MSNBC Breaking: Cheney hospitalized with shortness of breath

[Cooley Hurd]

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10772065/

Cheney hospitalized with shortness of breath
Medication for foot problem causes vice president to retain fluid

Updated: 6:19 a.m. ET Jan. 9, 2006

WASHINGTON - Vice President Dick Cheney was taken to George Washington Hospital early Monday experiencing shortness of breath, a spokeswoman said.

Lea Anne McBride said that doctors found his EKG unchanged and determined he was retaining fluid because of medication he was taking because of a foot problem.

Cheney, who has a history of heart problems and has a pacemaker in his chest, was placed on a diuretic.
</snip>


CNN's American Morning reporting - taken to George Washington Hospital for retention of fluids, possibly caused by medication taken for foot issue.

[pinniped]

1. Goodness, I hope nothing happens before the tribunal convenes.

Searching...

The jerkoff was stomping his foot around too much.

[Divine Discontent]

10. jerk

Medication for foot problem causes vice president to retain fluid


Updated: 6:19 a.m. ET Jan. 9, 2006
WASHINGTON - Vice President Dick Cheney was taken to George Washington Hospital early Monday experiencing shortness of breath, a spokeswoman said.

Lea Anne McBride said that doctors found his EKG unchanged and determined he was retaining fluid because of medication he was taking because of a foot problem.




hmmmm.. could the foot prob be from sticking it in fat mouth too much? just a question. may he have a spiritual change of heart while in the ER... for real

[leveymg]

16. Circulatory problems are common for those w/ advanced coronary disease

Don't forget, Dick has had four heart attacks.

"Foot problem", my foot.

[REP]

19. See My Post About NSAIDs and Nephrotic Syndrome

Pulmonary edema is a possibility...

[Puglover]

27. "Foot problems" my butt....

10 to 1 with that puffy asshole "foot problems" is a nicety for gout.

[DoYouEverWonder]

34. Poor circulation and clogged arteries are more likely

for someone with Cheney's health history.

The water retention is also indicative of congenital heart failure.

All of these are signs of someone in very poor health.

[WinkyDink]

61. DEFINITELY his "heart".

Water retention, swollen feet = heart trouble.

Too many Americans share this problem to be fooled.

[DoYouEverWonder]

63. It the way a lot of people with serious heart problems go

Their circulation shuts down in their legs and their brain and they start to retain water. It doesn't get any better from here.

[tenshi816]

103. My dad was diagnosed with congestive heart failure

shortly before Thanksgiving, had a pacemaker put in the following week and has been fighting the fluid retention ever since - once it gets to that point, you're right, I don't think it will get any better. I didn't know about the brain part of it though and that explains a lot to me, because the last few times I've spoken to my dad, he seems confused and almost like he isn't sure who I am. He doesn't have Alzheimer's or anything, I just think the CHF is also affecting his cognitive function.

If Darth's condition is anything at all like my father's, he doesn't need to be second in command after the Dumbass. In fact, even if he were in perfect health, he still doesn't need to be VP.

Edited to add: If Cheney's condition deteriorates, I wonder what radical cleric Pat Robertson will have to say about that.

[tishaLA]

127. It most certainly can get better

with the right mix of drugs and self-care. I developed CHF almost 4 years ago, when I was 27, as the result of a virus that attacked my heart muscle. Since my diagnosis--I was so bad they thought I would need a transplant--I have been entirely asymptomatic, including fluid retention (I no longer have to take diuretics, for example), but I do have side effects from the drugs, like lethargy and I have had bouts with gout. Cardiologists call this being "well-compensated" for heart failure.

Your father's foggy cognitive abilities will disappear over time. He needs to stay mentally active (I played free cell to help recover my cognitive abilities, but crossword puzzles or logic games would likely help, too) and to exercise so his vascular system keeps going. He may never "recover" tow what he was before because a pace maker would seem to indicate that he's had a heart attack, but he can get back to near-normal functioning.

