District 22 Sen. Bill Weber, R-Luverne, was discharged Wednesday from Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls after a successful open-heart procedure to replace his aortic valve.
Weber elected to have the procedure on Oct. 20 to resolve ongoing issues with a bicuspid valve, a heart defect that he has had since birth. Following his procedure, Senator Weber issued a statement:
“I thank God for watching over me and the doctors and nurses. Certainly, nothing happens without His guidance and control. I want to thank Dr. Nykamp and the entire ICU staff at Sanford for performing a successful surgery and providing outstanding monitoring and care afterward. I would also like to thank my wife Barb, family and friends who were by my side or sent prayers during this time.
“Today, I am already on the path to recovery. After 37 years of living with the diagnosis of my valve defect, I always knew surgical replacement was a possibility. Unfortunately, over the past year, I had noticed a subtle decline in my condition and ability to complete physical tasks that I had once accomplished with ease. Knowing where the fault lay, I elected to receive this procedure to improve my quality of life, complete my duties at work more effectively, and best represent my constituents in southwestern Minnesota.
“While I will still need a little time to recover fully, I look forward to beginning the rehab process as soon as possible. I also look forward to quickly resuming my legislative duties representing the wonderful people and communities of Senate District 22.
“Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not take another moment to thank my care team and all of Minnesota’s outstanding health care professionals. For nearly two years, they have been on the frontlines sacrificing for us all. ”
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