Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, John Fetterman, led the Democratic Party in the state’s famous Senate election, suffering a stroke a few days before the primary, but heading for a “full recovery”, his campaign. Said on Sunday.
Fetterman, 52, who confirmed he had been in the hospital all weekend, claimed that a health emergency did not delay his campaign. However, a surprising revelation two days before the Pennsylvania primary created a cloud of uncertainty about the Democratic front runner’s candidacy, which could be one of the party’s highest Senate opportunities.
“It feels good and everything is taken into account,” Fetterman said in a text message to the Associated Press.
In a 16-second video released in the campaign, the seated Fetterman explained on Friday that he was “sick” and decided to go to the hospital at the recommendation of his wife.
He elaborated on the situation in a written statement.
“I had a stroke because my heart’s blood clots stayed in the A-fib rhythm for a long time,” Fetterman said. He said doctors were able to “reverse the stroke” to get rid of blood clots and gain control over his heart.
“Fortunately, I feel much better and doctors say I didn’t have cognitive impairment,” he said in a statement.
Questions about Fetterman’s health swirled throughout the weekend after Fetterman canceled his scheduled public appearance on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. His campaign quoted health issues, but wasn’t specific until Sunday.
Fetterman didn’t say how long he had been in the hospital.
“They are keeping me here for observation for now, but I should be out of here someday,” he said in a statement. “The doctor assured me that I could return to the trail, but first I need to take some time, rest a little, and recover.”
Thousands of early votes have already taken place in the race to take over Republican Senator Pat Toomey, but Tuesday’s Pennsylvania Democratic Party features Fetterman, third-term US MP Connorlam and the state4. Finalists for the general election from the field of people Malcolm Kenyatta.
Fetterman is a strong favorite. He has led polls and funding from the beginning, even when party establishments gathered around Ram. Despite such support, Ram struggled to reach voters and even break through Fetterman’s position in the primary.
Ram tweeted that he was doing a television interview when he learned of Fetterman’s stroke.
“Haley and I keep John and his family in our prayers and hope he recovers completely and quickly,” Lamb wrote.
Kenyatta called Fetterman “an incredible family man.” “When he recovers from this stroke, my prayers are with him and his family,” he tweeted. “I’m looking forward to his return to the campaign trail soon.”
On the Republican side, the hopeful Mehmet Oz of the Senate Republican Party, a cardiac surgeon, said he had experience treating Fetterman’s disease.
“I’m grateful that you were treated very quickly because I took care of patients with atrial fibrillation and witnessed a miracle of modern medicine in the treatment of stroke,” Oz tweeted. “The whole family wishes you a quick recovery.”
Atrial fibrillation, the condition of the Fetterman’s heart, occurs when the upper atrium, called the atrium, is out of sync with the pumping action of the lower atrium. From time to time, patients may flutter or feel a heartbeat, but often they are unaware of the episode.
Atrial fibrillation is most common in the elderly, and other risks include a family history of hypertension and arrhythmias.It causes 130,000 deaths and 750,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States
Fetterman, 6 feet 8, has been open about his push to lose weight in the past. He weighed over 400 pounds before losing nearly 150 pounds in 2018.
His majestic height is a big part of his political appeal.
The former mayor of western Pennsylvania has tattoos on his arms, a well-shaved head, and a beard. He curses on social media and wears shorts virtually everywhere, even in winter.
He vowed to move forward on Sunday despite a recession in health.
“Our campaign hasn’t slowed down a bit, and we won this primary on Tuesday and are still on track to turn this Senate in November,” he said. “Thanks for all your support, and go out and vote.”
