DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a duodenum biopsy to rule out sprue. The biopsy results were that my duodenal mucosa showed: ”… mucosal inflammation with marked flattening of the mucosa. Microscopic examination of the mucosa reveals gastrointestinal mucosa highly suggestive of gastric mucosa.” Is this celiac disease? — D.P. ANSWER: It might be, but I […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have lupus, so my kidneys and other organs are always of concern. After having chronic urinary tract infections for about two years, I was referred to a nephrologist for further testing, and was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease. My creatinine level in February was 2.35. However, when I went back […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 14-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with and is being treated for depression. She has been suffering for at least two years now. I go over things in my mind and wonder if I had anything to do with her depression. I recall when I was pregnant with her, I used to […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband is 68. On a blood test in a doctor’s office, he had a CPK level of 694. He walks, on average, 6 miles per day, and drinks probably two or three glasses of wine four days a week, and a martini once or twice a week. His kidney and liver […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 70-year-old, retired, white male with no major health history, who is not overweight, diabetic or a smoker. All my bloodwork and my blood pressure are within range for my age. I have had a very healthy diet for a long time, lead a sedentary lifestyle and have some family […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My college kid went to a march for science. What does it mean to be a scientist? I thought she wanted to be a physician. Are physicians scientists? — P.C. ANSWER: Scientists are committed to making observations and finding ways to measure what they see, formulating a hypothesis and finding a way […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 76 years old and in excellent health, according to all my test results and doctors’ reports. I am very physically active, including playing tennis and golf, working out and fast walking. I also enjoy eating, in moderation, and drinking. I typically have a glass of wine with lunch and during […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: What is the best way to eliminate skin tags? Is there an over-the-counter item that will work effectively? There are many products that claim to remove them, but most don’t. — G.L. ANSWER: Skin tags (acrochordons) are benign but unsightly outgrowths of normal skin usually found in places where the skin rubs […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 69, and I retired from a career in primary care and emergency medicine. I have always been very active and have kept fit with biking, cross-country skiing and hiking. My diet has been basically vegetarian with lots of fish and limited sweets. I have had no chronic problems except for […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: What advice do you have for both doctors and patients for approaching medical marijuana use? What is your ideal vision of its future? — C.C. ANSWER: I look at marijuana as a potentially useful medicinal plant that has several potential downsides. One of the downsides is an unrealistic expectation of its usefulness […]