DEAR DR. ROACH: I was shocked recently when I read an article from a reputable source implying that sooner rather than later (and maybe already), doctors who have a patient who could be treated successfully only with massive doses of antibiotics would be required to allow the patient to die rather than run the risk […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter’s iron level has been dangerously low for several years. One measurement was as low as 5, but mostly it is between 9 and 15. She took iron pills, which affected her in many other ways. She was given one iron injection, which affected her negatively. She refused the second one. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 58-year-old woman with a long medical history of anxiety. In 2007, my doctor prescribed me clonazepam 0.5 mg to take as needed for anxiety attacks and OCD, from which I constantly suffer. I have been off and on this medication until now. From late October 2017 to January 2018, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I hope you can help elderly folks (like myself, age 83) who have a very embarrassing situation wherein their stool seeps out of them. The problem is only noted when I sit down and find that my underwear sticks to me. The problem appears to happen anytime, and sometimes AFTER a bowel […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Two years ago, I spent a month in Havana, Cuba, to study Spanish. We were staying in a good hotel. Without warning, one morning they started the pest control, spraying the rooms with DDT. The substance was confirmed by our group leader. Our clothing and belongings stayed in the rooms, and we […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My whole family has heart problems. I’m 74 years old. My blood pressure has been high lately. Today it’s 143/79. Some days 139/73. It’s always different, but still high. I take 20 mg of lisinopril twice a day. Now I am taking 10 mg of amlodipine also. My doctor says there’s nothing […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I walk outside almost every day for at least an hour. I cover myself from head to toe — long pants and long sleeves, with the backs of my hands covered and a wide-brimmed hat with a bandanna covering my neck and lower chin. With sunglasses on, ready to go, my husband […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Back in the early 1930s, I had asthma. My dad had asthma all his life. When either of us had an attack, my dad would use a powder called Green Mountain Powder. He would set fire to some of the powder, and we would inhale the smoke. It worked very well. You […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: An 80-year-old was mistakenly prescribed prednisone, 40 mg, for six months and is now being weaned off over four weeks. While on the prednisone, she had some symptoms that I think are side effects, including sleeping all day, no energy, losing weight (30 pounds over six months without trying), hair falling out, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently had a blood and urine checkup. Most everything was within normal range (doing well), except that I am low on vitamin D, at 24. The doctor recommended supplements, but said to be careful not to overdo. How much is too much? Is one a week OK? — Y.C. ANSWER: There […]