A Fit Kerry Dogged by Medical Questions
Elective Shoulder Surgery Is Latest Setback for Candidate
By Jim VandeHei
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, March 29, 2004; Page A07
ST. LOUIS, March 28 -- Sen. John F. Kerry, by most measures an unusually fit 60-year-old, has spent key parts of his presidential campaign battling ailments ranging from prostate cancer to a stubborn cough and cold.
Kerry frequently complains to reporters of a stiff right shoulder or allergies that leave his voice raspy and sore. For much of this year, Kerry has curtailed speaking and sipped hot lemon tea to nurse a voice strained by hacking and yakking. In mid-February, he described the ailment to reporters as a "chest thing" and griped about its persistence.
On Wednesday, Kerry will undergo elective shoulder surgery for a slight tear, marking the second time the Democratic candidate has missed time on the hustings for an operation. In 2003, shortly after announcing his campaign, Kerry had his prostate removed to cure early-stage cancer. This week, he will be in Boston for at least four days....
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A St. Louis TV reporter's first question to Kerry after Wednesday's surgery was announced was whether the candidate had a "Cheney problem," a reference to health questions that have dogged the vice president as a result of his heart condition. Kerry brushed off the inquiry with a simple "no," and declared, "I'm healthy." Indeed, based on Kerry's partial medical records, which were released last year, the Massachusetts senator appears to be in fine shape. Sunday morning at Chris' Pancakes and Dining, three patrons commented about how Kerry looks better in person than he does on television. Yet one man commented, "You need a little flesh on." Kerry agreed and said, "I know. I'm working on it."
(The article states that Kerry's physician will release "an updated summary of the candidate's health record" today, and that a Mass. General physician will brief reporters on the candidate's shoulder surgery.)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A31786-2004Mar28.html