HAVANA, Cuba (AP) - The intestinal bleeding that forced Fidel Castro to temporarily relinquish his presidential powers appeared to be the most serious of a number of recent health problems that have plagued the Cuban leader as he approaches his 80th birthday. Cubans were reminded of Castro's advancing age when he fell on Oct. 20, 2004, after a public speech, shattering a kneecap and breaking an arm. But the Cuban leader was back on his feet less than two months later, attending to visiting leaders and making public appearances.
Castro, who turns 80 on Aug. 13, laughed off persistent rumors that his health was failing. Most recently, a 2005 report said he had Parkinson's disease.
On June 23, 2001, Castro fainted briefly while giving a speech in the searing sun, stunning Cubans.
Castro gave up cigars for health reasons decades ago, but still champions one of Cuba's most important exports, worth about $300 million annually.
On rare occasions, Castro did acknowledge his mortality, especially as he grew older.
"I promise that I will be with you, if you so wish, for as long as I feel that I can be useful—and if it is not decided by nature before. Not a minute less and not a second more," Castro said in March 2003, accepting a sixth term as president of Cuba's governing body.
"Now I understand that it was not my destiny to rest at the end of my life."
