# McConnell's Polio May Slow Recovery 7 Times > Senator Mitch McConnell's recovery from a fall may take seven times longer than normal due to childhood polio, expert warns. - Title: McConnell's Polio May Slow Recovery 7 Times · Newsweek - Summary: Senator Mitch McConnell's recovery from a fall may take seven times longer than normal due to childhood polio, expert warns. - Keywords: mitch mcconnell, polio, childhood polio, recovery, senate, physical therapy, fall, pneumonia, bed rest, post-polio syndrome, senate farm bill, kentucky governor - Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/mitch-mcconnell-vote-childhood-polio-recovery-senate-12461927 - Published: 2026-09-19T09:00:00+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: mitch mcconnell, polio, childhood polio, recovery, senate, physical therapy, fall, pneumonia, bed rest, post-polio syndrome, senate farm bill, kentucky governor ## McConnell returns to Senate after three-month absence Senator Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate on September 14 after a three-month absence due to a fall, hospitalization, and pneumonia. ## McConnell cites childhood polio as recovery challenge McConnell stated his recovery has been 'long and often frustrating' due to childhood polio, saying he is 'still not quite back to 100%' and will continue physical therapy. > My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven't made it any easier ## Expert warns polio recovery may be seven times slower Dr. Fred Maynard, a post-polio specialist, said polio survivors may take seven times longer than normal to recover from disuse atrophy, especially after hospitalization. > polio survivors 'may take seven times longer than normal to recover from the disuse atrophy associated with bedrest' ## Polio effects worsen with age Maynard explained that polio survivors can experience increased weakness and fatigue as they age, with some developing post-polio syndrome years after the initial infection. > When you start getting older those compensation mechanisms for the other half that wasn't affected by the polio, that pool of nerve cells starts being overused and wearing out ## McConnell's fall led to hospitalization McConnell's June 14 fall caused him to lose consciousness and later develop mild pneumonia, requiring bed rest and significant rehabilitation. ## Bed rest worsens polio recovery Maynard warned that bed rest rapidly leads to deterioration for polio survivors, with recovery being much slower than for normal people. > Bed rest rapidly leads to deterioration, that's true for anyone if you put [them] on complete bedrest, but it's more so the older you get ## Polio survivors face higher fall risks Maynard noted that polio survivors are at greater risk of falls, with injuries potentially causing prolonged inactivity and further weakness. > not only are polio survivors at greater risks of falls, but a fall can have consequences for them beyond the immediate injury ## McConnell's recovery timeline McConnell's doctors confirmed his rehabilitation focused on rebuilding strength and reducing fall risks, with his childhood polio described as a 'significant factor' in his mobility. ## Senate Farm Bill vote highlights challenges McConnell cast a crucial Senate Farm Bill vote but had to be prompted by colleagues, echoing a similar incident involving former Senator Dianne Feinstein. ## Kentucky Governor calls for transparency Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear demanded McConnell publicly demonstrate his capacity to serve or resign after his prolonged absence. > You can't not show up for work and not call and talk to your boss. And his boss is the people of Kentucky ## McConnell's term ends in 2027 McConnell has announced he will not seek reelection, with his current term ending in January 2027. ## Polio recovery cycle Maynard explained that weakness can create a cycle where less movement leads to further weakness, making full recovery difficult. > For someone who has already lost some motor nerve function, losing additional strength during a period of hospitalization or inactivity can create a difficult cycle ## Senate faces funding deadline The Senate confronts a December 11 government-funding deadline, with McConnell holding key committee roles that require his participation. ## McConnell's physical limitations persist McConnell stated he might not be present for every vote, acknowledging he is not yet back to his previous physical endurance. > I will do my best to be present for tough votes when our conference needs me ## Key takeaway Senator Mitch McConnell's recovery from a fall may take seven times longer than normal due to childhood polio, according to an expert.