U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas was back at work in Washington Monday for the first time since having emergency heart surgery two months ago. And with his return, the Republican said he will be seeking a second term in 2016.
“This is the first day back and I’ve been working hard with my rehab and all that stuff and I’m in good shape,” Boozman said in an interview with KUAR News.
Boozman said he’s feeling good and glad to be back.
Doctors diagnosed a tear in his aorta after he complained of feeling a cramp in his chest. They determined immediate surgery was needed.
“I was very sick there for a time. The good news though is that in getting through it, they tell me that I’ve got an excellent chance for a complete recovery,” Boozman said.
Doctors performed surgery on April 22, which lasted several hours. Since then, Boozman says he has been spending time with family while recovering.
“It’s pretty sobering when your doctor tells you that 50 percent of the people that have this problem don’t ever make it to the hospital and when you do make it, only 40 percent of the people make it through surgery," Boozman said with a laugh. "I’m not the smartest guy in the world, but you start figuring your odds and the good news is I had excellent care there in my local hospital in Rogers.”
With his successful surgery, Boozman said he is planning to run for re-election to the Senate in 2016.
