- California Sen. Diane Feinstein's return to the Senate floor was marred with more complications than initially revealed
- The Democrat's comeback followed a two-month-long absence due to shingles
- The 89-year-old lawmaker was seen in a wheelchair being steered by an aide
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein returned to the Senate floor last week after a two-month-long absence due to shingles. Still, her comeback is marred with more complications that initially revealed about her health.
The Democrat was seen using a wheelchair, and the left side of her face was frozen, with one of her eyes nearly shut. The senator seemed disoriented while an aide steered her wheelchair through the marble corridors of the Senate while the Democrat could be heard complaining about something being stuck in her eye.
Dianne Feinstein's Return to the Senate Floor
The senator's weak appearance resulted from various complications following her hospitalization for shingles in February. Some of these were not publicly disclosed. The disease was found to have spread to her face and neck, which caused impairments to her vision and balance and facial paralysis, as per the New York Times.
The virus also caused encephalitis, a rare but potentially debilitating complication of shingles. On Thursday, a spokesman for Feinstein confirmed it after it was first revealed in a report, adding that the condition had already resolved itself in March.
Post-shingles encephalitis is characterized by swelling of the patient's brain that can leave them with long-term memory or language issues, sleep disorders, bouts of confusion, mood disorders, headaches, and difficulties with walking.
Older patients also tend to have the most difficulty recovering from the disease. Furthermore, before the latest health condition, the California Democrat had already had a battle with substantial memory issues that raised concerns about her mental state.
More Health Complications
Last week, aides to Feinstein said that the Democrat is still recovering from the condition and that she would operate on a reduced schedule. Due to the time she was absent, the California senator missed some votes where she was not needed, according to the Associated Press.
For example, Feinstein missed the first three Senate votes on Wednesday but could return for the last two, where the margin was much closer. In recent years, the Democrat faced questions regarding her apparent declining health and mental acuity. She said in February that she would not run for re-election in 2024.
In a statement, Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin of Illinois said that Democrats need Feinstein in committee and on the floor. He emphasized the need for the California senator to vote on judicial nominees who lack support from the GOP. He added that they were trying to be sensitive about Feinstein's health condition.
On the other hand, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said that Feinstein has been ill and is already old. He spoke on behalf of other Democrats when he said that the California senator's situation was "difficult," said Politico.
