Dick Cheney Recovering After Heart Transplant Surgery
- Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:16pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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The office of Dick Cheney has informed the Associated Press that the former vice president is recovering after a heart transplant surgery Saturday.
CBS News reports that the statement said Cheney had been on the transplant list for 20 months and is now recovering in the Intensive Care Unit of Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, outside of Washington. Cheney did not know the identity of the donor, but the statement read ”Although the former Vice President and his family do not know the identity of the donor, they will be forever grateful for this lifesaving gift.”
MSNBC reports that in 2010, Cheney had a left ventricular assist device implanted for treatment of end-stage heart failure.
Update (7:22 p.m.)
AP notes that Cheney suffered a heart attack in 2010, his fifth since the age of 37. He had bypass surgery in 1988, as well as two subsequent angioplasties to clear narrowed coronary arteries. In 2001, he had a special pacemaker implanted in his chest.
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Comments (150)
Dahart
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:46pmWow…He is like a Timex watch…Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking…..pardon my puns
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:01pmCheney was a closet smoker, although it has been well recorded. He smoked Marlboro Lights when he visited the Pentagon in 2006. Ironically, they sent a medical team to the ring where his meeting was and set up an oxygen tent outside the conference room, just in case.
I was an eye witness. The Secret Service laughingly said he was one of the few allowed to smoke inside Federal Buildings, because his protection trumped every other consideration, and he was unable to stop smoking.
TEA
Report Post »dissentnow
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 8:43am@MONICNE
I’m no fan of Cheney but you show your own cruelty by mocking an old, sick man who is very much in the winter of his life. Even though i oppose his policies, I don’t get my kicks off of his suffering.
Report Post »You stay classy, MONICNE
MONICNE
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:40pmThis is wonderful news- glad he has a heart. It humanizes him!
I hope his heart was that of a warfighter who actually served his country by willfully going in harm’s way.
Or, it could be a black mexican gay muslim heart.
TEA
Report Post »brntout
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:58pmOr Obama’s
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:10pmObumbler would have to have a heart in the first place, though…..
Report Post »brntout
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:19pm@ BIOHAZARD this man has no heart,so what is the difference to MONCINE’s response?
Report Post »Tandem2011
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:44pmNo one’s perfect. We just need to recognize the good he did while serving our country.
Report Post »TheePolitinator
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 5:38amI’m not surprised at the responses here, they tell me one thing. You all need to further your research a tad,
Report Post »americal sgt
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 10:39amwhy do you always delete me blaze?
Report Post »Harvey1
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:33pmWish you a speedy and complete recovery! Thanks you for your service to out country.Thank you to the family of their deceased love who’s death is giving someone a chance to live longer.
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:39pmHARVEY—
Report Post »You said my sentiments exactly.
God Bless the family who donated the heart and prayers for Dick Cheney.
CatB
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:38pmAgree .. thank you to the family who gave so others might live. The greatest gift … and Mr. Cheney get well … Prayers to both families.
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 1:31pmAgree with all the “good wishes”. This would have given me pause to receive a donated heart because it sounded like the battery/hook-up was doing nicely and many people live for years with this type of set-up.
Report Post »I always liked Mr. Cheney. I enjoy when his daughter is on Fox…she has that “reflective-pause-before-you-speak, that does well for her. I wish Mr. Cheney a speedy recovery.
AnimalsAsLeaders
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:28pmWait, Dick Cheney had a heart?
Report Post »brntout
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:52pm@ANIMALSCRAPS and you do?What are you man,a heartless little man who has achieved nothing in this lifetime ,but a domain name and that is it?Well congratulations cause you don’t or never will have a clue.Get well soon Mr. Cheney.
Report Post »toto
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:08amYou are a typical liberal leftist. The anthesis of what it means to be a good citizen, and/or a good American (not because it’s mandated, but because it’s the right thing to do). You diminish our country with every breath you take.
