DEAR DR. ROACH: My urologist found two big kidney stones in my right kidney, too large to pass naturally. I thought that the option would then be to ”crush” them to sand with laser or ultrasound and then flush out the sand by drinking lots of water. However, my urologist says that I am too […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 72-year-old woman. For many years, or even decades (but infrequently, like every few months), I have experienced sudden chest pressure or tightness while eating my evening meal. Out of the blue, I feel extreme pressure or tightness in my chest, and I must stop eating and take a few […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: When you lose weight through diet and exercise, where does the weight go? — L.A.J. ANSWER: Weight gain and weight loss in the very short term can be related to body fluid, but I think you are really talking about people who have made a long-term loss of, say, 10 pounds. Those […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 78-year-old woman, and I don’t have the greatest appetite. My doctor has recommended that I take a liquid breakfast drink (like Carnation Instant Breakfast) and vegetable juice along with my regular meals. Are they worth the expense? Do they help nutrition? — E.I. ANSWER: I’d want to find out why […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I have read all sorts of pamphlets and brochures; I have been to classes at the local hospital to learn about managing this disease; I have seen the vast array of supplies for testing blood sugar at my local pharmacy. I have come […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My feet hurt me so much that I no longer want to live. I am a 63-year-old white female. I have Type 2 diabetes, since 2014. My podiatrist says that I have plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis and foot neuropathy. I have all the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and then some. My feet feel […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have always accepted that even in the least invasive surgical procedure, death could occur. I also am aware of the HIPAA regulation and that privacy is of the utmost importance. But to exclude immediate family from a consultation with the patient and a surgeon on life-and-death issues should never be allowed. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 66, female, 140 pounds and currently on no medications. My bloodwork is normal, and my cholesterol levels are remarkably good. My latest bone density scan, however, shows that my osteoporosis has worsened; my T-score has gone from -2.5 to -2.7. My doctor prescribed a weekly 35-mg Actonel pill for three […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 83-year-old man in reasonably good health. About six months ago, I started hearing a cracking noise when I turned my head sideways or up and down. Sometimes it would happen every 15 seconds. No one can hear it but me, which is why I haven’t gone to my family […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: After years and years of excessive nasal congestion and postnasal drip that frequently affected my speech, I was diagnosed with a pseudomonas infection in my sinuses. I’ve had a balloon sinuplasty and two rounds of Cipro. My symptoms briefly improved after each treatment, but soon reverted to their prior condition. My ear, […]