Former Rep. Henry Hyde Recovering After Triple Bypass

AURORA, Ill. – Former Republican U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde is on a respirator but "doing fine" recovering from triple bypass surgery, his wife said.

Hyde, 83, who retired last year after representing a suburban Chicago district for 32 years, had surgery July 21 at Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora.

His wife, Judy, said Tuesday that he's "conscious but very uncomfortable."

"He's still on a respirator, and he probably will be for a while yet, trying to get the lungs cleared out," she said.

She said he probably will spend time at a rehabilitation facility after leaving the hospital and most likely won't be back home in Geneva for several weeks.

"He's always giving a thumbs up when you're talking with him," she said. "We're all anxious to get him back home again."

Hyde had open-heart surgery after doctors discovered blockages in his arteries during a normal exam.

He was first elected to the 6th Congressional District seat in 1974. He was well-known for fighting government-funded abortions and also making the case for the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.