Comments on: What's in McCain's health records? http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/ Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:13:33 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Dan http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-3811 Dan Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:45:46 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-3811 Dear Dr Gupta, I am a cardiologist who specializes in rare forms of inherited disease. In that context, I wonder about Senator McCain's shoulders. I've read that he is limited due to war injuries, though pictures from several years ago show greater shoulder ROM. Another very plausible reason for his shoulder weakness, abnormal gait (like his), and facial muscle weakness is facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD, OMIM # 158900). In this disorder, serum CK levels may be mildly elevated. Did you see any records of CK elevation while reviewing his records? If he's on simvastatin, I expect routine CKs are checked. Normal CK does not rule out a rare form of skeletal myopathy. If he has poor ROM due to prior injury, hasn't surgery been considered, such as shoulder replacement? If it's due to muscle injury, that would have resolved with proper therapy. If due to nerve injury, why are his distal UEs spared? I certainly expect his facial muscle weakness may be due to recurrent melanoma surgeries, and his abnormal gait may be due to old age, but FSHD could provide a single answer to all 3 findings. Dan Dear Dr Gupta,

I am a cardiologist who specializes in rare forms of inherited disease. In that context, I wonder about Senator McCain's shoulders. I've read that he is limited due to war injuries, though pictures from several years ago show greater shoulder ROM. Another very plausible reason for his shoulder weakness, abnormal gait (like his), and facial muscle weakness is facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD, OMIM # 158900). In this disorder, serum CK levels may be mildly elevated. Did you see any records of CK elevation while reviewing his records? If he's on simvastatin, I expect routine CKs are checked. Normal CK does not rule out a rare form of skeletal myopathy.
If he has poor ROM due to prior injury, hasn't surgery been considered, such as shoulder replacement? If it's due to muscle injury, that would have resolved with proper therapy. If due to nerve injury, why are his distal UEs spared?
I certainly expect his facial muscle weakness may be due to recurrent melanoma surgeries, and his abnormal gait may be due to old age, but FSHD could provide a single answer to all 3 findings.

Dan

]]> By: Michael http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-3792 Michael Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:24:20 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-3792 I don't think McCain is showing signs of dementia, as some comment was made back in July, and then again in September. I think it is more simply, normal age related mental slowing, perhaps if you really want to label it, early senility. His campaign has overwhelmed his ability to manage and he can't cope with the information flow, so he's turned over most everything to his handlers and campaign staff. He's reading and stumbling over words because he didn't write them, and he's being 'scripted' by his campaign. He seems unaware and contradicts his VP candidate and sometimes his own campaign staffers, because he IS unaware, or doesn't remember the details. He's not comfortable with the negative attacks, but didn't make the decision to go that way. He might not even be aware of the ads that are actually running or what his VP is saying in some of the stump speeches. Like R. Reagan, and GWB he is becoming a 'figurehead' for a group of people who are actually running the show. I don't think McCain is showing signs of dementia, as some comment was made back in July, and then again in September. I think it is more simply, normal age related mental slowing, perhaps if you really want to label it, early senility. His campaign has overwhelmed his ability to manage and he can't cope with the information flow, so he's turned over most everything to his handlers and campaign staff. He's reading and stumbling over words because he didn't write them, and he's being 'scripted' by his campaign. He seems unaware and contradicts his VP candidate and sometimes his own campaign staffers, because he IS unaware, or doesn't remember the details. He's not comfortable with the negative attacks, but didn't make the decision to go that way. He might not even be aware of the ads that are actually running or what his VP is saying in some of the stump speeches. Like R. Reagan, and GWB he is becoming a 'figurehead' for a group of people who are actually running the show.

