DEAR DR. ROACH: What are the treatment options for diabetic neuropathy? What is likely to happen over time to someone with this condition? — M.P. ANSWER: Diabetic neuropathy is a condition of nerve damage associated with diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2. It affects the long nerves of the body earliest, especially those to […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a grandson who pinches his face. He just graduated from high school and did very well. He will be going to college in the fall. He does not like to be around people, and when I ask him where or what would he like to go or do, he says […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Having recently changed doctors (due to a move), I filled out a new-patient intake. It had this question: ”Do you feel safe in your home?” It seemed like a question that might evoke a response for a lot of possible issues that could make a person feel unsafe. I’m pleased to know […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My wife is in dire need of knee replacements (arthritis, and bone on bone) but she is allergic to nickel, which is found to some degree in all metals — including titanium — used in replacements. Is there any solution to this problem? — R.B. ANSWER: Nickel allergy varies in severity, and […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am trying to decide if it would be beneficial for me to get a second opinion about atrial fibrillation treatment. I was diagnosed in May after my doctor discovered that I was in atrial fibrillation while taking my blood pressure and heart rate at a routine appointment. I was given Xarelto […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I injured my left shin by impact two years and one month ago, and to my astonishment, it still hurts on a diminished but regular basis. I had an X-ray, vein test, nerve test and, finally, an MRI, which showed ”some swelling.” One doctor told me that it could hurt for the […]

DR.ROACHWRITES: In a recent column, I gave my opinion that physicians who are habitually late are disrespectful to their patients, and advised readers to try to get the first appointment of the day or to consider switching doctors. This generated some letters, two of which are here: DEAR DR. ROACH: When I read this morning’s […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am confused about immunity from vaccines versus immunity gained from getting a disease. Protection from whooping cough can wane in as little as four years (both disease and vaccine), but the tetanus vaccine can last up to 30 years. However, the disease gives no natural immunity. And measles disease gives lifelong […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Your recent inquiry from a reader who was on prednisone long term raised a question I’ve been meaning to ask: Is it OK to stay on drugs for ”long-term maintenance”? I’m a 77-year-old man who has been on the following drugs on a daily basis for years: aspirin, finasteride, losartan, omeprazole, rosuvastatin […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: There is a story going around the internet again that deep coughing after experiencing heart attack symptoms appears to keep the heart going while seeking help. Is there anything at all to that theory? It is being read by millions. — M.J. ANSWER: There is something to the story, but it will […]