[DoYouEverWonder]

94. Sorry, congestive heart failure

not congenital. I always mix those two words up.

[One_of_8]

112. Is it wrong to say

I hope you are correct? No one can be so evil and not begin to rot from the inside out.

[King Coal]

66. Is gout something that need to be hid? Is it something one may lie about

having?

[One_of_8]

115. I don't see why one would

My dad had a bout of gout not too long ago. It didn't affect him mentally, just made it painful to walk because his foot was painful. Got some meds, and it subsided.

[Canuckistanian]

131. Gout was once known as "Rich Man's Disease"

Too much rich food, not enough exercise. And it was hidden.

[HuffleClaw]

120. gout?

just what the hell is gout anyway?

[Puglover]

123. LOL...gout is an acute from of arthritis

brought about by deposits of crystals in joints. It basically manifests in the big toe joint.

It's related to obesity, certain foods and inactivity.

[tishaLA]

128. ..and it's also related to CHF drugs

specifically, diuretics link

[anitar1]

130. My son has gout in feet,elbows and fingers. He is in mid-

forties. He has had surgery on elbows and a couple of fingers. He is not and never has been obese. Very active and works out as often as possible.He also eats very healthful diet. Stays away from fats,ect. One thing I know is that it is terribly painful , while it lasts. My father also was ffected by gout, and a lot of the family members have different types of arthritis.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. I can only imagine the Darth like sound effects his body mechanics must

be experiencing.

[bluestateguy]

3. Let's all take a moment to send our best wishes and prayers...

to all of the civilians in Iraq who have been victimized by this war.

[nodehopper]

29. beat me to it!

[Ilsa]

137. Let's all take a moment to send our best wishes and prayers...

for a full recovery so he'll have a long life in prison after his trial

[punpirate]

4. He would have been in the hospital long before this...

... if shortness of conscience were a medical condition....

[saigon68]

93. He is evil ---a Tool of the Devil

[regnaD kciN]

5. Let's hear Pat Robertson claim that this is the "wrath of God"...

...for, well, something or other.

:eyes:

[Divine Discontent]

9. PAT will say

this is God's punishment to the Bush Administration for chastising him over his Sharon remarks!

[bklyncowgirl]

11. Damn, you beat me to it.

Our thoughts and prayers go with Mr. Cheney, of course. If Big Time bites the big one, he is going to have alot of explaining to do to his Lord and Savior.

The last torture victim he met was only a U.S. Senator.

[WinkyDink]

62. No, YOUR "thoughts and prayers" go out to him.

What's this "Our", White Girl*??

(*Take no offense; it's a play on an old Lone Ranger joke.)

[Buns_of_Fire]

68. Don't forget Phred Phelps and his Merry Band of homegrown lawyers...

They'll be protesting in front of his Naval Observatory home nonstop. Remember, DICK has a gay daughter, so he's DOUBLY DAMNED from their point of view!

[cboy4]

101. Double damn you beat me to it!

;)

[samplegirl]

141. the evil in cheney

is causing God to smite him.

[Glimmer of Hope]

6. Local DC news reported that he is at George Washington hospital.

His ekg is unchanged but he has retained fluid due to the medication he is taking for his foot problem.

[hwmnbn]

12. I don't know why this thought came into my head......

Would it be appropriate if there were a noisy protest outside his window, disturbing his sleep?

Maybe influencing the dedicated hospital staff?

Im just sayin'........ O8)

[rodeodance]

41. at 3 am per msnbc

[slor]

7. Did he move too quickly...

into fresh earth air, from his usual sulfurous fumes?

[hang a left]

55. LOL

[0007]

8. Richard Cheney is a total wreck

[benburch]

13. Too bad.

I was hoping more suffering was involved.

