Sen. John Fetterman has shared a positive recovery update — along with a photo showing the aftermath of his recent injuries — just two days after he was hospitalized near his Pennsylvania home.
In a message posted on X on Saturday, Nov. 15, the 56-year-old senator said, “20 stitches later and a full recovery, I’m back home with @giselefetterman and the kids. I’m overwhelmed + profoundly grateful for all the well-wishes. Truly.”
He continued by thanking the medical professionals who treated him: “Grateful for @UPMC for the incredible medical care that put me back together. THANK YOU SO MUCH.”
He ended his post with, “See you back in DC,” along with a photo showing stitches across his forehead and nose.
Fetterman fell while walking near his home in Braddock, Pa., early Thursday morning, Nov. 13, and was transported to a Pittsburgh hospital. His spokesperson later said in a statement shared on X that doctors determined he suffered a ventricular fibrillation flare-up, which caused light-headedness and led to his fall.
Ventricular fibrillation — an emergency form of arrhythmia affecting the heart’s lower chambers — is described by the Mayo Clinic as the most common cause of sudden cardiac death.
According to the statement, Fetterman opted to remain under observation while doctors adjusted his medication. The senator expressed his gratitude to first responders and medical staff, joking, “If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!”
Fetterman previously suffered a stroke in May 2022 while campaigning for Senate. At that time, he shared that he had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting the heart’s upper chambers. The recent episode involved the lower chambers — marking a key distinction in his ongoing cardiac health.
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His medical challenges have not been limited to heart concerns. In February 2023, he was briefly hospitalized for light-headedness. Weeks later, he voluntarily checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for clinical depression, later speaking publicly about the importance of seeking mental health care and encouraging others to do the same.
In a May 2025 New York magazine profile, some of Fetterman’s current and former staff members expressed worry about his overall well-being. His former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, described concerns in an email to Fetterman’s medical team, citing behavioral fluctuations and communication challenges.
Jentleson added that the situation was “tragic” because of the senator’s potential influence within his party, but argued that his struggles should not be concealed from the public.
Fetterman later rejected the article’s portrayal, calling it a “hit piece” and attributing the quotes to dissatisfied former staff. He also pushed back on discussions surrounding his health, saying the scrutiny felt “incredibly invasive,” while emphasizing that his doctors had assured him he was doing well.
