U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell released a statement to constituents on Sunday, providing an update on his health following a nearly month-long hospitalization and recovery from a fall that will keep him off the Senate floor when business resumes Monday.
McConnell said he has continued to work despite his absence, assuring constituents that he has been "working closely with legislative staff on current issues" and with his Kentucky team to provide constituent services across the commonwealth.
"When you elected me to a seventh term and made me our commonwealth's longest-serving Senator, you did so trusting that I'd keep showing up to fight for you every day. And over the past several weeks, (wife) Elaine and I have appreciated both your well wishes and your honest questions about what was keeping me away from the Senate," he said.
McConnell's absence fueled widespread speculation on social media, with some falsely claiming the longtime senator was brain dead or had died. His statement directly addressed those rumors.
The 84-year-old senator said he was taken to the hospital on June 14 after he "was briefly unconscious" following a fall at his home.
"My doctors have confirmed that I didn't break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn't have a heart attack or a stroke. I don't have any tumors or hemorrhages. … While receiving excellent care over the past several weeks, I've also had to deal with a mild case of pneumonia."
McConnell acknowledged that aging has brought new physical challenges.
"Those of my generation often show the vulnerability that comes with growing older. Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct – I can't help it," he said. "But at the same time, I've had more than my share of experience with physical vulnerabilities. Surviving childhood polio meant spending my entire life with mobility challenges. They haven't exactly gotten easier to manage with age. And last month, I took a fall which landed me in the hospital."
McConnell said he has remained in regular contact with Senate colleagues regarding the appropriations process, midterm politics and "everything in between."
"You're right to expect your representatives to work hard for you. And part of my decision to retire at the end of my term this coming January was being honest about the demands of Senate work. But I still have unfinished business to complete on your behalf, and I have every intention of finishing the job you elected me to do."
McConnell's attending physician also released a statement on his condition.
"Senator McConnell has experienced several falls throughout the year that have been attributed to his post-polio condition. He was admitted to the hospital four weeks ago after falling at home and sustaining minor injuries.
"A comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team determined that he had no fractures, cardiac abnormalities, stroke, tumor, or hemorrhage. Early in his hospitalization, he developed pneumonia, which responded rapidly to antibiotic treatment."
The physician's statement said McConnell's hospitalization will continue to focus on physical therapy and strategies to reduce the risk of future falls. It added that he has been medically cleared to fully participate in an intensive physical therapy program.
FULL STATEMENT:
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following note to constituents regarding his hospitalization and recovery:
"To my fellow Kentuckians –
"When you elected me to a seventh term and made me our Commonwealth's longest serving Senator, you did so trusting that I'd keep showing up to fight for you every day. And over the past several weeks, Elaine and I have appreciated both your well wishes and your honest questions about what was keeping me away from the Senate.
"You all know how folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older. Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct – I can't help it.
"But at the same time, I've had more than my share of experience with physical vulnerabilities. Surviving childhood polio meant spending my entire life with mobility challenges. They haven't exactly gotten easier to manage with age. And last month, I took a fall which landed me in the hospital.
"My doctors have confirmed that I didn't break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn't have a heart attack or a stroke. I don't have any tumors or hemorrhages. But I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital. While receiving excellent care over the past several weeks, I've also had to deal with a mild case of pneumonia.
"I can assure you that I've been a good patient. At my age, I tend to do what my doctors tell me to do. I've submitted to every test they can think of to help figure out what caused this incident. And I'm continuing to do everything they ask to speed my recovery. In fact, with signs of continued progress, I've been able to move from hospital care to a rehabilitation center where I'll keep regaining my strength.
"As much as it frustrates me, this process takes time. And on the advice of my doctors, I won't be able to return to the Senate floor to vote quite yet. But rest assured that, in the meantime, I'm not taking a break from the Senate business that matters to you. I've been working closely with my legislative staff on current issues, and with my Kentucky team who help me provide timely constituent services across our Commonwealth. I've also been keeping in touch with my Senate colleagues on the appropriations process, midterm politics, and everything in between.
"You're right to expect your representatives to work hard for you. And part of my decision to retire at the end of my term this coming January was being honest about the demands of Senate work. But I still have unfinished business to complete on your behalf, and I have every intention of finishing the job you elected me to do.
"I'll keep working hard to get back on the Senate floor as soon as possible. And I'll keep you posted on the progress of my recovery. Until then, I'm so grateful for your prayers and well wishes."
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From the Office of the Attending Physician:
"Senator McConnell has experienced several falls throughout the year that have been attributed to his post-polio condition. He was admitted to the hospital four weeks ago after falling at home and sustaining minor injuries.
"A comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team determined that he had no fractures, cardiac abnormalities, stroke, tumor, or hemorrhage. Early in his hospitalization, he developed pneumonia, which responded rapidly to antibiotic treatment.
"The remainder of his hospital stay focused on physical therapy and strategies to reduce his risk of future falls. He has been medically cleared to continue fully participating in his intensive physical therapy program."
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Photo courtesy of the McConnell Press Office