[Straight Shooter]

92. Shame.

Bad karma from wishing ill upon others, but I know what you mean. You're living the consequences of Cheney's disregard for others. x(

[tatertop]

116. Dick:prepare yourself for the long elevator ride down to the hot place

That is the nicest sentiment I could conjure up

[flordehinojos]

14. it is bad to celebrate someone else's woes, especially since they can fall

back on you, or on your loved ones... and God I don't want anything to fall back on me or any of my loved ones... but i have to put a seal in my heart to keep from jumping with joy at the news that cheney has been taken to the hospital ... meds do no agree with him, they say. could it also be that some sort of heat for truth be getting too close to him? o! if only it would be. that is actually what i wish for him... let some of the heat of truth get close enough to him! that! more than any shortness of breath or reaction to medications.

[Child_Of_Isis]

132. Cheney is proof that the karma theory is bunk,

He has lived a very nice life considering what he has done to others. So, he'll probably eventually die of heart attack. So what? Hell, he is old. We all die. When the time comes, the finest doctor that our money can buy, will just give Cheney a shot that will send him to la la land. Most of us who wouldn't dare say anything against another will not have that kind of access, and most of us will suffer in death. So much for karma. Sorry, I had to get that off of my chest. Don't take it personal. It seems karma only applies to the "good" people. It totally skips devils like Cheney, shrub and the rest of the cabal.

[cannabis_flower]

138. Not if you consider...

That karma might also extends to your next life, be it here on earth or in a fiery pit or wherever. Perhaps if you live a good life karma will elevate you to a better life. Alternately, if you live a bad life karma will eventually get you - either in this life or the next.

[ClintonTyree]

15. Nothing can kill Cheney........

after having sold his soul so long ago and not having a heart for his body to attack, shortness of breath? :eyes: He probably took a peek at his 2005 capital gains and started hyperventilating. All of that money made from sacrificing the lives of others. It just gave him goosbumps......and shortness of breath.
He'll be out of the hospital and sowing the seeds of evil in no time.

Anyone at DU want to send a black flower arrangement? :shrug:

[Jersey Ginny]

140. You can't kill something that is not already alive n/t

[DemoTex]

17. The medical acronym for shortness of breath: S.O.B.

How fitting. The S.O.B. has S.O.B.! Probably a reaction to an indictment target letter.

[psychopomp]

95. lol

Laughed at your photo, too. :P

[REP]

18. Retaining Fluids?

Hm. Makes me wonder if the medicine he is taking for his foot problems is some kind of prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatorym, like Toradol or even high-dose ibuprofen. Any NSAID can cause nephrotic syndrome (very high levels of protein in the urine and widespead edema, etc) even in people without pre-existing kidney disease. I bet Crashcart has high blood pressure, whch puts him at risk for kidney disease ... well, anyway, I am the sort of the person who would wish my kidney disease on someone else, and if I'm right, even with excellent care, well ... couldn't happen to a bigger Dick.

[ClintonTyree]

24. I was going to ask.........

what the hell was wrong with his foot? Gout (rich man's disease), poor circulation......it could be dozens of things. Of course the Corporate Media has probably been told to keep it all hush, hush! National Security and all, you know? :eyes:

[REP]

30. Gout is Treated with Uric-Acid Lowering Drugs

Usually Allopurinol, which is toxic but causes a different reaction. NSAIDs might be used to treat the pain, which is considerable, but they shouldn't be needed long enough to cause the nephrotic syndrome (unless he was on Toradol, which is a very, very nephrotoxic drug). Usually, for an acute attack of gout, the patient is given IV colchicine, Alloprurinol or some other uric-acid lowering agent which aborts the attack, and then is given oral meds to lower uric acid levels plus pain relief as necessary. Most gout sufferers cannot walk during an acute attack.

Gout isn't really "the rich man's disease" anymore - or a man's disease!

[ClintonTyree]

36. I was being facetious..........

about the "rich man's" disease. I remember gout being called that decades ago (I'm one of DU's elder statesmen). I know it's not an accurate definition, my brother has it and he's far from wealthy. The reason it was called "rich man's disease" was it's connection to the rich foods eaten by it's sufferers, usually foods that could only be afforded by the rich. Medical studies have found that it's not solely a condition of the rich, as you say.

