Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home after a serious health scare that resulted in him needing 20 stitches to his face.
A Sudden Fall and Hospitalisation
The incident occurred on Thursday when the 56-year-old Democratic senator was taking an early morning walk near his home in Braddock. He experienced a ventricular fibrillation flare-up, a serious cardiac-related issue that caused him to feel lightheaded and fall, hitting his face on the ground.
His office stated that out of an abundance of caution, he was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh for evaluation. The medical team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) established the cause and treated his minor injuries.
Recovery in Good Spirits
By Saturday, Senator Fetterman was well enough to be discharged. He promptly took to social media to share a photo of his injuries, smiling and appearing in good spirits despite the visible aftermath of his fall.
"20 stitches later and a full recovery, I’m back home with [Gisele Fetterman] and the kids," Fetterman announced. He expressed being "overwhelmed [and] profoundly grateful for all the well-wishes" he had received from the public.
He also extended his gratitude to the UPMC staff, praising the "incredible medical care that put me back together." Displaying his characteristic humour, the senator was quoted by his spokesperson as saying, "If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!"
Health History and Political Context
This recent event is part of a series of health challenges the senator has faced. In 2022, he suffered a stroke while campaigning for his Senate seat. The following year, in 2023, he was open about his struggles and received treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The health scare comes on the heels of significant political action. Fetterman was one of eight Senate Democrats who voted with Republicans last week on a temporary funding bill. This bipartisan move ended the longest government shutdown in history.
While most responses to his health update were supportive, some critics used the opportunity to question his recent vote. The funding deal did not include provisions to extend COVID-19 pandemic-era tax credits for the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplaces, a priority for many Democratic members of Congress, leading to accusations from a handful of followers about healthcare access.