]]> By: Eileen RN APN http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-3716 Eileen RN APN Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:39:44 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-3716 Dr. Gupta; given Sen. mcCain's POW history of atrocious beatings, one must ponder about the long-term neurological effects. His recent "erratic" behavior begs for a complete neuro assessment. He probably has had multiple concussions due to the head trauma. As you well know, it can take decades for the clinical sequelae to exhibit themselves. His choice of VP is out-of-character for a man who always put his country first and "would rather win a war and lose an election" rather than the opposite scenario. there appears to be some recent judgement impairment and other cognitive defects that he is no longer able to cover. he also might be demonstrating some early parkinsonian symtoms with the facial "tics". To his medical resume I might add "R/O cerebral concussion effects secondary to repeated head injuries." And Sarah Palin most likely is Borderline Personality disorder. it's a shame the American people are so unaware of the BPD disorder and how it can run havoc in any system (family, workplace, White House policies). Feel free to truncate my second paragraph. I know it's probably over the limit, but it is so true. Thanks. Dr. Gupta; given Sen. mcCain's POW history of atrocious beatings, one must ponder about the long-term neurological effects. His recent "erratic" behavior begs for a complete neuro assessment. He probably has had multiple concussions due to the head trauma. As you well know, it can take decades for the clinical sequelae to exhibit themselves. His choice of VP is out-of-character for a man who always put his country first and "would rather win a war and lose an election" rather than the opposite scenario. there appears to be some recent judgement impairment and other cognitive defects that he is no longer able to cover. he also might be demonstrating some early parkinsonian symtoms with the facial "tics". To his medical resume I might add "R/O cerebral concussion effects secondary to repeated head injuries."

And Sarah Palin most likely is Borderline Personality disorder. it's a shame the American people are so unaware of the BPD disorder and how it can run havoc in any system (family, workplace, White House policies). Feel free to truncate my second paragraph. I know it's probably over the limit, but it is so true. Thanks.

]]> By: Merla Long http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-3632 Merla Long Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:51:57 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-3632 Dr. Gupta It seems odd to me that no pain meds were found to be one of McCain's health maintenance issues. He has to be having pain and further at his age and the way he acts with impulsive acts he also may have been ADD when he was younger , most certainly beginning to enter dementia. I read several of his latest actions today on another website and The Dementia can cause these irregularities. Look at RReagan how he began to slow way down in his second year, Nanci at his side helped him out of a jam more than once, telling him what to say. It is my opinion he, McCain be checked for Dementia specifically Dr. Gupta

It seems odd to me that no pain meds were found to be one of McCain's health maintenance issues. He has to be having pain and further at his age and the way he acts with impulsive acts he also may have been ADD
when he was younger , most certainly beginning to enter dementia.
I read several of his latest actions today on another website and The Dementia can cause these irregularities. Look at RReagan how he began to slow way down in his second year, Nanci at his side helped him out of a jam more than once, telling him what to say.
It is my opinion he, McCain be checked for Dementia specifically

]]> By: kala lange http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-2285 kala lange Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:29:25 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-2285 I just have a question about McCain's health. One thing I didn't see you comment on was his neurological health. I have been watching his speeches and notice he often has trouble finding his words unless they are written out and he can read them. Was there anything discussed about any potential neurological problems - possibly even early stage dementia? Thank you. I just have a question about McCain's health. One thing I didn't see you comment on was his neurological health. I have been watching his speeches and notice he often has trouble finding his words unless they are written out and he can read them. Was there anything discussed about any potential neurological problems – possibly even early stage dementia? Thank you.

]]> By: Karla http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-1393 Karla Mon, 26 May 2008 18:06:25 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-1393 I loved the show on the Presidents' health. I'd love to see you do a piece on how strange Bill Clinton has been acting... and the link between bypass surgery and brain damage. In 2001, an article in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that 5-years after bypass surgery 42% of patients showed decline in mental function of approximately 20 percent or more. A study published this year (2008) in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery using MRI testing just after bypass surgery found brain damage in 51% of patients. Bill is not acting normal or rational. Definitely he's had way too many missteps for one of the savviest guys in politics in recent memory. I loved the show on the Presidents' health. I'd love to see you do a piece on how strange Bill Clinton has been acting... and the link between bypass surgery and brain damage.

In 2001, an article in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that 5-years after bypass surgery 42% of patients showed decline in mental function of approximately 20 percent or more. A study published this year (2008) in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery using MRI testing just after bypass surgery found brain damage in 51% of patients.

Bill is not acting normal or rational. Definitely he's had way too many missteps for one of the savviest guys in politics in recent memory.

