Dallek reports that "Doctors who treated Jack's Addison's or read closely about his condition have concluded that he had a secondary form of the disease, or a 'slow atrophy of of the adrenal glands,' rather than a rapid primary destruction" 2a. Dallek is hinting that Kennedy's Addisonism was due to chronic use of steroids, but he does not take a stand.
While a U.S. Senator, Kennedy underwent major surgery on his back even though the effects of Addison disease on the tolerance of surgery was largely unknown at the time. 3. In fact, JFK's case was published in the medical literature in 1955, although this was not publicly realized until 1967 4a. Post-operatively, he developed a urinary tract infection and had a transfusion reaction, characterized by "mild angioneurotic edema." He also had a repeat operation four months later 3.
John F. Kennedy has not, nor has he ever, had an ailment described classically as Addison's disease, which is tuberculous destruction of the adrenal gland. Any statement to the contrary is malicious and false. ... In the post-war period he had some mild adrenal insufficiency and this is not in any way a dangerous condition. And it is possible that even this might be corrected over the years since ACTH stimulation tests for adrenal function was [sic] considered normal in 1958. Doctors have stated that this condition might have arisen out of his wartime experiences of shock and malaria.The main problems with this statement are, of course:
a pp.240-241 b p.243
Comment: Devotes one chapter to each President, through Clinton. Written for the layperson, well-referenced, with areas of speculation clearly identified, Dr. Zebra depends heavily on this book. Dr. Bumgarner survived the Bataan Death March and has written an unforgettable book casting a physician's eye on that experience. |
a pp.105
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Comment: JFK is case 3 |
a p.209
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