Boston Mayor Menino Discusses Illness, Recovery

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Mayor Thomas Menino says he's feeling much better but called his extended hospital stay "wearing" and said he's looking forward to getting back to City Hall.

Menino, speaking to reporters Thursday for the first time in nearly seven weeks, also said he has no plans to retire, but deflected question about whether he would seek a sixth term.

"I just want people to know I'm up and well. I'm still out there fighting. I'll be back in a few weeks," Menino said.

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Despite his health woes, Menino said "everybody's pulling together" to ensure that the city continues to run smoothly. He said he reads the newspapers daily and meets regularly with his staff.

He also said more people are involved in his decision-making process.

"It's not like the old days — I'm the mayor you'll do this or else," Menino quipped.

The 69-year-old Menino was first hospitalized Oct. 26 after cutting short a vacation in Italy because of a respiratory infection.

While at Brigham and Women's Hospital, he suffered a compression fracture in a vertebra in his spine and also was treated for a blood clot that moved from his leg to his lungs. He was also diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

He was transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on Monday.

Menino, who remained seated during the 16-minute session with local Boston media outlets, said the diabetes diagnosis is forcing him to make some needed changes.

"You can't go out eating any chocolate bars," he said. "It makes you have a healthier lifestyle."

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.