Peace. ;)

[smirkymonkey]

65. Aren't gout attacks frequently a result of excess alcohol consum-

ption? I'm sure it's not because he's eating too many cherries or shellfish.

[tishaLA]

105. Gout is also a result of diuretics sometimes

and it's not infrequent as a side-effect in people with heart failure. It's really unlikely that Cheney was given NSAIDS for his gout, if that's what he has, because it is contraindicated by his heart failure. It is much more likely he is taking colchacine tablets, which does, indeed, cause fluid retention until diarrhea sets in.

[King Coal]

134. Eating cherries helps gout.

[Kolesar]

20. The Creep Veep was sneaking off to CO to have fluids drained from his knee

...last year. WH releases said it was an orthopedic appointment. Left wingers speculated it was a serious fluid problem that would affect his heart.

And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Justice would be if the doctors had to amputate both of his legs--and an arm--so he could be like one of the victims of his war. Good body armor, good medicine, but no protection for the extremities. The term "basket case" was coined during the Great War to describe such victims.

The m*therf*cker will never resign, but him dying would lead to the mother of all political battles to succeed him. The republicans will want to setup a valid presidential candidate--they will want America to do it Condi-style. Anybody who wants to restore our constitutional government will want a Gerald Ford caretaker who could step in if bush* has to do a Nixon and fly Marine One from the White House lawn off to oblivion.

[SKKY]

21. I'm thinking this whole Abramoff stuff must be seriously wearing heavy...

...on the Veep's heart.

[llmart]

22. Who cares???

This evil bastard doesn't care about the millions of innocent people his policies have killed/injured/maimed, so I'll have no sympathy for him. The world needs to be rid of evil people like him and the sooner the better.

None of this phony care or concern from this American. He's a cancer on our country.

[One Voice]

23. One word...

Good.

:nopity:

[midnight armadillo]

25. Oh no Cheney, don't die on us!

That'd BREAK MY FUCKING HEART.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

26. Sorry, but BFD. Lots of people have suffered permanent "shortness....

...of breath in Iraq" thanks to the policies of Herr Busch and his Little Dick.

[goodboy]

28. "medication...for a foot problem" Like, Foot-In-Mouth syndrome?

get well soon, Dick, so we can put your evil ass in prison where you belong

[bigscott]

31. is this the beginning

of the end? resignation due to health problems, * picks replacement to groom for 2008?

[WinkyDink]

64. McCain hopes so.

Or was that infamous sweaty hug for NOTHING?!

[rodeodance]

44. Imus just said he puts his foot in his mouth too often. te he.

[sarcasmo]

57. IMUS is a washed up ASSHOLE. That cowboy hat and gum chewing on TV.

Maybe he is getting set for the part of Brokeback IMUS.

[rooboy]

32. sigh... off to the bottle shop for more champagne I go.... n/t

[democrank]

33. You mean he got real medical attention?

He wasn`t left alone to die like so many in New Orleans? He didn`t have to suffer in silence because he couldn`t afford a doctor? He can afford to take a few days off from work while he heals up?

[WhiteTara]

85. you pay handsomely for his medical care

sorry to start your day with that bad news. Even if you can't go to the doctor, rest easy that you are making sure Heartless gets the best.

[hyphenate]

35. If he's retaining fluid,

it's not 100% likely it's from medicine for his foot. Sounds like congestive heart failure to me.

[rodeodance]

42. you got it. Edema is getting caused by ineffective heat muscle contraction

esp. in a person with heart disease.

[rodeodance]

43. recall he was recently in a Denver hospital also. This man is not well.

[BR_Parkway]

37. RIP - Republican Indictment Panic disease - he's probably not the only

one suffering from it this morning.

