A long-time member of the Carter County Commission was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting of the governing body due to serious health issues that led to his hospitalization.
At the start of Tuesday evening’s meeting, Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey asked Commissioner Ray Lyons to address the Commission regarding Commissioner John Lewis. Lyons told his fellow commissioners that he had spoken with Lewis, who he said gave him permission to relay information regarding his health to their colleagues.
Lewis recently was taken to the emergency room at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Johnson City and was hospitalized for further treatment.
“He went to the VA with some chest pains and difficulty breathing,” Lyons said, adding Lewis was later transferred to a hospital in Bristol.
Testing at the hospital revealed Lewis had five blockages in and around Lewis’ heart as well as a concern with his carotid artery, Lyons told his fellow commissioners, adding Lewis is now facing major surgery.
“It’s a five-bypass surgery and it’s very serious,” Lyons said, adding there were complications that prevented doctors from immediately performing the surgery. “They determined he had an infection in his chest and they will have to clear that up before they can do the surgery.”
Lyons told his fellow commissioners that Lewis asked for them to keep them in his prayers as he faces the surgery and recovers.
“It’s very serious but he seemed to be in good spirits,” Lyons said.