DEAR DR. ROACH: Please write about food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Many medical professionals still do not know about this rare and potentially deadly condition. Thank you! — M.S. ANSWER: Anaphylaxis is the most serious of all the allergic reactions. It is rapid in onset, and initially causes symptoms such as warmth and flushing, diffuse hives and […]
Dr. Roach
Posted inDr. Roach
Stool softeners not habit-forming
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m an 84-year-old male who has recently found relief from lifelong strain in bowel movements by using stool softeners. I would like to know if they’re habit-forming if taken once a day. I’ve tried Metamucil without as good of results. Please comment on both. Thank you. — B.C. ANSWER: Straining for a […]
advertisement
Posted inDr. Roach
Imperfect vaccines still the best option to avoid hospitalization
DEAR DR. ROACH: If a patient has been fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines within the past three months and subsequently develops symptoms of COVID-19 and tests positive, does this patient need to quarantine/ isolate? Why or why not? — C.K. ANSWER: If a person has COVID-19, they need to be isolated for […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Colonoscopy is still the best screening test for colon cancer
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a colonoscopy scheduled for mid-May. I spoke with the physician assistant, and she read me the warnings about possible punctures and possible bleeding afterward. With a puncture, she said a colostomy bag is required for three to four months. If there’s bleeding afterward, they must go back into the colon […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Find the right med and dosage to treat protein S deficiency
DEAR DR. ROACH: My father was diagnosed with protein S deficiency, but there isn’t much information on it. I’m unable to find a doctor who specializes in it or even knows about it. His health is declining fast, and we are thinking it might be linked to this. The amount of Lovenox he has to […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Beta blockers are important meds for coronary artery disease
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a very active 66-year-old male who had three stents put into my right coronary artery about 10 years ago after I had two heart attacks. I have not had any problems since then. I am restoring a 1966 GTO convertible, which includes many days of heavy work and have had […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Colonoscopy not recommended past age 85
DEAR DR. ROACH: After my doctor moved, my new doctor would not order me a colonoscopy because I had turned 90. Are all doctors like that? My family is loaded with cancer. My mom had two colon cancer surgeries and died at age 99. Why can’t I make my own decision about it? I would […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Grass-fed beef not best source of omega-3 fatty acid
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a question about omega-3 fatty acid intake, either through fish consumption or by dietary supplements like fish oil. Apparently, many American diets are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. One possible reason is that most American beef cattle are fed primarily on corn rather than their natural diet of grass, leading […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Leg cramps common
DEAR DR. ROACH: My 76-year-old husband has severe muscle cramps. Originally it occurred in his legs, but now it also affects his hands and feet. He screams in pain. Recently he had an attack and asked me to get him some bananas. I did, and the cramping stopped minutes after eating one. A friend of […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Few treatments left for plantar warts
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have had plantar warts on both feet for decades. Unfortunately, they are on the pressure points of my feet (balls and heels). Nothing seems to eradicate the virus. I have tried bleomycin shots, Cantharidin, Candida antigen shots, liquid nitrogen, surgery, pulsed dye laser treatments, electrolysis, radiation (it did work for a […]