Breaking News - Ashcroft Hospitalized With Stomach Pains

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Ashcroft Hospitalized With Stomach Pains

Friday, March 05, 2004



WASHINGTON — Attorney General John Ashcroft has been hospitalized with a severe case of gallstone pancreatitis, his chief spokesman said Friday.

Ashcroft, a former member of the Senate who has been free of health problems, canceled an appearance Thursday afternoon at which he was to have announced verdicts in a terrorism case.

Justice Department (search) spokesman Mark Corallo, said the 61-year-old attorney general initially believed he had stomach flu.

"He went home and when the condition worsened, he was visited by White House Physician Daniel Parks, M.D. who advised that he go to the emergency room," Corallo said.

He said Ashcroft was taken Thursday night to the emergency room of the George Washington University Hospital (search) here for evaluation of stomach complaints.

"After a full medical work up in the emergency room," Corallo said, "it was determined that he was suffering from a severe case of gallstone pancreatitis. He was admitted to intensive care for careful monitoring and is being treated with antibiotics."

The spokesman added, "Doctors expect to know more within 48 hours."

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[Josephine96]

Well.. I guess all I can say is that I hope Mr. Ashcroft gets better

[wx247]

Oh my... that is painful. Hope he gets better soon.