UPDATE 12-17-2012: Senator Daniel Inouye Dies at 88
Inouye ‘Fighting Respiratory Complications’
PBN UPDATE 12-16-12: "He is stable and communicating with his doctors and family," Inouye's deputy chief of staff, Peter Boylan, said in an email to Hawaii media. "Unfortunately, he is fighting respiratory complications as work is being done to stabilize his supplemental oxygen requirements. At this time, there is no time table for his release."
"His family and loved ones are overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection and good wishes for his recovery," Boylan said. "We ask that the people of Hawaii and the nation keep the senator in their thoughts and prayers."
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Intensive Care? Inouye Hospitalized Indefinitely
CB UPDATE 12-14-12: Boylan, Inouye's deputy chief of staff, said there were no updates to the senator's status. He said it was not known when Inouye might be released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where the senator is now a patient.
Indeed, news of Inouye's hospitalization did not surface until four days after he first entered George Washington University Hospital on Dec. 6 after fainting.
What we've learned since that time is that Inouye has been using an "oxygen supplement" for nine months and sometimes using a wheelchair to get around the Capitol for even longer.
These details were not known widely prior to Inouye's hospitalization….
Civil Beat called Walter Reed several times Monday to check on Inouye's condition, and was directed to medical ICU on each occasion.
Subsequent attempts to check on his status were directed to the hospital's public affairs office. A spokeswoman said she was unable to release any information Thursday.
Asked if the senator had been in intensive care, Boylan said, "Not that I know of." He directed inquiries on the matter to hospital public affairs. He also said he didn't know why Civil Beat was referred to ICU….
Inouye is not voting. He was not present Thursday when the Senate confirmed Lorna G. Schofield of New York to be a U.S. District Court judge.
Inouye Secretly Hospitalized Since December 6
Statement from Inouye’s Office December 10, 2013: "For the most part, I am OK. However, I am currently working with my doctors to regulate my oxygen intake. Much to my frustration, while undergoing this process, I have to remain in the hospital for my own safety and to allow the necessary observation."
"I will be back on the Hill as soon as my doctors allow it. Thank you all for the kind words and continued support."
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NBC News: Around the Capitol, Inouye has been seen with a portable oxygen supply. He was hospitalized Thursday, one day before Pearl Harbor Day.
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Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye was admitted Sunday to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for observation related to his oxygen intake. Inouye fainted at his office on Dec. 6 and was taken to George Washington University Hospital. He was transferred to Walter Reed three days later.
Spokesman Peter Boylan says Sen. Inouye underwent lung surgery in the 1960s when he was misdiagnosed with cancer and had a sizeable portion of his left lung removed. Inouye has been using a portable oxygen supply for the past few months both in the office and as he travels….
Boylan said "About nine months ago his doctors recommended he begin using an oxygen supplement."
Inouye occasionally has been using a wheelchair as well.
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November 15, 2012: Inouye hospitalized after fall
CB 12-19-2012: Akaka Spokesman: ‘We Had No Idea (Inouye) Was That Sick’