Adam Jentleson, the Chief of Staff for Senator John Fetterman, gave an update on the Senator’s health. Fetterman has dealt with numerous health issues over the last year. It was reported back in 2022 that after suffering a stroke he dealt with cognitive concerns such as hearing problems.
In February this year, Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed medical center to “receive treatment for clinical depression.”
On Monday, Jentleson gave an update on Twitter:
“Productive morning with Senator Fetterman at Walter Reed discussing the rail safety legislation, Farm Bill and other Senate business. John is well on his way to recovery and wanted me to say how grateful he is for all the well wishes. He’s laser focused on PA & will be back soon.”
(Photos from Monday)
Only a couple weeks ago, Fetterman’s wife left the country with the kids to go up to Canada. He reasoning was too much media attention. However, she felt that she still wanted to share her trip with photos and a tweet to share to everyone.
We also talked about how joy and fun can and must still exist, even when someone we love is in pain. And tomorrow? Who knows. Will try all over again. ❤️
— Gisele Barreto Fetterman (@giselefetterman) February 24, 2023
On February 8, 2023, Fetterman was hospitalized overnight after feeling lightheaded during a U.S. Senate retreat. However, his office reported that this hospitalization was unrelated to his stroke, and he was in good spirits and talking with his staff and family. On February 16, 2023, Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed Hospital for clinical depression. He would undergo treatment and has since remained hospitalized.
It was later reported that Fetterman had trouble hearing as well. Due to his auditory processing challenges, Senator Fetterman depended largely on a tablet to transcribe spoken words for him. The severity of his hearing difficulties is unpredictable, and they tend to exacerbate when he is in stressful or unfamiliar situations. The senator has likened the experience to attempting to decipher the garbled voice of the teacher in the “Peanuts” comic strip, whose speech is incomprehensible.
“Post-stroke depression is very, very common. Estimates are somewhere up to a third of patients with stroke will have depression at some point after their stroke,” one Dr. said during an interview.
His transition has been “extraordinarily challenging” due to”strains of his recovery, which left him with a physical impairment and serious mental health challenges,” ThePoliticianInsider reported.
Initially, he was admitted to the hospital back in May 13, 2022, after suffering an ischemic stroke caused by a clot related to his irregular heart rhythm, atrial fibrillation. He was released from the hospital on May 22, 2022. In a letter written in early June 2022, Chandra reported that Fetterman was in stable condition and would fully recover as long as he followed a healthy lifestyle and took his medications.
Fetterman expressed regret for ignoring his health after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in 2017. For five years, he did not see a doctor or continue his medications. However, his primary care physician provided a medical update in October 2022, stating that Fetterman had significantly improved communication skills and spoke intelligently during his examination. Although his stroke had left him with symptoms of an auditory processing disorder, Fetterman attended speech therapy, regular exercise, and took heart medication.
Jentleson’s tweet:
Productive morning with Senator Fetterman at Walter Reed discussing the rail safety legislation, Farm Bill and other Senate business. John is well on his way to recovery and wanted me to say how grateful he is for all the well wishes. He’s laser focused on PA & will be back soon. pic.twitter.com/143uAhoQRx
— Adam Jentleson (@AJentleson) March 6, 2023