Dear Lucy: Thank you for your very fine explanation of Edgar's present condition and attitude.1 I was interested in Dr. Baldwin's statement to the effect that Edgar can be helped only through his own good sense and actions.2
As to this matter of rest, I am not sure whether you are talking about seclusion for days at a time or for a certain period each day. If the latter is the case, I will give you a little personal experience.
After the doctors dismissed me from the hospital in November of last year, following upon my coronary occlusion, I was instructed to rest, flat on my back, for at least thirty minutes in the middle of each day.3 The preferable period was one hour. This was to be done before lunch rather than after. The reason for this last instruction is more mental than physical, because when one is merely waiting for lunch he is not thinking of the appointment back at his office or the papers on which he wants to get to work.
When I first started this habit I found it more than irksome. It seemed to me that lying flat for one hour was not only a sheer waste of time, but was most irritating. But because I felt I owed it to my position to follow the doctors' orders, I stuck with it religiously, and the strange thing is that now I find it no chore at all. I really feel I profit from it and far from resenting it, I would rather miss my lunch than miss my noon day rest. I frequently go to sleep and when I get up, I eat the very lightest of luncheons. For example, I have a small bowl of cottage cheese ground and whipped up in a Waring mixer until it is like ice cream, and a bowl of fruit salad. The point of reciting this is that it is not too difficult to train oneself, even at Ed's age and mine, to a new custom.
Incidentally, my doctors also told me that if I had started this habit ten years ago, I never would have had a heart attack.
I thoroughly understand your problem in trying to get Edgar to do anything that is good for him. Like other Eisenhowers, he is both stubborn and somewhat emotional, but I do hope he is not falling prey to the terrible disease of self-pity. If he could just find a doctor that he trusted implicitly and put all his present worries on the doctor's shoulders, he probably would have little trouble in adjusting himself to necessary habits.
As far as Walter Reed is concerned, I could, of course, have him go into that hospital for a check-up and advice.4 It is a very fine institution. On the other hand, I could not put him in there for any long treatment--that would be unethical, if not illegal.
I can promise you, though, that while there he would get the finest possible care and the best advice that could be given him. I am not certain whether they have an outstanding man in the neurological area, but they are certain to have a competent one.
I am delighted that you had a chance to meet Howard Pyle and Edgar to meet Ben Fairless.5 Both are my warm friends, individuals that I admire a lot.
I have been suffering with a very annoying and irritating bronchitis, which the doctors now describe as "chronic."6 This scares the living daylights out of me because it sounds as if I would have to go through something like this every once in a while. If I do, I will surely be in an awful fix because at times I cough until my face gets purple.
Mamie went to Walter Reed three or four days ago for an examination and has stayed there for a rest the past three days, but I think she is coming home today.7 Fortunately the doctors found she was in her customary health. As you know, her heart is not a good one but at least she is no worse.
You might remind Ed that he once told me when I was dealing with legal things to consult a lawyer and, presumably, follow his advice. If he would now do the same with the doctors, he would probably be better off.
Give my best to him and, of course, affectionate regard to yourself. As ever
