THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary October 30, 1981 For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY THE WHITE HOUSE PHYSICIAN The President was thoroughly examined at Bethesda Naval Hospital on October 29-30, 1981, by a team of 14 specialists in five medical fields. Preliminary oral reports have been provided, pending complete written reports which will be submitted within the next few days. There are a number of routine laboratory tests which will be analyzed over the weekend. The President is in excellent health. His blood pressure, and respiratory functions are normal. He is fully recovered from gunshot wounds suffered on March 30. The President was accompanied by Mrs. Reagan for their annual physicals. Mrs. Reagan is also in excellent heaith. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary April 1, 1982 For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY The President underwent a routine urological examination at Bethesda Naval Medical Center for 90 minutes today. The results of all tests were normal. No further medical treatment is required. The examination consisted of urine culture, urine cytology, intravenous pyelography, and cysto-urethroscopic examination. The examination team, which included the President's personal physician, Dr. Burton Smith of Los Angeles, said there is no evidence of malignancy and no further evaluation is anticipated. The President visited Bethesda for the examination as a result of slight discomfort in the urinary tract which he experienced a few weeks ago. At that time, the preliminary diagnosis was presumed to be an inflamation of the urinary tract and antibiotics were administered. After a few days, the symptoms were no longer evident and have·not recurred. Other physicians participating in the examination were Captain Kevin John O'Connell, Chairman of the Department of. Urology at Bethesda, Captain John P. Smith, Chairman of the Department of Radiology at Bethesda, and Doctor Daniel Ruge, the Personal Physician to the President. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary April 1, 1982 For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY The President today will visit Bethesda Naval Hospital for a routine medical examination. A few weeks ago, he experienced slight discomfort in the urinary tract and decided to visit Bethesda today because his personal physician, Dr. Burton Smith of Los Angeles, could be in the Washington area. In 1967, while serving as Governor of Calfornia, he underwent surgery to remove calcium deposits in the urinary tract. Today's examination will be performed by The President will leave the White House and will return this afternoon, at which the President's Personal Physician, will # # # physicians at Bethesda. by helicopter at 1:15 pm time Dr. Daniel Ruge, issue a statement. r.rHE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary May 18, 1984 For Immediate Release The President underwent a thorough general physical and medical evaluation at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, on May 18, 1984. Several had be7n conducted in The White House over a. _two-week period preceding his visit to the Naval Medical Center. Participating in the examination were Captain Walter Karney, internal medicine; Captain Glen McKnight, radiologist; Captain Ralph Sawyer, ophthalmologist; Lt. Commander Edward Cattau, gastroenterologist; Lt. Commander Thomas Hinz, radiologist; Captain Kevin O'Connell, urologist; and Dr. Michael Lemp, Dr. Karney said the President is in "very exceptional physical condition" and the results of his physical examination were "entirely normal." Tests conducted at the Naval Medical Center included a chest x-ray, intravenous pylogram, procto-sigmoidoscopy, and ophthalmological examination. The results of all tests were in the normal range, although, during the proctosigmoidoscopy , a small polyp was discovered, which proved to be benign. Radiologists indicated the chest x-ray showed improvement since the last x-ray and no ill effects from the gunshot wound received on 30, 1981. The President's supine brachial blood pressure was 140/80 mmHg and resting radia·l pulse was 72 beats/minute. Serum cholesterol measured in the fasting state was 219 mg/dl. Tests conducted at the White House included blood counts, stool examinations, blood chemistry analyses, urine studies, and electrocardiological exams. The results of all the tests were in the normal range. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary March 11, 1985 For Immediate Release The President underwent a thorough general physical and medical evRluation at the Naval Medical Command, National Capital Region (Bethesda) on March 8. Several tests had been conducted prior to the examination. Participating in the examination were Captain Walter Karney (internal medicine), Captain David Mazur (ophthamology), Dr. Michael Lemp (ophthamology) , Lt. Commander Edward Cattau (gastroenterology) ,Captain William Baker (cardiology) , Captain Thomas Walsh (pulmonary) as well as Dr. T. Burton Smith, Physician to the President and Col. John Hutton and Lt. Commander Kenneth Lee, Assistant Physicians to the President. Dr. Karney stated that "President Reagan continues to enjoy good health. His overall physical and mental condition is excellent. I am especially impressed with the fact that his blood pressure is lower than a year ago - this is quite remarkable." Tests conducted driring the examination included a chest x-ray, flexible procto-sigmoidoscopy, opthamological examination, treadmill/stress test and pulmonary function test. The results. of all of these tests were in the normal range or unchanged from previous exams, although during the procto-sigmoidoscopic examination, a small pseudo-polyp was discovered, which proved to be benign. The procto-sigmoidqscopic examination revealea no evidence of the inflammatory fibroid polyp, discovered during the President's physical examination May 18, and did reveal diverticula noted in previous physical examinations. The President's supine brachial blood pressure was 130/74 mmHG am'! resting radial pulse was 57 beats/minute. There was contraction of one of the flexor tendons on the ring finger on the left hand (Dupuytrens), as noted previously. Chest x-rays were normal, with no ill effects from the wound suffered on March 30, 1981. Tests conducted prior to the examination included blood counts, stool examinations, blood chemistry analyses, urine studies and electrocardiographic exams. Although two of four studies of feces for occult blood were positive, physicians believe this may be from the polyp or from diet, and will be monitored. All other tests were in the normal range. -more- -2- The following laboratory studies were either negative or normal at the levels noted: Alkaline phosphatase Total Protein Albumen 3.9 Globulin 2.1 Cholesterol Calcium Potassium LDH SGOT SGPT Uric Acid Total bilirubin Creatinine Phosphorus Blood Urea Nitrogen Chloride co 2 118 5.8 102 8.5 3 .'9 118 22 7.0 7.0 .57 1.1 3.3 10 110 27.1 142 4.52 million Sodium Blood Count Her.loglobin 13.8 Hematocrit 41. 0 246,000 Platelets White Blood Count 8,200 Bands 10 Segmented Neutrophils 59 Lymphocytes 22 Eosinophil 2 7 Monocytes Urinalysis -- negative for glucose, .albumen and blood Mean corpuscular 87.8 volume Mean corposcular hemoglobin 30.7 Hean corpuscular hemoglobin. concentration 34.9 F.ed His only medicines are multivitamins, weekly hyposensitization allergy shots and yearly flu vaccine. # JJ. tr THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release March 11 , 1985 The following is. additional information on laboratory tests in connection with the President's physical examination: The President's alkaline phosphatase level is 65. figure refers to the LDH level. The cholesterol level is 206. triglyceride level. The 118 The 102 figure refers to the Both tests were within normal ranges. 3t # # ;'.!-! THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary (Bethesda, Maryland) For Irrunediate Release July 15, 1985 STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY The President continues to recover well from surgery. His condition remains good and vital signs are stable. He read during the evening and had a restful nighto He slept in and his doctors are expected to see him shortly. The President will meet later this morning with members of the White House staff. The morning press briefing is expected to begin around 11:00. * * * - '-· . ;... THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary July 16, 1985 For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY LARRY SPEAKES President Ronald Reagan continues to recover well from surgery. His condition is excellent; his· vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration) are within normal ranges. Late yesterday afternoon the President again walked around his suite. He continued reading last evening, both in a chair and in a sitting up position in bed. The President experienced some abdominal discomfort when moving, but has not required any pain medication. He slept well through the night, and was examined by his physicians at 8:00 this morning. He is experiencing no discomfort. He has been reading newspapers and watching morning television programs. The President plans to continue walking this morning, and is in excellent spirits. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary July 16, 1985 For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY President Ronald Reagan continues to recover well from surgery. His condition remains excellent and his vital signs stable. This afternoon he walked around his suite and with Mrs. Reagan, viewed some of the flowers and plants sent to him. He told Mrs. Reagan: "This is the best medicine I could have. This outpouring of friendship and goodwill really warms my heart." The President asked that some of the flowers and plants be shared with the children in the hospital. This afternoon Mrs. Reagan visited the pediatrics ward to tell the children there how much the President appreciated their cards and good wishes and to give them flowers and plants. The President continued reading this afternoon and napped for short periods. He is not experiencing any discomfort and is in excellent spirits. There will be no release of photographs today. * * * THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary July 17, 1985 For Im.mediate Release STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY President Ronald Reagan continues to recover well from surgery. His vital signs are stable and he is not experiencing any discomfort. Physicians report he tolerated his liquid diet well. For lunch the President had gelatin and tea and for dinner will have bullion and tea. He was awake throughout the afternoon, walking around the suite, attending to routine paperwork and reading. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary For Inunediate Release July 17, 1985 STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY President Ronald Reagan continues to recover well from surgery. Last evening he walked around his suite, watched television news programs and began reading A Treasury of Will Rogers. He wished Mrs. Reagan well on her visit today to the u.s.s. America, telling her, "Be sure to tell those people in uniform how proud I am of them. Being here has reminded me that their dedication knows no bounds and I owe so much to them." The President rested well throughout the evening and was examined by his physicians shortly after 8: .00 this morning. They report he had "the best night ever" - his condition is excellent, his vital signs are stable and he remains in good spirits. The President is not experiencing any discomfort. The naso-gastric tube was removed this morning and the President said "This is Christmas in July." * * * THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release July 18, 1985 STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY President Ronald Reagan continues to recover extremely well from surgery. He arose early this morning after sleeping through the night. He is in good spirits and began the day by reading the newspapers. He was examined by his physicians at 8:00 a.m. this morning. Vital signs are excellent and his recovery continues . unimpeded. This morning his breakfast menu will be one of clear liquids. He continues to walk about his suite and says: "I'm feeling great." He is scheduled to meet later· today with Chief of Staff Donald T. Regan and Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Robert McFarlane. It is anticipated that the First Lady will visit the President mid-morning. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release July 18, 1985 STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRE,SS SECRETARY President Ronald Reagan continues to recover well from surgery. After a lunch of soup and crackers, he spent much of the afternoon reading news magazines and tending to routine paperwork. He also walked about in the suite and reviewed the many get well cards and floral arrangements that have been sent him there. Mrs. Reagan has been with the President throughout the day and late this afternoon joined him at a window in the suite where they briefly waved to members of the press assembled below. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release July 19, 1985 STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY President Ronald Reagan continues on course in his recovery from surgery. In the words of his physicians today, "he is fast returning to championship form." Last night the President stayed up until almost midnight, reading and watching television news programs. He slept well overnight and this morning has been holding forth with the doctors and nurses in his suite in an animated discussion of current issues. He has a rapidly improving appetite and this morning his breakfast consisted of fresh papaya, poached eggs, buttered whole wheat toast with honey, coffee and skim milk. He is anxious to return home and get back on the job as soon as possible. THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release July 19, 1985 STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY Continuing on the road to recovery, the President met this morning with Secretary Shultz, Chief of Staff Regan and National Security Director McFarlane for over an hour. He then had lunch in the suite with Mrs. Reagan. The menu consisted of cheeseburger, chicken and vegetable soup, banana pudding and fresh fruit. This afternoon he tended to White House paperwork and reviewed his radio speech for tomorrow. He is expected to begin packing his bags shortly. # .# # THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release June 20, 1986 STATEMENT BY DR. T. BURTON SMITH PHYSICIAN TO THE PRESIDENT The President underwent a routine post-operative examination at Bethesda Naval Medical Center this afternoon. Included in the examination were blood tests, x-rays, CAT scans and a colonoscopy, as well as an eye examination and dermatological examination of his nose. During the colonoscopy, two very small millimeters in size) polyps were discovered and removed. However, they will undergo standard laboratory evaluation and final results should be available Saturday. The results of all the other tests were normal, and the President is in good health. His next examination will be in six months. The medical team included Drs. Dale Oller and Edward Cattau. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release June 21, 1986 STATEMENT BY DR. T. BURTON SMITH PHYSICIAN TO THE PRESIDENT The final laboratory evaluation of the two intestinal polyps removed during the President's routine follow-up examination yesterday has been completed, and both are benign. The President was informed of the results by his physician at Camp David this mornir.g. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release August 8, 1986 Following his radio address to the Nation Saturday, August 9, the President will travel by helicopter to Bethesda Naval Medical Center for a urological evaluation. The President's physicians recommended the examination be conducted at a convenient time as a follow-up to previous examinations. Because of the heavy schedule anticipated for the Fall, the President chose this Saturday. The examination is expected to be similar to one conducted in 1982 at which time all results were normal. The procedures will include an intravenous urogram and bladder cystoscopic examination, under local anesthestic. They will be conducted by physicians at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, under the supervision of the Physician to the President. This examination is not related to the President's previous intestinal surgery one year ago. While at the hospital, the President will participate in the voluntary drug testing program for the senior White House staff, scheduled to begin Monday. Physicians the President participate Saturday because medication administered in connection with the examination could cause an inaccurate result. The President will return to the White House Saturday . afternoon. The Office of the Press Secretary will operate from the White House, though a tight travel pool will be transported by vans to and from the hospital. Further information will be provided when available at the White House. * * * THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release August 9, 1986 STATEMENT BY T. BURTON SMITH PHYSICIAN TO THE PRESIDENT The President underwent a complete urological examination at Bethesda Naval Medical Center today. Included were an intravenous urogram and bladder cystoscopic examination, conducted under local anesthetic. The examination revealed no abnormalities or evidence of tumor or any other disease. No further urological examinations or other medical procedures are planned. Prior to the examination, the President participated in the voluntary drug testing program for the Senior White House Staff. THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary July 31, 1987 For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY COLONEL JOHN HUTTON JR., MC, USA PHYSICIAN TO THE PRESIDENT The President entered Bethesda Naval Hospital Friday, July 31, for an excision of tissue from his nose which had been diagnosed as containing basal cell epithelioma. The tissue excision procedure began at approximately 4:23 pm, lasting until approximately 6:15 pm. The excision took place in a dermatology operating room using the Mohs technique. Two excisions were made and the tissue was tested microscopically. The excisions were judged to be complete when the borders of the second speciman removed were free of abnormal basal cells. The excisions created a wound measuring approximately 12 millimeters in diameter, and 5 millimeters in depth. The wound could be most easily closed using a Lindberg (Rhomboid) Flap, a procedure commonly used by plastic surgeons to cover such defects, and in this case requiring approximately 20 sutures. The plastic procedure to close the wound lasted approximately 45 minutes. The President received approximately 3 to 4 ccs of Xylocaine with epinephrine as local anesthesia. Mrs. Reagan remained in a sitting room adjacent to the dermatology operating room during the procedure. The President will receive pain medication such as Tylenol as required. The sutures can be expected to be removed in 5 to 7 days. The President anticipates attending to official duties on Monday. The surgery went extremely well. President Reagan is in great spirits. He is in excellent health and was laughing and joking with staff upon his return to the White House. The excisions were performed by Captain Theodore Parlette, Chief of Dermatology, Bethesda Naval Hospital. Assisting were Dr. John Hutton, USA, Rear Admiral William M. Narva, and Dr. Marty Braun, Consultant. The plastic surgery team included Capt. Diane Colgan, Cdr. Michael Vincent, and LCdr. Howell Tiller. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release January 15, 1988 STATEMENT BY COLONEL JOHN HUTTON, JR., MC, USA PHYSICIAN TO THE PRESIDENT President Reagan completed his routine six-month follow-up examination at Bethesda Naval Hospital today at approximately 5:00 pm. The tests indicate that the President is in excellent health. The colonoscopic examination up to the anastamosis created during the operative procedure performed in July of 1985 showed no recurrence of cancer. No polyps were found. The CT scan was normal. The chest x-ray was normal. The electrocardiograph responded normal to the stress test. The heart rate and blood pressure responded in a normal pattern. The only outstanding laboratory test relates to the prostate and will be available in several days, but we expect no problems. This physical indicates the President is