Rev. Jesse Jackson Speaks To Son's Medical Condition
By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jul 29, 2012 5:30PM
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and Jesse Jackson Jr.
Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke publicly about his son's medical problems on Saturday, saying there is "no timetable" on the congressman's recovery. On Friday, the Mayo Clinic announced Rep. Jesse Jackson (D-IL) had checked in for help with depression and "gastrointestinal issues." Jackson Sr. said when he first saw his son, "I thought the issue was he was drained emotionally, but that was an emotional assessment by me.”
“I can only speak as a father and not as a doctor,” Jackson said. “When we found out he was struggling and not well, we immediately got him to medical care, where he’s been under, now, for several weeks. He’s gone to Mayo now, so we pray that the medical diagnosis and work will be successful. We also want those who appreciate his work to pray for him,” Jackson said....
“When my wife found that he was in a different place, [she] said, ‘Go to see him, quickly.’ Went to see him, and took him to the hospital,” Jackson said. “And the doctors determined there he needed a longer-term treatment. We took him away, and then after this stage of treatment, he is now at Mayo, and we can only hope for his full recovery and the regaining of his strength.”
Jackson was speaking with reporters Saturday after a demonstration at the AMC River East theater, pushing for a ban on assault weapons. Jackson declined to address rumors that Jr.'s "gastrointestinal issues" could be related to a 2004 weight loss procedure. We don't like to put any credibility in doctors who aren't treating the congressman, but one doctor told the Washington Post that the gastrointestinal issues could also be a symptom of his depression.