Report Post »AnimalsAsLeaders
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 1:13am@BRNT
lol
@TOTO
Report Post »Just because I don‘t like Cheney doesn’t mean i’m a “leftist” or “liberal”. I’m a libertarian – free markets, small government, and individual responsibility is my MO, friend. I don‘t like Cheney because he’s a progressive in GOP costume who gave bloated multi-million dollar taxpayer funded contracts to his friends and actively lied to the American people to justify senseless wars.
G-WHIZ
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 11:30amNoooooooo…but HE does,now!! lol!!!
Report Post »LeadNotFollow
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:27pm…
Cheney is 71 years old. Do you realize, that under Obama-Care, we average citizens would not even qualify to get on the heart transplant list, because we would be considered too old.
They would say, that we did not have enough years left in our natural life span. It would be a waste of a perfectly good heart. We would just be given a pain pill and sent home to die.
Cheney better thank God, that he had the resources to get that new heart, and didn’t have to go through the Obama-Care Health Plan. Since he’s a former VP, I feel sure we taxpayers footed the bill.
I wish Cheney the best. Just wish all American citizens could receive the same great care he received. An average American citizen’s life, is every bit as important as a Vice President or even our President.
Report Post »Salamander
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:49pmSave your pennies for a rainy day, so you aren’t dependent on ObamaCare! Wishing Mr. Cheney and his loved ones the very best! And, thank you for being the unwanted ‘Poster Child’ for a meaningful debate on the subject! It sounds to me like you turned every page in the book before getting this one, last chance at continued life–frankly, I can’t think of anyone more deserving! May God Bless you and your family!
Report Post »KangarooJack
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:59pmSpot on!
Report Post »flyingeagle
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:12pmHe get’s a heart quickly. Yet I have been waiting for 3yr‘s for a liver and I have been told in no unsertan turm’s that because I am on MEDICARE I will DIE befor I even get close to an opperation would ever be done for me!! And people say they’re is no CLASS war fair? And that the President‘s medical plan is supose to make thing’s better? Well my doctor say‘s I’m not important enuff to get what would save my life.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:29pmI know they wont give one if you are a alcoholic or if you have hepatitis
Report Post »Daveed
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:30pmI would get a new Doctor. Don’t let that Doctor operate on you!
Report Post »Salamander
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:42pmHey, fellow. I feel for you. I really do. When there is more demand than supply, there is rationing, whether it be by financial ability, by government decree or by lottery. Which is more fair, drawing down one‘s life’s savings, appealing to your favorite beaurocrat (maybe for a vote), or buying a ‘scratch-off‘ to see if it’s your lucky day! You don‘t mention your ranking in the donor’s waiting list–is it really just Medicare, or are there other factors that make it a ‘suboptimal’ choice (for whom?) to provide a liver to you, rather than to someone else who might have a better chance at post-op survival? I’m not playing with you–your concern is valid; however, it would be v-e-r-y helpful to all if debated with all the chips on the table. Frankly, I don‘t think that ’government’ owes you a liver–if you want one, you need to make your own arrangements. If you can’t, that is unfortunate. I, for one, recently, finally checked the ‘organ donor’ box on my driver’s license. The thought of being splayed open for harvesting is a bit difficult for me, but I’ve decided to do my part to help those like yourself. Maybe what you need is a big, billboard ad stating “Please check ‘organ donor’, it would make a World of difference to me!” I’d bet it would make the national news!
Report Post »Babci
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 9:35pmEarlier in the post you said you were on Medicaid…now you’re on Medicare. Somehow, I‘m doubtin’ this story.
Report Post »toto
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 12:18amWhile I wish you well FlyingE, Dick Cheney waited 20 months and has exhausted every other possible treatment. If ever anyone was deserving of a new heart, Dick Cheney does. He certainly wore out his old one fighting for our country against all enemies from the outside, and more importantly, from the inside. I will never understand how so many can be so ignorant. Cheney is a giant among men for me and I appreciate all he has sacrificed to serve our country. Thank you Dick Cheney, and your family too.
