The most concerning elements of Donald Trump’s health have been outlined by a former White House physician. Doctor Jonathan Reiner, doctor to Dick Cheney while he was vice president, warned the American public had been “kept in the dark too long” about the Commander-in-chief’s potentially serious illnesses.
Trump, 80, is arguably the most photographed president in US history which has led to seemingly endless speculation about his various alleged health problems. He has been dogged by images and videos of his bruised hands, droopy mouth and swollen ankles.
There has also been rampant rumours that Trump suffers from incontinence and requires diapers. Despite the pictures and rumours, the White House has always said Trump is the image of good health.
Writing in the New York Times, Dr Reiner wrote: “At times over the past year, the president has not looked well. I am not Mr. Trump’s doctor, and have reviewed only his records that have been made public.
“But Mr. Trump is probably the most photographed president in American history, and a variety of physical ailments are easy to see. He’s had large bruises on both hands, swelling in his legs and episodes when it appears that he is struggling to stay awake.
“He’s also had advanced imaging performed for unclear reasons. The public is again left to wonder whether the nation’s leader is OK.”
Below are Dr Reiner’s seven points of contention related to Trump’s health:
1. Dr Barbabella, Trump’s physician, said in a recent report that Trump was evaluated by 22 consultants. Dr Reiner questioned why he had been seen by so many docs and if there are symptoms prompting the evaluations.
2. Trump has been dogged by pictures of his regularly bruised and discoloured hands. The White House blames a combination of aspirin and frequent handshaking.
Dr Reiner questioned the credibility of these claims as Trump’s left hand is frequently bruised and why he is on such a high dosage of aspirin.
3. Trump’s swollen legs regularly draw the attention of the media. The White House says the symptom is caused by “chronic venous insufficiency” – a common condition found in elderly people where blood leaks out of veins in the legs.
Dr Reiner argued a medical report just months earlier found no swelling in the president’s legs which rules chronic venous insufficiency which “usually develops gradually over a long period”.
He said “his swelling would be by definition acute” before adding: “Acute leg swelling is a potentially much more consequential finding that can be caused by issues such as heart and kidney disease.”
4. Dr Reiner also raised concerns about Trump’s apparent inability to stay awake during Oval Office meetings. He said there are “several possible causes” which could have “serious complications if left untreated”.
5. Trump underwent a scan of his heart and abdomen which, predictably, found no abnormalities. Dr Reiner questioned if there was a specific symptom or medical episode which prompted this.
6. A hair loss prevention drug called finasteride which Trump has been known to take mysteriously disappeared from a recent Trump medical report. The White House said all medications the administration deemed “clinically relevant to disclose” were included – meaning Trump may be taking drugs the public has not been told about.
Dr Reiner questioned if Trump is secretly taking prescribed medications and what they are.
7. Trump has long boasted about his “greatest ever” cognitive ability and often references his “high scores” in cognitive ability tests. However, Dr Reiner questioned why he takes so many of these tests and if he has taken any more detailed exams.