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

38. Hmmm...he looked fit as a fiddle on January 4th...

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney delivers a speech on the war in Iraq in Washington January 4, 2006. REUTERS/Jim Young

:spray:

[jazzjunkysue]

39. Today's the day! Conyers needs your phone call! Impeach!

Join PDA's National Call for Accountability January 9th Supporting Rep. Conyers


This is Laura Flanders at the Town Hall Meeting in Brooklyn yesterday.

http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/callalert/index.tt?alertid= ...

Support Bush & Cheney Censure

Help PDA answer Rep. Conyers' call by participating in our National Call for Accountability Day on January 9th. Tens of thousands of PDA members and other concerned citizens will call Members of Congress, urging them to cosponsor three bills: H.Res.635 to create a select committee to investigate and to make recommendations on grounds for impeachment, H.Res.636 to censure Bush, and
H.Res.637 to censure Cheney.

This is EASY! No money. No marching. Just pick up the phone. This will make a difference, and John Conyers is asking for our help. Let's give it to him.

Call your Congressperson. The link above will take you to your rep's number. This will take just a couple minutes and it could save your country.

I spent 4 hours on trains satturday getting myself to Brooklyn to attend the Town Hall Meeting. All I'm asking in return is one phone call, urging your congressperson to support bills H.Res.635, H.Res.636, and H.Res.637, to investigate and censure and impeach Bush and Cheney.

If you really care, you'll make this call. No excuses. This is a representative government, and your call will really help put pressure on the GOP, EVEN IF this resolution doesn't pass. How many times have you said "The Dems never do anything?" Well, we're the dems, and we've got to do something.

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

Please follow that link and make the call. Please keep this kicked.

Amen.


http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/6537

[saskatoon]

135. I clicked on that link to call and this is what I got

"The call alert you've requested is no longer available" What gives?

[rodeodance]

40. Edema from an antibiotic?---No--. If I believe this then someone can

sell me a bridge in the middle of a dessert!

Lea Anne McBride said that doctors found his EKG unchanged and determined he was retaining fluid because of medication he was taking because of a foot problem.

[Massachusetts]

45. Cheney hospitalized with shortness of breath

Dicky keeps slip sliding away towards Hell! I just HOPE his suffering becomes unbearable, just as the suffering he has caused for SO many people in this country and around the world. Dick may you NOT rest in peace.
I feel better now.

[onehandle]

46. I just heard that on the Howard Stern Show (Sirius Premiere!)

Their first Breaking Story!

[soothsayer]

48. Me too! Loving it so far (the Cheney story, too)

[Greeby]

47. This begs one question

Anyone got a stake? :evilgrin:

[BiggJawn]

49. So....Chandra Levy's heart is trying to reject him again?

"Foot problems"..."Diuretics"...

[Laura PourMeADrink]

72. wow, what a concept ! how'd you think of that??

[BiggJawn]

109. Been saying it ever since she "disappeared"

They had her up at Camp David, running on a treadmill and eating "Heart-Healthy" until the morning after the WTC fell, when she was rushed to Bethesda to make "the supreme sacrifice for her country"...

[Vinca]

50. Here it comes, folks - resignation to follow.

Anyone taking bets on the heir apparent?

[leveymg]

52. John McCain

or Joe Lieberman

[Jersey Ginny]

142. Bush would pick no one who would question his ideology

McCain is often an asswipe for Bush, but sometimes not and Bush couldn't handle that. Maybe Condi. She wipes his ass and he always comes off his plane smiling, so she is loyal to him.

[Cooley Hurd]

51. UPDATE: Cheney released from hospital...

...as per CNN.

[leveymg]

53. This is typical for someone with congestive heart failure.

On several occasions, I had to rush my 91-year-old grandmother to the hospital in the early morning hours when she suffered breathing problems. Insufficient lasix dose - lasix is a diuretic that reduces fluid buildup around the heart. The hospital treated and released her the same day. She didn't live too much longer after that pattern started.

[Marie26]

70. Sounds like you're right

"Cheney, who has a long history of heart problems and has a pacemaker, was placed on a diuretic at the hospital." It doesn't even sound like the reporter believes the "foot problem" cover.

