Fetterman’s Doctor Says He Is Fit To Serve Amid Stroke Recovery

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s doctor has given his recovery from a life-threatening stroke positive marks and noted the politician has “no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office.

Fetterman, who is running for U.S. Senate as a Democrat, has been on the campaign trail while recovering from the stroke that happened in mid-May. He has battled questions about his health from Republican opponent Dr. Mehmet Oz and others.

Dr. Clifford Chen, Fetterman’s family physician in Allegheny County, issued a letter with an update on the candidate’s condition following an appointment he had last Friday. Fetterman’s campaign provided the letter to reporters Wednesday morning.

The doctor found Fetterman “is recovering well from his stroke and his health has continued to improve.”

“He spoke intelligently without cognitive deficits. His speech was normal and he continues to exhibit symptoms of an auditory processing disorder which can come across as hearing difficulty. Occasional words he will ‘miss’ which seems like he doesn’t hear the word but it is actually not processed properly. His hearing of sound such as music is not affected. His communication is significantly improved compared to his first visit assisted by speech therapy which he has attended on a regular basis since the stroke,” wrote Chen.

“On Friday, John went to his primary care physician for a check-up – and unfortunately for Dr. Oz, it was nothing but good news. By all measures John is making great progress in his recovery and doing everything he needs to do to live a healthy life. John is already fully ready to serve, and he’s still getting better every single day,” said Rebecca Katz, Fetterman’s senior advisor.

Oz’s campaign responded to news of Fetterman’s report from his doctor.

“That’s good news that John Fetterman’s doctor gave him a clean bill of health. The bad news is that John Fetterman still supports releasing convicted murderers out on our streets and has zero explanation for why he didn’t pay his taxes 67 times. Now that he is apparently healthy, he should be able to commit to more than just one 60-minute debate and start taking live questions from voters and reporters,” said Nick Clemens, an Oz campaign spokesperson.

Just days before the spring primary, Fetterman had the serious stroke and he went to a hospital in Lancaster, at the urging of his wife, and was found to be suffering from a stroke caused by a clot that stemmed from an irregular heart rhythm. He was implanted with a pacemaker with a defibrillator in the following days.

After news of Fetterman’s stroke came out, it was revealed by his campaign that he was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2017 and given a treatment plan. He didn’t follow the plan, Fetterman admitted, and it led to his springtime stroke.

Fetterman was off the campaign trail until August, but he has hosted more rallies and done multiple interviews in recent weeks.

Republican opinion commentators have hit Fetterman on some of his verbal follies during speeches and stated he is unfit to serve.

“The only issues lingering from the stroke is just having some auditory processing every now and then. I’ll miss a word, or I might push two words together sometime in a conversation. But that’s really the only issue and it’s getting better and better,” Fetterman said in an interview with KDKA-TV in late summer.

At a recent rally in Bristol Borough, Fetterman said he continues to recover and will be ready to serve Pennsylvanians in Washington D.C.

“A lot of people can relate to what I’m going through,” Fetterman told the 1,200 people gathered along the Delaware River waterfront.

Oz’s campaign has hit Fetterman hard in the wake of his stroke, with Oz campaign Senior Communications Advisor Rachel Tripp telling BusinessInsider.com in late summer: “If John Fetterman had ever eaten a vegetable in his life, then maybe he wouldn’t have had a major stroke.”

Oz’s campaign has also pushed Fetterman to release his medical records in the wake of his stroke.

The Oz campaign took some criticism for attacks on Fetterman’s health, while Fetterman has used his recovery as a way to connect with those who have suffered strokes and other medical problems.

Below is the full text of the doctor’s letter on Fetterman’s health:

October 15, 2022
MEDICAL REPORT FOR JOHN K. FETTERMAN

Re: John K Fetterman
DOB: 8/15/1969

On Friday, October 14, 2022 I saw Lt. Governor Fetterman for a follow-up office visit after he had previously established care with me as his primary care physician in May.

Overall, the Lt. Governor is recovering well from his stroke and his health has continued to improve. His physical exam was normal with blood pressure 116/82, heart rate 80, and pulse oximetry of 97% on room air. His lung exam was clear, heart rate was regular, and his strength was normal in all four extremities without any strength or coordination deficits. He spoke intelligently without cognitive deficits. His speech was normal and he continues to exhibit symptoms of an auditory processing disorder which can come across as hearing difficulty. Occasional words he will “miss” which seems like he doesn’t hear the word but it is actually not processed properly. His hearing of sound such as music is not affected. His communication is significantly improved compared to his first visit assisted by speech therapy which he has attended on a regular basis since the stroke.

Laboratory testing was performed and the results are good. His lipid profile is excellent with total cholesterol 124, HDL 54, LDL 56, and triglycerides 60. Kidney function, electrolytes, liver function, and vitamin levels are all normal. The Lt. Governor also received appropriate flu and pneumonia vaccinations at his office visit.

I have spoken with his neurologist and cardiologist and he will follow-up with them routinely. The Lt. Governor takes appropriate medications to optimize his heart condition and prevent future strokes. He also exercises routinely and can walk 4 to 5 miles regularly without difficulty.

Overall, Lt. Governor Fetterman is well and shows strong commitment to maintaining good fitness and health practices. He has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office.

Sincerely,
Clifford Chen, MD

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