(WKYT) – U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell says he is continuing to recover after a fall last month that sent him to the hospital and will keep him away from the Senate floor for now.
In a statement addressed to Kentuckians Sunday afternoon, McConnell said he understands questions about his recent absence and acknowledged that he has been hesitant to share details publicly.
“You all know how folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older,” read a statement from McConnell’s office today. “Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct – I can’t help it.”
In the statement released, McConnell spoke about his childhood, where he survived polio at a young age, which he says has left him with lifelong mobility challenges that have become more difficult as he grows older.
A statement from the office of the attending physician said, “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.”
Senator McConnell said the fall left him briefly unconscious and required hospitalization. He said doctors have confirmed he did not break any bones or suffer a concussion, heart attack, or stroke, and that he has no tumors or hemorrhages. He added that during his hospital stay, he also dealt with a mild case of pneumonia.
“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,” said McConnell.
On his doctors’ advice, he said he is not yet able to return to the Senate floor to vote, but said he continues working with his legislative staff and Kentucky team on constituent services and ongoing issues.
“You’re right to expect your representatives to work hard for you, wrote McConnell. ”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.”
The physician’s office says the senator’s care is now focused on physical therapy and fall-prevention strategies, and that he has now been medically cleared to continue fully participating in an intensive physical therapy program.
McConnell was taken to a Washington, D.C. hospital on June 14.