[leveymg]

82. And, Shrub has recurrent "pre-cancerous" skin lesions on his face

Maybe, that will be the medical ticket that sends Dubya back to the pig ranch? See, http://www.williambowles.info/guests/2005/bush_cancer.html

[DrRang]

84. Nah, those are almost certainly just precursors to

basal cell carcinoma, which isn't a big deal although it has to be removed. Melanoma is the deadly one.

[leveymg]

96. What do you make of the recurrent bleeding on his cheek?

That site's been bleeding on and off for years after his first August 01 nitrogen treatment.

[Kber]

54. Foot ailment

= gout? Wouldn't surprise me with his other medical issues (and why say ailment if it's an injury). Wonder why they don't just say what it is.

"Vice President Cheney has a surplus of evil built up and it is collecting in his right big toe, causing painful swelling and the limp so characteristic of bad-guy villains."

edit - early morning spelling

[leveymg]

56. My foot.

Cheney has advanced coronary disease.

[Binka]

59. Cheney IS advanced coronary disease.

He is on the slippery slope folks, hope he enjoys the slide into a coma!

[TheGunslinger]

58. Poor DICK

[SillyGoose]

60. Yahoo says Cheney was released at 7:30 am

Cheney Hospitalized, Then Released

WASHINGTON - Vice President Dick Cheney was taken to George Washington Hospital early Monday experiencing shortness of breath, a spokeswoman said. He was released four and a half hours later.

Cheney spokeswoman Lea Anne McBride said Cheney was taken to the hospital at 3 a.m. He was released about 7:30 a.m. Doctors found his EKG, or electrocardiogram, unchanged and determined he was retaining fluid because of medication he was taking for a foot problem.

Cheney, who has a long history of heart problems and has a pacemaker, was placed on a diuretic at the hospital.

The foot ailment forced Cheney to use a cane on Friday.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060109/ap_on_go_pr_wh/cheney_hospitalized

[montana_hazeleyes]

139. "The foot ailment forced Cheney to use a cane on Friday"

I wonder who he hit.

[Rhiannon12866]

67. "But I think the most likely reason of all...

May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.":-(

[obreaslan]

69. I'm sure 2 Units of Baby's Blood to renew his life energy, and he'll be...

as good as new. :evilgrin:

[Bosso 63]

71. and a side order of puppy.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

73. Ahhh. So it begins.

Right on schedule.

[Beausoir]

74. Congestive Heart Failure.

I just went through several years of my mother suffering with this disease. It is a terrible condition. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. But I have NO sympathy for Dick.

[tenshi816]

106. My dad has it, recently diagnosed.

They're having a hard time getting his lasix dosage at the proper level and he's been in and out of the hospital since November, including Christmas Day. He seems to be doing downhill rapidly and has the same kind of symptoms Cheney apparently has (or at least the ones that we're being told about). I've said in another post on this thread that my dad's cognitive function is declining and I'm convinced it's connected to his CHF. I'm wondering if Cheney is showing similar symptoms, although if he were, we'd never be told about it.

[Beausoir]

111. So sorry about your dad.

CHF is such a balancing act. On the positive side though, my mom went in and out of periods of active CHF for many years. One doctor actually told her to get her affairs in order....she lived for 5 more years after that. Travelled to Maui twice, Colorado, New York. She was very disabled but still had alot of living left. Good luck with your dad. Hope he can get regulated and begin to recover.

ETA: You make a VERY valid point about CHF and mental function. I can promise that there is NO WAY I would have wanted my mother making life and death decisions, even in the early stages of her CHF. For others, it probably varies...but it is definitely worth noting.

[tenshi816]

119. Thanks for your kind words.

This is a steep learning curve for my family and it doesn't help that I'm 4000+ miles away from my father. Your mom's story makes me feel better though, and a little more optimistic than I have been.

Yeah, it is scary to think that someone as ill as Cheney obviously is, is Vice President of the United States. Not just physically, but mentally.

