Republican Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw issued some sad news to his constituents about his health, but there is reason to be hopeful.
The firebrand representative, who was injured serving in the military, has undergone surgery that has left him temporarily blind but, he said, he will be back to full strength and back in Congress soon, a statement from the representative said.
— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) April 10, 2021
“I am sorry to inform everyone that I will be pretty much off the grid for the next few weeks,” he said in his statement.
“Here is why: A few days ago, I noticed some dark, blurry spots in my vision, which seemed out of the ordinary. I went to get this checked out by an ophthalmologist on Thursday and they discovered that my retina was detaching.
“This is a terrifying prognosis for someone with one eye, and the nature of the injuries that I sustained in Afghanistan. Anyone who knows the history of my injuries knows that I don’t have a ‘good eye,’ but half a good eye. The blast from 2012 caused a cataract, excessive tissue damage, and extensive damage to my retina. It was always a possibility that the effects of the damage to my retina would resurface, and it appears that is exactly what has happened,” the representative said.
“The prognosis I received on Thursday is obviously very bad. Tara drove me to emergency surgery on Friday morning at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, and was by my side the entire time. The surgery went well, but I will be effectively blind for about a month. I want to especially thank the phenomenal team of doctors and nurses at the VA who took such good care of me. During the surgery they put a gas bubble in my eye, which acts as a bandage for my retina. This means I have to be face-down for the next week or so, unable to see anything.
“This is why you’re not going to hear from me for a while. I likely will not be conducting interviews and likely will not be posting on social media, except to give updates on my health and recovery,” he said.
“My congressional offices in Washington, D.C. and Houston will continue to operate, and any constituent needing assistance with casework can still call my offices for help.
“I have gotten through worse before, and I will get through this,” the 37-year-old said.
“I’ve got Tara by my side, and we are here in Houston with plenty of support. A few prayers that my vision will get back to normal and that I will make a full recovery wouldn’t hurt, though, and would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance for your thoughts, prayers, and support,” he said.
There was an outpouring of support, even from some liberals, for Rep. Crenshaw on Twitter.
“Prayers for my friend @DanCrenshawTX for a speedy recovery. You’ve got this!” Utah Rep. Burgess Owens said.
“Cecilia and I are praying for your speedy recovery @DanCrenshawTX,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said.
“I’ve never been a big fan of Rep. Crenshaw but disagreements can never mean wanting bad for others. Wishing Rep. Dan Crenshaw a healthy and speedy recovery,” staunch liberal and former Marine Mansoor Shams said.
“Good luck!! Get better,” Democrat Rep. Ruben Gallego said to Rep. Crenshaw on Twitter. “If your office needs some constituent service support I can make my staff available. Will have our chiefs connect.”
The representatives prognosis and his temporary blindness is a stark reminder of the sacrifices that our service members make for us, and are willing to make for us, daily. Some give their lives and some have injuries that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Prayers for Rep. Crenshaw, Get well soon.