DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 78-year old woman with longstanding trochanteric bursitis. I am always offered cortisone injections, and most of them have not worked. When they did, they were short-lasting. This bursitis can be severe. In the beginning I was given high doses of anti-inflammatories, but these gave me ulcers, so I can […]
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Making sense of the ACCORD trial recommendations
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 85 years old and a Type 2 diabetic. My fasting blood sugars are usually below 100. My physicians seem to worry about low blood sugars, and I am more concerned about slightly elevated blood sugars causing damage to my cardiovascular system and my kidneys. I’ve had three close relatives die from […]
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Epidural injections widely used to treat back pain
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have suffered sciatic pain on my left side for over a year, and an MRI revealed spinal stenosis and arthritis. My doctor, who specializes in physiatry, has recommended an epidural injection with ultrasound. While I trust him, I have been doing some research, and am reluctant to go that route for […]
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There are many causes of weight loss
DEAR DR. ROACH: A year ago, I weighed 175 pounds. My wife was quite concerned when I started to lose weight. I am generally in good shape. I visited my local internist, and he ordered a series of blood tests, CT and MRI scans, and a brain scan, all of which were favorable. However, I […]
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Low lymphocyte count is cause for concern
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 58-year-old male. Several months ago, I lost 17 pounds, and even though I have gained back about 2 pounds in the past month, I cannot gain the weight back, even by increasing my food intake. I feel tired all the time, and my energy level is not good. My […]
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Nearly all adults have been affected by mono
DEAR DR. ROACH: Can exposure to infectious mononucleosis trigger or cause rheumatoid arthritis to flare up and become active? I would appreciate your comments. Thank you. — J.C. ANSWER: The Epstein-Barr virus — the cause of infectious mononucleosis (although there are other germs that can cause a similar picture) — has been associated with rheumatoid […]
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For chronic nerve pain, enlist neurologist’s help
DEAR DR. ROACH: Two years ago, my grandfather (a 90-years-young Navy veteran) had a nasty fall and, in an attempt to break his fall, fractured a bone in his hand. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he was dismissed with the suggestion of a sprain, without any diagnostic imaging. Cut to months […]
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Osteoporosis likely not linked to fibromyalgia
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 63-year-old female. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several years ago, and I’m starting to think that there is a link between it and my other ailments. I take 300 mg of gabapentin three times a day, and recently started taking 20 mg of amitriptyline once a day. I have […]
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Medication must be balance of risk and reward
DEAR DR. ROACH: Please tell me about Celebrex. I am 86 years of age. I took it 15 years ago, and it helped me not to be so stiff. Now my present doctor will not prescribe it for me. I have tried several different medications, but I don’t get the results I got with Celebrex. […]
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What is cellulitis, and how do you get it?
DEAR DR. ROACH: What is cellulitis, and how does one get it? I live in a retirement facility, and two ladies at my dining table have it. It seems to be very painful and difficult to heal. Should I take any precautions? — R.G. ANSWER: Cellulitis is an infection of the skin. It involves the […]