[shugah]

75. Vice President Cheney's Medical History

Vice President Cheney's Medical History
Monday January 9, 2006 12:32 PM

A summary of Vice President Dick Cheney's medical problems:

-1978: Cheney's first heart attack, at age 37.

-1984: His second heart attack.

-1988: After suffering his third heart attack, Cheney had quadruple bypass surgery in August to clear clogged arteries.

~snip~
After the 2000 heart attack, Cheney, began a daily 30-minute regimen on the treadmill and began eating healthier. He takes medication to lower his cholesterol. He quit smoking in 1978.

-Jan. 9, 2005: Cheney is taken to a Washington Hospital experiencing shortness of breath attributed to fluid retention as a result of medication he was taking for a foot problem. He is placed on a diuretic.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5533361,00.html

[Historic NY]

76. Send bacon......................n/t

[Apollo11]

77. This news has made my Monday ...

Does that make me a bad person? ;)

[MurrayDelph]

83. Don't feel too bad about it

I always say "One man's schadenfreude is another's sense of justice"

[Beetwasher]

78. "Last Throes?"

:shrug:

[htuttle]

79. I thought his symbiote got a new host in the 80's?

The current one seems like it's all worn out.

[newportdadde]

80. He will be fine, I bet he makes 90.

If he was a working man with a family he would have never got past first one.

[stanwyck]

88. Right. He'll receive the best possible care

meanwhile the Pentagon's own report says that the majority of Marines who have died in Iraq could have been saved if they had received adequate body armor...which has been available for years. I think it's time Georgie quit appearing in front of soldiers. His "support" is primarily photogenic.

[superconnected]

81. About Cheneys Quad Bypass in 1988

Those only last about 10 years, and that's if some take really good care of themself. That he's gone an extra 8 years doesn't sound right to me.

I know this because my dad did it about the same time.

Also, for him to have to have a quad bypass it sounds like he was really eating the meat. That's the number one thing that kills men. Maybe he is eating fish now and skipping the eggs, but most men are die hard meat eaters even when they've been told it's cloggin their arteries. Since he appears to still be having problems, I bet he's still eating the steak. oh, and I'll guess that he forgot to mention another quad bypass in the late 90's. It's highly unlikley his 1988 one lasted 18 years.

[Bushy Being Born]

86. Since I have nothing nice to say...

I will say nothing.

[M155Y_A1CH]

87. Dick Cheney, VP.... A man barely alive.

"Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world's first bionic man. Dick Cheney will be that man. Better than he was before. Better... stronger... faster."

[BlueInPhilly]

89. He was retaining fluid....

and the first thing I thought of was PMS. Then they said he was released and I felt really really sad. :(

[leftofthedial]

90. woo hoo!

how can you survive having no heart and shortness of breath?

this guy is one of the most concentrated boluses of evil on earth. You'd think it would have to take a toll on his health at some point.

[zann725]

91. Probably financial "gout" from accumulating/retaining SO much money/profit

via ill-gotten ways.

[cosmicone]

97. The whole world will rejoice

when this POS croaks. I hope he has a slow, painful death.

[Tight_rope]

98. This ain't news...

[AnneD]

99. It strains my sense of Christian charity....

(and I will be all night praying for forgiveness for my first thoughts)but let's just say I hope Jesus will bless him in just and fitting way I can only imagine his eternal reward for his actions done in this lifetime.

[Mountainman]

102. I hope there is a warm place prepared by God for Cheney when

he does have the big one.

Why does a man in his condition continue to try and increase his wealth? Did he and Bush make a signing statement that says he can take it with him?

[AnneD]

113. Ya got me...

I always heard you can't take it with you. Also heard that as you do do to the least of me, so you do unto me. I am hoping that last one is true. We may not always see justice on this side...but there is surely justice on the other side. I wonder how surprised he'll be when he dies. I am sure he thinks he is doing God's work down here:sarcasm: In a way, I hope my Hindu hubby IS right. What sweet justice for him to be reincarnated as an Iraqi girl (or Afghani girl).

