Pataki Makes Surprise Appearance At Press Conference on His Health

Governor Pataki yesterday sought to reassure New Yorkers concerned about his health by appearing - unannounced and fully dressed - before the cameras at a news conference at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital, where his doctors were updating reporters on his condition.

"I came in feeling strong as an ox. Maybe I'm not quite as strong as an ox right now, but I'm feeling a lot better than I did a few days ago," Mr. Pataki said, looking hearty and cheerful, if a little worn.

One of the physicians treating the governor, Dr. Spencer Armory, said Mr. Pataki's peritonitis had completely resolved and that he was improving every day. Dr. Armory said there was no evidence of any more serious problems and that Mr. Pataki was able to eat a small amount of food. He said he did not know when the governor would be discharged.

As reporters were pressing Dr. Armory on Mr. Pataki's care, the patient himself appeared in a blazer and khakis - his first public appearance since he fell ill two weeks ago. He opened: "As Mark Twain said, 'Rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated.'"

He said he was able to conduct state business from his hospital room, talking on the phone to the state Senate majority leader,Joseph Bruno,and the Assembly speaker, Sheldon Silver, as well as having conference calls with his staff.

Mr. Pataki's spokesman, David Catalfamo, said the governor had a nice telephone conversation on Tuesday with President Clinton, who underwent heart surgery at the same hospital.

"I can't wait to go home," Mr. Pataki said. "I don't know when it's going be, but I'm just chomping at the bit. The time I can have that first pizza and beer is going to feel really, really good."