DEAR DR. ROACH: I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve at age 54 (I’m now 62). I see a general cardiologist annually for an echocardiogram and an EKG, and have had one transesophageal echocardiogram. However, he has never ordered a CT or MRI to thoroughly check my aorta. I’ve read that BAV patients may […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My cousin is having irregular periods. Her last one was three months ago. She was given Provera for 10 days to help, but after she stopped it, she had a very heavy period. Is that normal? — T.R. ANSWER: Provera is a brand of a type of progesterone, a female hormone. This […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: A woman in my town wears oxygen and has something called “LAM.” What is LAM, and when should one get evaluated for it? — A.L. ANSWER: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disorder (a few people per million will have it) that can affect many organs, but most commonly the lung. It is found […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My wife, age 65, has been suffering from abdominal pain for over a year. The pain comes within minutes of eating a meal. She was diagnosed with abdominal angina, and had a stent placed to open the vessel that showed blockage. We were told that she’d get immediate relief if successful, but […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Last year, I had an abnormal Pap smear. My follow-up colposcopy did not show anything. Two weeks ago, I had another abnormal Pap smear, and I am scheduled for another colposcopy next month. I am scared and nervous that precancerous cells will be found. I am 51 years old. — O.K. ANSWER: […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I would like to know your opinion regarding “cool sculpting.” Does it really work? Are there any bad consequences that a person should know about it? Is it advisable for a person in her 80s who is in good health and is not overweight but is beginning to add fat around her […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Our 37-year-old daughter has Addison’s disease. We have had some difficulty trying to regulate her electrolytes and her blood pressure, which is always low, sometimes extremely so. She has known about it for 10 years now. What can one do besides try to stay hydrated to keep the pressure up? Last evening, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: About 40 years ago, I was given a tetanus shot after a large cut to my hand. Hours later, I developed a severe case of lockjaw. My lockjaw occurred around midnight. I phoned my doctor immediately and was told to take some aspirin. This worked, and I have not had any tetanus […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My son (early 40s) has been romantically involved with a woman (early 30s) for the past two years. She has always been underweight, but seems to be in good health. She has a past history of endometrial cancer, and has had no recurrence since treatment. Now she has been diagnosed with myeloma. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 95 years old, and have been suffering from a very painful case of shingles. I take many medicines for pain, and for high blood pressure and glaucoma. My health-food store advertises a natural cure for shingles, and I wonder if it would interact with the medications I take. — J.H. […]