Photo by Bullneck

Ward 8 Councilmember and mayor-for-life Marion Barry was released from the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Northwest D.C. today, after being treated for a urinary tract and blood infection he said “knocked me for a loop.”

Barry, who was first treated at Howard University Hospital, says he’ll likely need another few weeks of physical therapy and exercise “to make sure I’m steady on my feet.” Because of a kidney transplant he had in 2009, Barry said his immune system opens him up to infections. He said he was never in a “grave, life-threatening” situation, adding that his “political enemies” made up stuff about his health that’s not true.

The Councilmember will turn 78 tomorrow “I look much younger,” he joked to reporters, who were also told, “I missed you all. I dreamed about you.”

Barry said he isn’t sure when he will get back to work on the Council, adding that he doesn’t want to rush it. “I’ve been so busy caring about everyone else … that I’ve sometimes neglected myself,” he said. “While I’m here, I want to be healthy.”

He did say he was “delighted” the Council passed the marijuana decriminalization bill, saying he called Councilmembers who were on the fence. He declined to talk about the mayor’s race.

When asked if he would complete his full term, Barry said he intends to: “My health is first, but I love what I do.”