DEAR DR. ROACH: I would like more information concerning pheochromocytoma. Your recent article mentions that there are specific blood tests to determine if an individual has it. I’ve been dealing with some symptoms for almost a year, and am at a loss. I’ve incurred thousands of dollars in medical expenses, and the “experts” still can’t […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My brother had his aortic valve replaced by a mechanical heart valve. He says the warfarin he takes causes him problems, such as head pain, stomach pain, nausea, and joint and muscle aches and pains. Our family is concerned that he may not be taking his warfarin, which his doctor says is […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a CT scan in September 2012, which confirmed my PCP’s suspicion of diverticulitis. I was treated with Cipro and Flagyl. I had other infections in June 2013 and the following January and March. I since have seen a colorectal specialist. She felt that the March infection was a recurrence of […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 82 years old, and I just found out that I have chronic lymphocytic leukemia. I have had it for almost four years, but I didn’t find out until I changed doctors. Should I have done something about it by now? They tell me there is nothing they can do. — E.A. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Several weeks ago, I noticed that my face was swollen in front of my ear. I went to my primary doctor, and he put me on Augmentin and methylprednisolone, but that did not work, and the area is still swollen. I searched the Internet and found that the parotid gland is in […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My oldest grandson, 17, was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about three years ago and has been on levothyroxine daily, with good lab numbers since. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus three months ago. He is on insulin three times daily, and his sugars have come down really well. But recent lab […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am nearing the age of 70 and have been on Flomax (tamsolusin) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) for three years. My ophthalmologist would like me to be on another medicine in order to avoid complications during cataract surgery for patients using Flomax. I raised this issue with my regular […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I always try to accompany my husband when he goes to the doctor. I feel that two sets of ears are always better than one. When his vitals are taken (e.g., weight, blood pressure), I have to ask what they were, as they never seem to volunteer this information. I mention this […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am currently dieting and, with that, trying to reduce my sugar intake. I prefer drinks sweetened with aspartame over water most of the time. Am I asking for trouble? — P.C. DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m curious how diet soda, which has zero calories, causes one to gain weight. In “studies” that […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had my thyroid removed for a goiter 35 years ago. My doctor put me on 100 mcg of thyroid medication; however, when I took it, I got sick. My hands shook, and my heart beat very quickly (over 100). So one doctor told me to split it, and take 50 in […]