fit and enjoys a remarkably strong and healthy condition. * * * * Attending physicians were: Colonel John Hutton, MC, USA Dr. Oliver H. Beahrs Dr. J. Randolf Beahrs Dr. David C. Utz Dr. Robert Beart # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release December 9, 1988 STATEMENT BY MARLIN FITZWATER ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR PRESS RELATIONS The President and First Lady completed their annual physical and post-operative examinations at approximately 5:00 o'clock this afternoon at Bethesda Naval Hospital. The President's physician, Dr. John Hutton, says the President is in excellent health, and there is no evidence of any cancer recurrence in the First Lady's mammogram. "The President is in remarkable physical condition," Dr. Hutton said. The President's chest x-ray was clear; his urine samples were normal; there was no clinically significant change in his pulmonary condition. His colonoscopy was performed without sedation of any kind. One small piece of tissue, which resembled a small adenomatous polyp, was removed for biopsy. The tissue, taken from a point approximately 120 centimeters into the colon, and approximately 1 to 2 milimeters in size, will be tested over the weekend. It appeared to be benign. The stress test and electrocardiogram showed the President's cardiovascular system is unchanged and normal. Similarly, the CAT scan test showed no intra-abdominal abnormality. Mrs. Reagan's mammogram showed no evidence of cancer of any kind. Physical examination showed her condition was normal. This was the First Lady's second mammogram since undergoing a left modified radical mastectomy in October 1987. The First Lady believes strongly in the use of mammography for the early detection of breast cancer. She urges women to be regularly tested. · Following the tests, the President and Mrs. Reagan briefly visited with Justice William Brennan, who is also in Bethesda Naval Hospital. # # # THE WHITE HOUSE Off ice of the Press Secretary January 7, 1989 For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY MARLIN FITZWATER ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR PRESS RELATIONS President Reagan's operation to repair a Dupuytren's Contracture of the ring finger of his left hand was successfully completed at approximately 11:00 this morning, January 7, 1989, at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The procedure commenced at 7:30 am and was performed under regional anesthesia. A general anesthesia was not necessary. The President was alert and responsive throughout the operation, discussing various aspects of the procedure with doctors. He is now recovering in his room, and is in good spirits. The President's.physician, Dr. John E. Hutton, Jr., Colonel, U.S. Army, reports that, "The President is comfortable and completed the operation with flying colors. He was alert and responsive throughout the process. His over-all health is excellent." Dr. Hutton said, "The operation consisted of a partial palmer and digital fasciectomy. The disease extended from the wrist to the tip of the ring finger;" President Reagan will remain at Walter Reed tonight and return to the White House at his convenience on Sunday, January 8. Today's procedure is not expected to interrupt the President's normal work schedule, other than the obvious presence of a dressing on the left hand. The President will be no special medications other than routine post-operative antibiotics and analgesic as necessary. The President's arm will be bandaged and in a sling for a few days. After that, only a hand bandage will be required. The finger will require a "dynamic" splint for several months to ensure corrective healing. Doctor Hutton indicates that no further surgery should be necessary. It is anticipated that the President will have full use of his finger. The physicians involved were Dr. George Bogumill of Georgetown University and consultant at Walter Reed, Col. Alan Smith and Maj. Paul Perlik of the Hand Service at Walter Reed, and Col. John E. Hutton, Jr., Physician to the President. Lt. Col. Charles Gandy performed the regional anesthesia. Dr. Marc Hahn assisted Dr. Gandy. Medical consultation was provided by Lt.Col. Lawrence Mohr of the White House Medical Unit, and members of the Department of Medicine at Walter Reed. # # # Statement &p+- z, 1qi9 SEP 8 '89 10:53 PAGE.002 FROM OFP September 8, 1989 For Immediate Release STATEMENT BY MARK WEJNBERG SPOKESMAN FOR PRESIDENT AND MRS. REAGAN During a routine physical examination at the Mayo Clinic, President Reagan was found to have a small collection of fluid on the top of the right side of his brain. Physicians believe this is a direct result of President Reagan being thrown by a wild horse in July. Although President Reagan has not experienced any symptoms, physidans have advised this fluid be removed in a routine procedure which will be performed at Saint Marys (a Mayo Foundation hospital) this weekend. President Reagan's treatment is being managed by Mayo clinic physicians, who report that he and Mrs.Reagan are otherwise in excellent health. ### Contact: Mark Weinberg or Cathy Goldberg at (507) 282-2581 ** TOTAL PAGE.002 ** (;><:.!.... b<:) 0- / ) t/) j s-