Report Post »Skrewedretiree
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:06pmThanks, I will.
Report Post »321481
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:02pmI hope he has a speedy recovery. I have always liked Cheney and I am glad he was able to find a heart. I am sure Obama is crying in his peas.
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:42pmIronic it took him 71 years to find a heart as you say.
TEA
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:52pmMonicine,
You’re a real A$$, making fun of a situation like this!!! I‘m sure it isn’t funny to either family, and you wouldn’t think so if it was one of your family.
Report Post »bitoreality
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:13pm@JQCitizen…my family isn’t evil, so no i wouldn’t feel the same. Hey cheney save me a seat in Hell.
signed a life long republican…who has achieved much in my life contrary to posts that my say otherwise.
Report Post »AnimalsAsLeaders
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 3:18am@JQ
Report Post »What do you mean “a situation like this”? It’s not like the man died or had another heart attack – he had a successful operation and is now recovering…
Carol in MA
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:59pmBest Wishes to VP Cheney, My thoughts & prayers are with you~!!!
Report Post »nomadone
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:56pmHmmmm, Breitbart dies and now Cheney gets a heart transplant. Hmmmmmm?
Just kidding. I love and miss Breibart and hope for nothing but the best and fastest recovery for Mr. Cheney.
Report Post »flyingeagle
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:54pmI‘ve been waiting for 3yr’s for a liver tranceplant but being on medicade I have in no unsertane word that I will probably DIE without one!! Class war or what?
Report Post »brntout
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:57pmThey are currently working hard in the field of partial donation kidey transplants,where the donor is still living and it can be halved,and still with the help of stem cells ,regrow to normal size and capacity for donor and recipient.Obama care is the biggest obstacle.
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:58pmSorry about your plight, but it’s not a class thing; – I had a brother-in-law whose liver was destroyed by Chrone’s disease. He was a doctor, and died waiting for a liver, but understood they didn’t do live donor transplants then because of a couple of deaths among donors; – and I’m quite sure that made ethics and liability an issue. Hopefully some of these obstacles can be ironed out soon.
Report Post »Skrewedretiree
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:54pmFor what it’s worth my comment that appears alone about the vile and hateful comments coming from the left was aimed at POSSUM.
When Cheny was slated as Bush’s VP, there were many (myself and some conservative co-workers included) who thought the ticket shoud be Cheny-Bush!
I wish him a speedy recovery. Thank God the transplant was done now before Obamacare kicked in full force….
Report Post »Wdawg
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:53pmThe Dark Lord needs rest!
Report Post »brntout
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 10:11pmQuick ,go poke him in the eye,the best never rest.
Report Post »marcus_arealius
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:51pmBest wishes Mr. Cheney, I would follow you into battle anywhere, anytime. Get well soon.
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:51pmIf he actually ever goes into combat, I will be the first to follow him.
But this chicken hawk got 5 deferrals from Vietnam service to eventually become the Secretary of Defense who contracted 40% of the active duty budget to Halliburton and Ke;llog Brown Root; and then became the neocon VP responsible for our occupation of Iraq and the 4,000 troops lost and 40,000 injured.
Hope he recovers so he can continue to sit at home to avoid being arrested in Europe for war crimes.
We are Taxed Enough Already – and I don’t like old white guys who put the country in recession while saying, “deficits don’t matter.”
TEA
Report Post »Clawdewd
Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:44amAnd how do you feel about middle aged black guys that do the same?
Report Post »Compound
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:49pm@possom, looks like your isn’t worth transplanting
Report Post »Skrewedretiree
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:03pmDitto!
Report Post »hillarie
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:47pmUnder Obamacare old geezers like him won’t get heart transplants. Unless they are part of the elite class, which will always get the best no matter what.
Report Post »Skrewedretiree
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:05pmExactly!