[daleo]

100. Shortness of breath and retaining fluid=heart failure

I have seen it up close a couple of times recently. Once you start going into hospital for shortness of breath the end is not that far away - he may last out his term, but not much more.

[Beausoir]

114. That is not correct.

People with CHF can live for many years. Full and active lives.

[daleo]

117. Yes, it is possible, depending on how far along it is.

But he has had this condition for quite a while now, reading between the lines. I suppose I am going by the recent experience of my mother and mother-in-law. Once the hospital visits for shortness of breath started, the end was pretty close. From first diagnosis to death was probably a decade or so, though.

[Frank Cannon]

124. No way they're going to trot Cheney out on an oxygen tank

And once heart failure gets to the chronic shortness-of-breath stage, that's where it goes. And yes, someone with heart failure can live a LONG time on supplemental oxygen, but that's really not an option with Cheney--at least not in the Vice Presidency.

I wouldn't wish end-stage heart failure on my worst enemy, and that includes Cheney. But it sounds like that's indeed where he is right now. Be prepared for even more time spent in the "undisclosed location" (which is, in reality, this country's most advanced Intensive Care Unit), followed by either a resignation to spend more time with his family a tragic and sudden departure from this vale of tears.

[daleo]

133. Yes, oxygen tanks are another feature of end stage

Just walking across a room can be as tiring as walking up 5 flights of stairs. As you say, these don't seem like practical realities for a vice president.

[progressivebydesign]

104. Congestive heart failure. Not simple fluid retention.

As some have posted, congestive heart failure patients would have shortness of breath from fluid retention, the rest of us would just have puffy feet.

[Benhurst]

107. Why does the corporate news continue to lie about Cheney?

He does not have a pacemaker. He has a defibrillator -- the so-called "paddles in the chest." Pacemakers are relatively common. Implanted defibrillator's are not, and indicate his heart is in very poor condition.

It sounds as though Electric Dick may be on his way out. Remember, you heard it here first!

[woodsprite]

108. I thought he had been treated and released already. Wrong? n/t

[Benhurst]

110. RIght. There's not much they can do for someone in his

condition short of a heart transplant.

They'd better put a revolving door on the emergency room. My guess is Electric Dick will be checking in on a regular basis.

[grasswire]

118. I don't believe this

Any man as puffy as Cheney, with four previous MIs, was most certainly already on diuretics. His poor circulation was already apparent.

Something worse is going on. As usual. And considering the fact that the equivalent of a cardiac lab travels with the man wherever he goes, a trip to the hospital is an important event.

[Benhurst]

125. I think you are right about this, grasswire.

Electric Dick's going to a public hospital signals his "paddles in the chest" and his traveling home care unit are no longer adequate.

Going ... going ...

[peaches2003]

121. Symbol of arrogance

The fact that Cheney does not release the reasons for a 'foot' problem, a cane, an emerfency visit to the hospital in the middle of the night AND that there is no demand for info from the country shows just how arrogant Bush/Cheney are and how used to this arrogance this country is.

I'm watching Scotty's press conference now. They asked, but Scotty can just say no info here and it is accepted without an arguement that the American public has a right to know about the health situaion of their employees.

[lovuian]

122. Congestive Heart Failure would be a diagnosis which would

insist that he resign because of poor health... He isn't going to resign no matter what ... he'll be on a ventilator like Sharon and WON"T RESIGN...

because of poor health because they have to keep power as long as they live...

[XemaSab]

126. How the hell can the man have heart problems when he doesn't have one???

:shrug:

[bkcc]

129. Maybe Satan showed up to collect his debt.

Sooner than Cheney expected, no doubt.

[Ilsa]

136. The notation for "Shortness of Breath" is really "SOB".

For real. Fits him well. So does the gout.

[Jersey Ginny]

143. That is funny, grim but funny! n/t