Former Rep. Henry Hyde Recovering After Triple Bypass
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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."
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"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."
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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.