Rep. Charlie Norwood had his lung transplant surgery yesterday (Tuesday).

Rep. Charlie Norwood, who has suffered a breathing disorder for more than six years, underwent a lung transplant Tuesday that doctors said was necessary to save his life.

Norwood is expected to be hospitalized for two to three weeks.

The 63-year-old Georgia Republican probably will not resume his congressional duties for about three months.

Norwood was diagnosed in 1998 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which slowly restricts the ability to breathe. He went public with the condition last month, when it appeared surgery would be needed soon.

In recent weeks, he has voted and attended committee meetings with the aide of an oxygen canister that he carries with him.

This was the third time Norwood had reached the top of the waiting list for a transplant, but twice before doctors determined his condition was not dire enough for immediate surgery.

(AP.)