Kerry, Shoulder Aside, Reports 'Excellent Health'(but refuses to release medical records)

Washington Post ^ | March 29, 2004 | JODI WILGOREN and LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN

[FairOpinion]

Trying to head off concern over Senator John Kerry's planned shoulder surgery this week, his campaign on Monday released a letter from his doctor attesting to Mr. Kerry's "excellent health" and arranged for his orthopedist to answer questions about Wednesday's scheduled procedure.

At a forum on Monday in Sacramento, Mr. Kerry did not mention his experience with cancer while discussing health care, as he usually does.

The Kerry campaign has said it will eventually release his full medical file but has thus far not done so. Instead, it offered a nine-paragraph letter from Dr. Doyle that used the word "normal" seven times and the phrase "excellent health" twice.

"He has enjoyed general excellent health interrupted only by occasional sport-related injuries and episodes of bronchitis, pneumonia and seasonal allergies," Dr. Doyle wrote. "His blood pressure is normal and his cardiovascular health is above average for a man of his age due to his athletic pursuits."

The three Prostate Specific Antigen tests conducted since Mr. Kerry's surgery show levels of the antigen of less than 0.1, Dr. Doyle said, indicating "a successful complete removal of his prostate gland." A precautionary repeat chest CT scan in February, he said, also showed no evidence of cancer.

[FairOpinion]

So if everything is so great, why doesn't he release his current AND Vietnam era medical records -- i.e. ALL his medical records?????

[FairOpinion]

His cancer could return at any time. Medically people aren't considered "cured", until after 5 years of being cancer free. Kerry so far has been cancer free for one year, if the public statements are to be believed.

As I said, why doesn't he release his complete medical records???

[Richard Kimball]

Here's my take on it, and what I really think they don't want to discuss.

[ladyinred]

The only reason a President in grooming won't release his records is he has something to hide. Pass it on, we can start rumors too!

[Mo1]

"He has enjoyed general excellent health interrupted only by occasional sport-related injuries and episodes of bronchitis, pneumonia and seasonal allergies," Dr. Doyle wrote.

When did he have pneumonia ???

[sine_nomine]

Thanks for your comments. I think you are right about Marpan's Syndrome. Another indication - he took vacation time off and then still needed medical care. He is wearing out fast.

Unfortunately this will make it easier for Lady Macbeth to step in as the party savior in 2004.

BTW - I like your web page and the Reagan quotation. He carried out his goals for America. I hope W can be more like Reagan and less like Father Bush.

[rogueleader]

Folks, there are no boils on his nads, so stop spreading rumors and lies.

[FairOpinion]

Your assessment makes a lot of sense.

Then add prostate cancer and we get a not very healthy President -- do we really want someone like that during critical times? ( in addition to his terrorist appeasing policies?!)

[FairOpinion]

The problem is that they are NOT rumors and lies -- he DID have prostate cancer a year ago -- you are not considered cancer free, until you had no sign for 5 years.

And what about his multiple bouts with pneumonia?

Do we want a sickly president?

Just what's out in the open is cause for concern -- and if everything is so great, why doesn't he release his medical records/

[rogueleader]

Interesting. Osama had Marfan's too.

Maybe you get that by associating with the French.

[Mo1]

That's possible .. I'm not a doctor so I can't give an expert opinion

But the rate Kerry is going with him trying to act like he's still 20 yrs old .. the man is going to give himself a heart attack or something

Remember him during the debates? ... He looked terrible

[bikerman]

When did he look good?

[adam_az]

Andy Warhol would be proud of this post!

[battlegearboat]

Do you have a posting problem or was that deliberate?

[adam_az]

Very, very deliberate.

[mewzilla]

Quite true. He has no nads.