DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 73-year-old active lady. I recently noticed a wrinkle in my palm near my ring finger. I had a consultation with a nearby doctor, and he diagnosed Dupuytren’s contracture. He said I should come back when the finger is curved down. I was surprised! Wouldn’t it be better to have […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: When I was quite young, my doctor told me to never get a flu shot because it could kill me. I do not remember the reason behind this statement. I’m in my 70s now and am very concerned about not getting the shot. I had yellow jaundice as a child and don’t […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My dentist saw a large mass on my jaw and sent me to an oral surgeon, who said the mass was too large. He sent me to a maxillo-facial surgeon, who did a scan and biopsy. I was diagnosed with Paget’s disease but the surgeon had never seen a case before and […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband had a kidney stone, and the doctor used shock waves to clear it up. Now the doctor says he needs to take fresh lemon juice twice a day, all his life. None of the other men in the community center with stones have been recommended lemon juice. We would like […]

DEAR DR ROACH: Many years ago, while I was battling breast cancer, a scan showed spots of concern in my midthoracic area. Upon further testing, it was determined that I have sarcoidosis. My pulmonologist warned me to stop all calcium and vitamin D supplements. Now, after 15 years, my primary care doctor wants me to […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: We watch a murder mystery show on TV. The detective finds any number of dead people who have been poisoned by almond and cherry pits. I drink almond milk several times a day. Am I in any danger? — L.J. ANSWER: Stone fruit pits (the kernels inside the stone) contain the substance […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Are you aware of the possibility of pancreatitis resulting from long-term vitamin D2 supplementation? I was diagnosed with IPMN with chronic pancreatitis after being on 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 once a week for nine months. I had mild upper left quadrant pain, which I am told is quite unusual for pancreatic […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Many folks take prescription medications for years, for example Valium to help with anxiety and sleep and to help mellow out their lives. You mentioned in a recent column that these can be dangerous long term. Is it safe to stop taking them cold turkey? — P.M. ANSWER: I don’t think I […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Your recent column on the shingles vaccine did not address those of us with compromised immune systems. I take Enbrel and could not take the original shingles vaccine. What is the protocol as of now with the new vaccine? — C.H. ANSWER: Unfortunately, there is still no consensus on giving the shingles […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 75-year-old male who can’t remember whether or not he’s had chickenpox as a child. This is somewhat important, as I’m considering getting the shingles shot to prevent that horrible illness. Which would be a prudent approach: go ahead and get the shingles shot or wait in suspense? — R.B. ANSWER: […]