]]> By: GripperDon http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-1392 GripperDon Mon, 26 May 2008 17:46:39 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-1392 Great health for his age and what he has been thru. His life has not been easy but as has been said said before but bears repeating. What does not break your spirit makes you wiser AND stronger. McCain does not suffer fools easily and a lot of the reasoni is he has traveled a line, that included a lot ofhealth impacting places in the road, that he is so outstanding strong attests to his outstanding genetic base AND resivour of mental health. Great health for his age and what he has been thru. His life has not been easy but as has been said said before but bears repeating. What does not break your spirit makes you wiser AND stronger. McCain does not suffer fools easily and a lot of the reasoni is he has traveled a line, that included a lot ofhealth impacting places in the road, that he is so outstanding strong attests to his outstanding genetic base AND resivour of mental health.

]]> By: CAROLYN HERON MD http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-1390 CAROLYN HERON MD Mon, 26 May 2008 11:51:36 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-1390 RISK OF VASCULAR EVENT OF CARDIAC OR CEREBRAL NATURE INCREASED IN MC CAIN WITH HIS CHOLESTEROL RESULTS. AND ALSO MAYBE FURTHER INCREASED WITH THE TUMOR SURBERY , SCAR TISSUE WHICH COULD ALSO BE COMPROMISING VASCULARN CEREBRAL FLOW. I THINK VASCULAR STUDIES TO HEART AND BRAIN VIA CAROTID VISION NEED TO BE DONE FOR HIS PRESIDENTIAL SAFETY AND SURVIVAL FORECAST AND I THINK DR GUPTA WOULD AGREE, DR CAROLYN HERON,PM&R RISK OF VASCULAR EVENT OF CARDIAC OR CEREBRAL NATURE INCREASED IN MC CAIN WITH HIS CHOLESTEROL RESULTS. AND ALSO MAYBE FURTHER INCREASED WITH THE TUMOR SURBERY , SCAR TISSUE WHICH COULD ALSO BE COMPROMISING VASCULARN CEREBRAL FLOW. I THINK VASCULAR STUDIES TO HEART AND BRAIN VIA CAROTID VISION NEED TO BE DONE FOR HIS PRESIDENTIAL SAFETY AND SURVIVAL FORECAST AND I THINK DR GUPTA WOULD AGREE, DR CAROLYN HERON,PM&R

]]> By: luke P http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-1389 luke P Mon, 26 May 2008 11:42:30 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-1389 Mccain's age will be a critical and major factor in his would-be presidency. Job of a president is enormously stressful mentally, emotionally and physically. ... most especially now that he would be inheriting from Bush tons of problems- domestic alone- world's crisis not included. Based on his debilitating medical history, I would say he has a fair health condition but would entail constant medical attention just to make sure he is fit to face the greatest challenge of his life in handling the country's economy and international terrorism with competence, mental acuity and sound judgement. I am just wondering what would he look like after 2-3 years in the white house. Surely, being a president accelerates aging 10x. Good health and God bless. Mccain's age will be a critical and major factor in his would-be presidency. Job of a president is enormously stressful mentally, emotionally and physically. ... most especially now that he would be inheriting from Bush tons of problems- domestic alone- world's crisis not included. Based on his debilitating medical history, I would say he has a fair health condition but would entail constant medical attention just to make sure he is fit to face the greatest challenge of his life in handling the country's economy and international terrorism with competence, mental acuity and sound judgement. I am just wondering what would he look like after 2-3 years in the white house. Surely, being a president accelerates aging 10x. Good health and God bless.

]]> By: Frank Ianniruberto http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/23/whats-in-mccains-health-records/#comment-1387 Frank Ianniruberto Sun, 25 May 2008 20:05:29 +0000 http://cnnpagingdrgupta.wordpress.com/?p=42#comment-1387 I was watching your report on the health of Sen. John McCain. You mentioned that he has kidney stones. I have of history of them myself. Do you know the name of the medication he takes. I would like to give it to my urologist and get his opinion. I am calcium retententive. Or do you know the name/s of any medication that you could provide? Incidentally, I will be watching "First Patient" tonight. Keep up the good work. Frank I was watching your report on the health of Sen. John McCain. You mentioned that he has kidney stones. I have of history of them myself. Do you know the name of the medication he takes. I would like to give it to my urologist and get his opinion. I am calcium retententive. Or do you know the name/s of any medication that you could provide?
Incidentally, I will be watching "First Patient" tonight.
Keep up the good work.
Frank

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