DEAR DR. ROACH: Please tell me the foods to avoid since I am a kidney-stone maker (I believe my stones are oxalate). I have had six stones to date that I have passed, and one is now lodged — and I can’t take much more. Is tea a cause of stones (since I drink quite […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 55-year-old mother of three daughters. I found out through genetic testing that I am a carrier for adrenoleukodystrophy. My middle daughter also is a carrier. She has three children, the last being a male, who was born with ALD. The positive result came too late to save cord blood. Thanks […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have COPD and have been on oxygen for about 12 years now. I recently saw a cardiologist for the first time, and he found that I have atrial fibrillation. He added Xarelto and atenolol to my regimen. My heart rate is now steady at 65-70, but my oxygen reserve has disappeared: […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I went to get a tattoo on the outer area of my hand, but upon doing it, I got dizzy and fainted. I am someone who has low blood pressure. I still want to finish the tattoo, so what can I take or do so that I don’t pass out? — M.Y. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I received excellent care, and the cardiac doctors recommended a blood thinner, with a clear preference for apixaban. The pluses of apixaban are no dietary restrictions related to the medication and no need for regular, frequent blood monitoring. I followed their advice and am now […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 67 years old and in pretty good health. I take atorvastatin daily, and my cholesterol is much better since I started it. I have one big problem: I cannot sleep, and I am tired all day. I read about a polyphenol supplement. It’s supposed to increase your energy level, help […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had just about given up on controlling my sciatic nerve pain in my right leg. I also had no faith that physical therapy could help, but I was referred by my family doctor, so I went. Recently, a physical therapist assessed me and told me that there is a way to […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I keep hearing that I should have my children tested for the MTHFR gene before vaccinating them. What is the MTHFR gene? Does something about it lead to more vaccine injuries? — K.S.H. ANSWER: The MTHFR gene codes for the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, an important enzyme in making the active form of […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: For several months, I’ve been suffering with severe lower-back pain while standing. It radiates down my leg, into my buttocks. Several weeks of physical therapy was not helpful, and I can’t take many medications because I have atrial fibrillation. An MRI showed arthritis in my spine, but also several schwannomas on the […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 80-year-old man. In 2013, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I underwent 45 radiation treatments, which destroyed two nerves in my leg. I went to several orthopedic doctors, who said there is nothing that can be done. I walk with a walker or a cane now. The cancer doctor […]