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Updated: 11:05 AM Jan 26, 2012
UPDATE: Doctor: Ill. Sen. Kirk Progressing After Stroke
Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk remains in serious but stable condition after suffering a stroke over the weekend.
Posted: 11:05 AM Jan 26, 2012Reporter: From the AP |
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2 Comments 
Editor's Note: If you would like to send Sen. Kirk a get well message, please post it in a comment on this article--we will forward them to him tomorrow. Thanks!
Update 1/26:
CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk remains in serious but stable condition after suffering a stroke over the weekend.
A spokesperson for Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) today released the following statement regarding the Senator's medical condition:
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"We are very grateful for the excellent treatment and care provided by the doctors and their medical teams at both Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. We are equally grateful for the love and support of our family and friends. We are very encouraged by the prognosis. Mark has always shown great courage and resilience and we are confident that the fighter in him will prevail." -- Statement from Kirk's family.
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"I was stunned to learn that Mark suffered a stroke. He is young and in good physical condition and I have no doubt he will make a speedy recovery. I have reached out to his staff and offered to do anything I can to help with his Senate duties. Loretta and I will keep Mark and his family in our prayers." -- U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois.
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"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the senator and his family as we wish him a swift and strong recovery. We can all take comfort knowing that as a Navy commander, Sen. Kirk knows how to fight and he will fight through this to return to his work on behalf of the people of Illinois as quickly as possible." -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.
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"I am extremely distressed by the news that my friend Mark Kirk is hospitalized for emergency medical treatment. I wish him a speedy recovery and a swift return to the U.S. Senate chamber, so he can continue his important work for the people of Illinois and all the people of the United States." -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
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"He's young and in very good health. And I wish him a full and speedy recovery and look forward to his returning to his work here in the Senate as soon as possible." -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat.
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"It's at moments like these that we're all reminded of how fragile life is and that there are far more important things in life than politics. So we send Mark and his family our prayers and our wishes for a speedy recovery." -- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican.
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"It's a shock to think of anyone as active and energetic as Mark suffering a stroke, and my heart goes out to his family and friends. It was a tremendous relief to hear that his doctors believe the chances are very good that he will be able to return to his duties, and I truly hope that the physical aspect of his recovery is complete as well. The weeks ahead will surely hold many challenges, but if there is anyone who can be counted on to meet them, it is Mark." -- U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, Illinois' 3rd District.
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"It's never easy to see a good friend and colleague go through such a sudden and difficult medical situation. The reports that Mark's surgery was successful this morning is very welcome news during this tough time." -- U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, Illinois' 18th district.
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"As a commander in the United States Navy, he's fighting to protect our borders and our way of life. And today he is fighting to make sure that he can come back to the United States Senate to do and work on the things that he holds dear. I join with all of my colleagues in hopes he will be back here shortly. I welcome the opportunity to walk across the aisle down here across the capitol and welcome my friend back." -- U.S. Rep. Robert Dold, Illinois' 10th District.
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"Like anyone who knows Senator Kirk, I am stunned and saddened to hear about his recent stroke. But if there is one thing I have learned about Mark over the years, it's that he is a fighter and relentless in his efforts to accomplish a goal. Those attributes will serve him well in working toward a rapid recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with him." -- Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.
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"I join all Illinoisans today in praying for Senator Mark Kirk and his family and staff. Mark has always been a tireless fighter in our military and in Congress, and I know that continues today with his recovery." -- Illinois Republican Party chairman Pat Brady.
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"My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kirk and his family during this time. I hope he makes complete, safe, and speedy recovery." -- U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh of Illinois' 8th District.
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"My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kirk and his loved ones. I hope that he makes a complete and speedy recovery and quickly returns to serving the people of Illinois." -- U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren of Illinois' 14th District.
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"Senator Kirk is one of Illinois' most dedicated and hard-working champions, and it's hard to imagine that anything could slow him down for long. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, staff, and friends right now. All of us in the delegation are pulling for his full and speedy recovery. Senator Kirk is a fighter, and I am confident he will battle through this." -- U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert of Illinois' 13th District.
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"My heartfelt prayers go out today for a full recovery for my friend, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk. I have confidence that the doctors and nurses treating him will provide the best possible care allowing him to quickly return to serve the people of Illinois." -- Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford.
