INDIANAPOLIS -- U.S. Rep. Julia Carson has been hospitalized for a week for a leg infection, which has been brought under control but might require her to undergo rehabilitation, her staff said Friday.

The Democrat from Indianapolis was admitted to Methodist Hospital on Sept. 21, complaining of leg pain, according to her staff. Medical personnel determined she had an infection in an area from which a vein was removed in a surgical procedure in 1996, her staff said.

Her staff didn't announce last week's hospitalization until Friday. Methodist officials said Friday that Carson still was there and was in good condition.

Carson's staff said her infection is not life-threatening. Details about when she might leave the hospital weren't available, though a news release from her staff said she is expected to return to work soon.

Carson said she is "very anxious to get back to work," according to the news release. The 69-year-old, however, might require some rehabilitation to fully regain walking ability, the release said.

Carson has had bouts of poor health over the last several years. She underwent heart surgery in 1997 and had pneumonia in 1999. She missed nearly 200 House votes in 2004 because of sickness.

She was elected to a sixth term in Congress in November.

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