John Fetterman could remain hospitalized for 2 more weeks: report

Sen. John Fetterman’s health is reportedly improving but he could remain hospitalized for up to two more weeks as doctors work to get his medication “exactly right.”

The Pennsylvania Democrat checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Feb. 16 for treatment for clinical depression just days after he was hospitalized after feeling lightheaded at a Democratic Party retreat. 

“John Fetterman is making progress in his recovery from clinical depression and could leave Walter Reed within next two weeks,” CNN congressional reporter Manu Raju tweeted on Tuesday.

“The senator’s physician recently informed him that he will be ‘as good or better than his best days post-stroke,’” Raju added. 

Fetterman’s health struggles began May 13 of last year, when he suffered a stroke during the final days of Pennsylvania’s Senate primary campaign.

The commonwealth’s then-lieutenant governor was left with hearing and other cognitive issues that dogged him throughout his general election campaign against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz and led to special closed captioning technology being installed at the Capitol Building after his midterm election victory to help him conduct his work as a senator. 

Fetterman’s lengthy hospitalization at Walter Reed has been the result of his doctors “trying to get his ‘medication balance exactly right,’” according to Raju.

“For instance, doctors learned his blood pressure med was too high, which may have contributed to dizziness when he went to GW hospital last month,” the CNN reporter said, referencing the senator’s hospital stay immediately before his clinical depression diagnosis. 

Fetterman’s camp provided a glimpse of the senator hard at work in pictures posted to Twitter last week by his chief of staff. 

“Productive morning with Sen. Fetterman at Walter Reed discussing the rail safety legislation, Farm Bill and other Senate business,” the politician’s top aide, Adam Jentleson, captioned the images of the 53-year-old politician.

“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,” Jentleson added.

On Feb. 27, Fetterman’s communications director said that the senator was “doing well” as he continues treatment, which he noted would be a “weeks-long process.”

“We don’t have a lot to update folks with since there’s no real news to report except that John is doing well, working with the wonderful doctors, and remains on a path to recovery,” Joe Calvello said in a tweet last month. 

“John is visiting with staff and family daily, and his staff are keeping him updated on Senate business and news,” he added.