His neurosurgeon said Thursday that doctors have removed two small pieces of brain tissue destroyed by the stroke.
Dr. Richard Fessler of Northwestern Memorial Hospital said Wednesday's surgical procedure is common and is meant to create more space around the brain to accommodate expected swelling. Doctors removed a 4-by-8-inch piece of Kirk's skull, also to allow for swelling during an emergency surgery Sunday.
Fessler says the Illinois Republican continues to progress as expected and there is no change in his neurological or physical prognosis.
The surgeon says during an examination Thursday the senator was alert, responsive and gave a thumbs up on request.
Update: CHICAGO (AP) -- The neurosurgeon who operated on Mark Kirk after the Illinois senator had a stroke says he is progressing as expected but remains in serious condition.
Dr. Richard Fessler performed the emergency surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He said Wednesday that he is still hopeful about Kirk's long-term prognosis. He says the 52-year-old senator is being monitored closely.
Kirk's stroke affected his left side, particularly movement of his left arm and his face. Surgeons removed a piece of Kirk's skull Sunday to alleviate pressure from swelling.
Doctors say the Illinois Republican is expected to make a full mental recovery, but may not regain full movement, even after rehabilitation.
Update: Sen. Kirk’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Richard Fessler, says he's now speaking and answering questions, but does have some facial paralysis and speaks with a slight slur. The doctor adds Kirk appears eager to get back to work and even asked for his Blackberry.
CHICAGO (AP) -- A neurosurgeon says Sen. Mark Kirk's prospects for a full physical recovery from a stroke that's affected his left side "are not great."
But Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Dr. Richard Fessler said Monday that the Illinois Republican's chances for a full mental recovery are good. Fessler says Kirk's job is "cerebral" and he believes the functions required to do it "are going to be fine."
The 52-year-old Kirk underwent surgery Sunday to alleviate pressure on his brain after doctors discovered he had a tear in his carotid artery and had suffered the stroke.
Fessler says the stroke affected Kirk's ability to move his left arm, possibly his left leg and could cause paralysis of his face. But doctors say Kirk appears to recognize those around him and is responding to commands.
CHICAGO (AP) -- Doctors say a stroke suffered by Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois has affected his left arm and leg and some facial movement.
Dr. Richard Fessler says part of Kirk's skull was removed Monday to alleviate pressure in his brain. Fessler says Kirk is in intensive care but doctors are happy with his status.
Doctors say the Republican appeared to recognize those around him and respond to commands.
The 52-year-old Kirk checked himself into a suburban hospital Saturday before being transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Kirk's office says he had a tear in the carotid artery on the right side of his neck. Carotid arteries carry blood to the brain.
Kirk was elected to the Senate in 2010, winning the seat formerly held by President Barack Obama.
Kirk's family encouraged about his prognosis
CHICAGO (AP) -- Relatives of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk say they're very encouraged by doctors' prognosis after the Illinois Republican underwent surgery following a stroke.
A Kirk staffer read a statement from the family Monday at a news conference in Chicago. The statement says family members are thankful for the good medical care the 52-year-old senator has received. They say they're also grateful for the support of friends and family.
Family members say Kirk has always been resilient and they're hopeful he'll recover.
A Chicago surgeon says Kirk suffered a stroke on the right side of his brain which controls movement of his left arm and left leg.
Latest Comments
I sincerely hope that Senator Mark Kirk makes a full and complete recovery. I know what this kind of medical issue can do to a family. The fear, the unknown, the uncertainty about what happens to a loved one after a serious health issue, like a stroke. My sister suffered a brain tumor a few years back at the age of 36. She is still with us, but will never be quite the same. My sister was quite fortunate that the insurance coverage she had was decent, but unfortunately it did not go far enough as some procedures and medicines since have been refused coverage. And so I hope that Senator Kirk's health care coverage is sufficient and does not lead to his having to have fundraisers and relying on family and friends to find the money to help pay the inevitable medical costs associated with such a medical issue that for-profit insurances do not cover.
Get well soon, Senator Kirk! I hope your healthcare plan is better than most citizens in Illinois so you won't have to go bankrupt due to your unfortunate stroke.