Report Post »We should remember that Congress EXEMPTS itself from nearly ALL of the laws they pass against the American People.
Bluebonnet
Posted on March 25, 2012 at 11:07amBut yet, we keep voting for the same people in Congress who only look out for themselves.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:46pmGod please be with Mr. Cheney. I hope he makes a full recovery.
God please also bless and support the family of the doner in their time of grief.
Report Post »Pa7sy
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:41pmWishing you all the best, Mr. Vice President. Blessing, too, on the family that lost their loved one. You are all wonderful folks. Please, everyone reading this: BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR!
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:47pmDitto.
Report Post »MYHEROISRON
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:57pmGod bless you, Vice President Cheney! You are a great American!
And to all of you liberal marxist out there. There very well may be another civil war in this country, but it won’t be about slavery, it will be about ideology. The constitutionalist against liberal marxism … chose carefully unless you’ve got a death wish. And if you do have a death wish … then yer already dead.
Love, Ron
Report Post »The Third Archon
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:38pmWHAT?! ANOTHER ONE?! Jesus, he’s more machine than man now, twisted and evil. ;D
Report Post »Skrewedretiree
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:44pmTwisted and evil? No, no…He’s not a Democrat.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:49pmThird: Cheney always speaks well of you.
Report Post »soybomb315
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:55pmLOL – was that an anakin skywalker reference?
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:37pmLet the Liberal jokes in poor taste commence.
Report Post »Skrewedretiree
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:43pmThey are already there and bountiful. It’s their way of confirming what we already know about the “respecting diversity” thing. NOT!
Report Post »marine249
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:44pmthe1st one
Report Post »ShyLow
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:20pmThe joke is , you people think Cheney is a conservative…He liberally gave tax-payer money to line his own pockets…He didn’t conserve money,lives,or freedom here at home…He is a war-profiteering progressive…You idiots still can’t tell a good tree from a bad tree
Report Post »barb1joan
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:36pmI hope he has a speedy recovery.
Report Post »GJPinks
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:33pmYou know Puffington Host and DailyKrauts are freaking out… I am so happy.
Report Post »watchingandwaiting
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 8:37pmLooked at comments on Huffington Post, they were all respectful. Even more-so than a lot of comments on this site.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:31pmGod be with him and his family. Here is too a speedy recovery.
Report Post »Collbuzz
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:21pmSpeedy recovery Mr. Cheney! You have been given quite a gift. God bless.
Report Post »possom
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:19pmThat’s it give a good heart to a fossil, If he was a man he would have said “no thank’s give it to a kid who has his whole life ahead of him”!
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:33pmOf course you’d do that, right?
Report Post »Crawl back into your hole.
marine249
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:33pmI hope they say the same for and about you someday.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:33pmOne day, I hope you are not put into a position where you or a family member needs a heart or other organ and they say, sorry you are a fossil, we are going to give it to someone else who will appreciate the gift of life regardless of your age.
Report Post »IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:34pmHow do you know maybe it was from another “fossil”. My hearts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Cheney and the donors family.
Report Post »TRONRADIO
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:39pmThat is exactly what the Obamacare healthcare plan proposes; don’t waste medical science on those who are older. People like you need to check out the Bible and wise up.
Report Post »Skrewedretiree
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:42pmIf this were Francis Fox Piven you would be rejoicing! You Leftist are some of the most VILE and HATEFUL pieces of excrement I have ever heard of. May I offer all of the comments I can think of that end in YOU!
Report Post »soybomb315
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:44pmmy issue is whether he ‘got in line’ for that transplant – or did he get to go first because he was a politician? i have no answers
Report Post »barber2
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 7:51pmPOSSUM : Soon to be appointed Obama’s Heath Care Czar.
Report Post »BigDog2372
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:41pmSoybomb. The article clearly says that he waited in line 20 months. So you do have an answer. The answer is that your assumptions are incorrect. He did not jump in line. He waited like anyone else.
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