Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania John Fetterman campaigned for a US Senator at a meeting at Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport on May 10, 2022 in Lemont Furnis, Pennsylvania.
Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images
Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, John Fetterman, said on Friday that he was “almost dead” after suffering a stroke a few days before winning the state’s primary elections, and is not yet ready to return to the campaign trajectory.
“I should have taken my health more seriously,” Fetterman said in a statement released by his campaign Friday afternoon. “The stroke I had on May 13 did not occur out of nowhere. Like many others, especially many men, I avoided going to the doctor, even though I knew I was feeling sick. rice field.”
“As a result, I almost died,” he said.
The 52-year-old Fetterman has vowed to be ready to run for the general elections in November this year. But he admitted, “It will take a little longer to get back on track, as I was heading to Primary.”
The doctor advised Fetterman to rest and focus on his recovery.
“I’m annoyed because this is my own fault, but be patient. I need a little more time,” he said. “I haven’t returned to 100% yet, but I’m getting closer every day.”
“This race is very important to Pennsylvania and the country. I’m ready and can’t wait to get back on the trail,” he said.
The campaign also shared a letter from Dr. Ramesh Chandra. “It’s okay if you take medicine, eat a healthy diet, and exercise,” Fetterman wrote. “You should be able to campaign and serve in the US Senate without any problems.” .. “
Chandra also said Fetterman was diagnosed with an arrhythmia and a “decreased heart pump” in 2017.
Fetterman’s campaign statement the next day NBC News reported Some Democrats are increasingly concerned about the health of candidates and the lack of a timeline to get back on track for the campaign.
Fetterman will face the final winner of the recount in the Republican Senate primary in Pennsylvania. The two leading candidates for the race are Dr. Mehmet Oz, a celebrity doctor backed by former President Donald Trump, and former hedge fund manager Dave McCormick.
The recount should be completed by next Tuesday. The county must submit the results by noon the next day.
In contrast, the Democratic primary was a big victory for Fetterman. He has won in all counties in the state. NBC News predicts..
The fight for Republican Senator Pat Toomey to fill the vacancy could prove to be one of the most competitive and consequent elections in the midterm elections. The Democrats are trying to narrow down the Senate, which is evenly divided among the 50 Republicans and the 50 Senators who hold caucuses with the Democrats.
With the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party has gained control of the slimmest majority of parliament.
Fetterman’s campaign said that Raise $ 1.6 Million Only 24 hours after he won the primary. These donations were made shortly after Fetterman’s successful pacemaker surgery on the day of the election.
Friday’s Fetterman statement held up his stroke as a cautionary story about caring for his health.
“I encourage others not to make the same mistakes,” he said.
“I had swelling in my legs in 2017 and went to the hospital to check out. At that time, I found out that I had heart disease. After that, I didn’t follow up. I just lost weight and exercised. I thought it was enough. Of course, it wasn’t. “
“That’s not something I’m proud of, but I want others to learn, so listen to your body and watch out for signs. To ignore them, and you What they have to tell you to avoid the doctor because you may not like it — you could sacrifice your life, “he said.
“I would like to emphasize that this was completely preventable,” Fetterman said, and his cardiologist said that “a stroke would not have occurred” if he continued to take anticoagulants. rice field.
“I didn’t do what the doctor told me, but I would never make that mistake again,” he said. “It’s important to take care of others, but you also need to include yourself in it.”
Chandra of the Pittsburgh-based Alliance Cardiology, after diagnosing Fetterman with atrial fibrillation in 2017, said, “I asked him to prescribe medication with improved diet and exercise and follow up again the following month.” It is stated in.
“Instead, I didn’t see him again until yesterday,” Chandra wrote. “John didn’t go to the doctor for five years and didn’t continue to take medicine.”
Chandra also said that Fetterman’s pacemaker “is working perfectly and he’s doing well.”
“This time, I believe he takes recovery and health very seriously,” Chandra wrote.
