" after a long post-surgery recovery, according to a statement released Monday.

"The worst now appears to be behind me, and I'm finally getting back on track with the rehab schedule that will eventually get me home," Krauthammer said in a message read by Fox News host Bret Baier on air.





Krauthammer, who is paralyzed from the neck down, had surgery months ago, but neither him nor Fox News have disclosed details about his procedure.

"Things are progressing steadily slower than I would like, but steadily," Krauthammer said in a statement shared by Baier on Feb. 20. "Still I wish I could give you — and myself — a better idea of when this marathon ends. I am sure it is strange for your viewers that a regular panelist should disappear for months without warning and without any real explanation."

"After my surgery, there were serious complications that took several months to stabilize," the note continued. "My improvement has finally allowed me to concentrate on intensive rehabilitation to recover my strength and stamina. This too is progressing well but as usual is intense and slow. Nonetheless, I am determined to make it back. I've got to — I can't let you guys have all the fun."

Baier announced in October that Krauthammer had undergone planned surgery recommended by his doctors and "ran into some complications" after the operation.

Krauthammer became permanently paralyzed after a diving accident while attending Harvard Medical School. He completed the program but later left psychiatry for reporting. He has worked for multiple outlets and won a Pulitzer Prize in 1987 for commentary.