DEAR DR. ROACH: In the past year, I have had numerous TIAs. I also have an abdominal aortic aneurism and blockages in my carotids. Could a dislodged plaque be the cause of my TIAs? — D.G. ANSWER: A transient ischemic attack is a temporary loss of brain (or sometimes spinal cord or retina) function. It […]
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Raynaud's phenomenon is a true winter woe
DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter, in her middle 50s, is plagued with Raynaud’s. The winter here in Illinois is hard on her. She wears heavy gloves, but still her hands are very cold. It affects her feet, too. — P.S.M. ANSWER: Raynaud’s phenomenon is an exaggeration of the body’s normal response to cold. The blood […]
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After 15 years, it's time to drop the nicotine gum habit
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have chewed nicotine gum for 15 years with tea or coffee. What are the dangers? — V.B. ANSWER: Nicotine gum contains nicotine, obviously, and excess nicotine can cause multiple symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, dizziness and headache. It also can be irritating to the lining of the mouth and the tongue, […]
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web, Uncategorized
Reader has cautionary tale of lingering E. coli post-biopsy
DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband acquired a drug-resistant E. coli infection from a prostate biopsy. His urologist initially treated him with gentamicin injections and cephalexin. Two days after discontinuing the cephalexin, the infection returned (chills, fever, malaise and pain in the urinary tract). He got more gentamicin injections and more cephalexin. Finally, the doctor read […]
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
Vertigo and hives are two separate issues with many causes
DEAR DR. ROACH: Growing up, I had episodes of hives, vertigo and migraines. While I haven’t suffered migraine pain in years, I still experience the ”aura” from time to time. For the past couple of years, the vertigo has been frequent, even debilitating on some days. Vomiting and bed rest are a given. This is […]
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
Chest pressure after colonoscopy is just gas
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a question about a recent colonoscopy procedure I had. The procedure was the second I’ve had, the first being when I was 50 (I’m now 60). I woke up this time with a lot of chest pressure, and felt like I was having heart pains. I had a heart attack […]
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Medical and lifestyle options for overactive bladder treatment
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 33-year-old woman with an overactive bladder. It was keeping me awake at night with painful spasms telling me I had to ”go” every 45 minutes. I took oxybutynin for a while, but it stopped helping. I recently was prescribed Myrbetriq, but I’ve noticed sudden, significant hair loss. Since I’m not […]
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
What's the truth behind cancer-causing properties of burnt starchy foods?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have heard for a while now that the black stuff on burnt toast is carcinogenic. I don’t eat it because it tastes bad, but now I hear that any browning on things like bread and potatoes could cause cancer. What is the evidence for these claims, and what do you recommend […]
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Birth control's hormone regulation benefits women with PCOS
DEAR DR. ROACH: What can you tell me about polycystic ovary syndrome? My daughter has just been diagnosed. She is in her mid-20s, exercises regularly and watches what she eats, but still puts on weight. She does not want to go on birth control. Where do we start? I know there is no cure. — […]
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Beets have powerful nutrition, but are powerless to stop a gallbladder attack
DEAR DR. ROACH: Do you know of any evidence saying that beets could stop a gallbladder attack? Is there a mechanism by which this is plausible? — M.J. ANSWER: A gallbladder attack is caused by the gallbladder squeezing to release stored bile in response to eating food. But it cannot do this when the duct […]