DEAR DR. ROACH: My father has Type 2 diabetes, and his primary care physician has said repeatedly that an A1c of 7.2 percent or 7.3 percent is nothing to worry about. He also says that the American Diabetes Association has told physicians to loosen their restrictions on diabetics. The wall chart in his office says […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Two months ago, my right lower leg and knee became swollen, stiff and painful. My GP did an EKG (normal) and ordered a sonogram for detection of deep vein thrombosis. The test was negative. He also ruled out infection and cellulitis. The leg is still stiff and painful, though not as swollen. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been vegan for 15 years. I avoid sugar, limit salt and have no caffeine. Recently, a pharmacist told me that I will not get proper protein unless I add fish to my diet. However, long ago, my doctor told me that my vegan diet was good and that I should […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband, who is 59 years old, has been diagnosed with “fatty liver.” He is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 300 pounds. He has struggled all of his life with his weight. He has pain and tenderness in his upper right side. He is scheduled for an endoscopy in two […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 55-year-old, healthy male. A couple of months of persistent, more-severe-than-usual sinusitis led me to my primary care physician, who referred me to an ENT specialist. The ENT doctor performed a nasal endoscopy and diagnosed me with nasal polyps on both sides of my sinuses and a slightly deviated septum. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Over the past year, my voice has become hoarse or raspy. I find that I often have to clear my throat while speaking. I’ve had a stomach endoscopy and a colonoscopy done, the results of which were noted as “normal.” Nothing has changed in my life, such as climate, diet, clothing, furnishings, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband’s infidelity has just been discovered. It was unknown for 25 years. He is seeing a certified sex addiction therapist. Do you really believe in sex addiction (which supposedly began with Internet porn)? Or was he just having the time of his life in massage parlors, strip clubs, escort clubs, etc.? […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 62-year-old female who weighs 97 pounds and is 4 feet, 10 inches tall. I’m a non-smoker, non-drinker. I’m a mother of three, take no medications and have no medical issues except acid reflux. My brother died of Ewing sarcoma at 6. My 10-year-old sister died of dysgerminoma. Mom was […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently had a nuclear stress test as a requirement for a kidney transplant. The results of my test indicated that I had sustained moderate damage to my heart as the result of a heart attack. No further testing could be done because of the possible effect of dye on my kidneys. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: In the area where I live, essential oils recently have become popular. There are all sorts of claims for what they can do and afflictions they can help. I have been doing some of my own research, but wanted your take on essential oils. MLM companies especially make some interesting claims and […]