DEAR DR. ROACH: My wife had a laparotomy several months ago, and she lost the hearing in her right ear, possibly from an antibiotic given (intravenous vancomycin). She has had four steroid injections into the right ear, to no avail. She now has to be fitted with a hearing aid. What is the likelihood of […]
Advice
Niece is shocked to learn reason uncle is in prison
DEAR ABBY: I cannot believe it! My parents tricked me into comforting a child molester. When I was young, my uncle “Dave” went to prison. My family told it like this: “Dave had an affair with a 17-year-old girl who was pretending to be 18. They made a sex tape, her parents found it and […]
Aquarius: Ignore people looking to start a fight
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Andre Agassi, 50; Uma Thurman, 50; Michelle Pfeiffer, 62; Jerry Seinfeld, 66. Happy Birthday: Assess and reassess before making a decision. Too much, too quick and too time-consuming should all be considerations when thinking about what you want to accomplish this year. You are best to concentrate on what’s reasonable […]
Capricorn: Expect benefits from making a change to your way of life
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jessica Alba, 39; Penelope Cruz, 46; Jay Leno, 70; Ann-Margret, 79. Happy Birthday: Speak openly and offer suggestions. Use charm and finesse to persuade others to see things your way. A calm but ambitious demeanor will be far more attractive than aggressive behavior and anger. Use intelligence to get your […]
Wellness visits don’t double as regular checkups
DEAR DR. ROACH: Our excellent insurance allows for a yearly wellness visit at no cost. My regular copay is a very reasonable $10. So, the cost is not the real issue. For the past few years, after my visit, I have received a bill for $10, with the explanation that while the wellness visit was […]
Wife laughs off man’s pleas to end their long marriage
DEAR ABBY: I have a problem I can’t fix. I have been married for 54 years. For the last 20 we have slept in different bedrooms. I get no affection from my wife, and everything has to be her way. We no longer have anything in common except our children and grandchildren who, for the […]
Making the switch from natural to synthetic thyroid medication
DEAR DR. ROACH: I know an elderly woman who has been taking 60 milligrams of NP thyroid, then she needed a new doctor, who prescribed 37.5 micrograms of levothyroxine. Why would the new doctor change her thyroid medication when she is having no problems with the NP? Ever since the change, she suffers from headaches […]
Daughter planning her family wants to keep parents close
DEAR ABBY: I love my parents. They are thoughtful, intelligent people who supported (even encouraged) me to attend a good school on the East Coast. I now live with my boyfriend in Connecticut, where my job is located. He’s 23; I am 22. We would like to start a family within the next five years, […]
Sagittarius: Keep away from those toying with your emotions
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: William Moseley, 33; Jenna Coleman, 34; Patrick Stump, 36; Ari Graynor, 37. Happy Birthday: Uncertainty should be a warning sign. The push and pull you will feel regarding a change and potential opportunities will save you from making a mistake. Haste makes waste, and doing your due diligence before you […]
Eugenia Last, Libra: Getting together with friends will ease stress
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jemima Kirke, 35; Channing Tatum, 40; Tom Welling, 43; Kevin James, 55. Happy Birthday: Simplify your life. Refuse to let complicated situations grow into something that will disrupt your plans. Be smart, aware and prepared to physically do what’s necessary to achieve the happiness you deserve. Consider what you enjoy […]