DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 84-year-old woman in relatively good health, with a concern about diverticulitis. I had my first attack 10 years ago. The second attack was two months ago, and I had a CT scan that showed an apparent infection. I took one course of antibiotics, but the pain persisted, followed by […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been suffering from cold urticaria for about nine years. It manifests itself in itchy skin or hives, generally from skin contact with the cold — anything below 68 degrees brings mild itching, and hives appear with lower temperatures. I have tried a few different allergy medications, with 24-hour fexofenadine having […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Would you discuss causes of nocturnal leg cramps? I have exhausted all of the common remedies without success. — R.S., M.D. ANSWER: Leg cramps are common. They begin suddenly and affect the calf or foot with an involuntary, painful contraction. The muscle becomes tight and hard, and it is relieved by stretching […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: How does one differentiate between reclusiveness and agoraphobia? I realize both are medical terms/diagnoses. — T.H. ANSWER: Of the two, only agoraphobia is a medical diagnosis. Reclusiveness is a personality trait with a broad definition, meaning someone who is withdrawn from society. In agoraphobia, this tendency is associated with intense fear or […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My spouse believes that I am being “germophobic” over his bathroom habits. Among other things: He uses a hand towel to wipe the inside of his sink and countertop, and then uses the same towel to wipe his mouth, face and hands. He says he won’t die from this, but his lack […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve frequently read that while alcohol might help you get to sleep, it disturbs your getting back to sleep later in the night. I believe that your body dispenses with the alcohol effects at the rate of about one drink per hour. Thus, if I have a drink at 6 p.m., another […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Do women who have their ovaries and uterus ever stop ovulating? I am 70 and have begun having menses regularly again. I do know when I ovulate, and always have. My periods did not begin to cease until I was about 57. — A.S. ANSWER: Yes, women stop ovulating, and they stop […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Like thousands of people, I have experienced heartburn for years. Chewable antacid tablets provide temporary relief. Extended use of ranitidine and famotidine gave me partial relief, but I still required regular use of antacid tablets. But starting omeprazole gave me immediate and complete relief. I’m sure results are different for different people. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Your recent response to a woman who, later in life, experienced “people talking to me” was that she was having auditory hallucinations and that she should go to a doctor right away, “as there is very effective treatment to stop the voices and get your life back.” If there really is such […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I received silicone-gel breast implants a few years ago. After six months or so, I began to have strange symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue and terrible hives. The condition got worse over time, and neither an allergist nor a dermatologist could conclusively diagnose a reason for the symptoms. The surgeon who implanted […]