DEAR DR. ROACH: There is much information about the spread of COVID germs from coughing, sneezing, speaking, etc. However, I have not seen anything about two other ways that could also spread the germs. Could you please address these in your column? 1. Spitting: My husband (and many others) spits on the ground frequently, especially during exercise. 2. […]
Dr. Roach
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Don’t recall having chickenpox? Get shingles vaccine anyway
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am almost 88 years old. All seven of my children came down with chickenpox at different times. I took care of them all, and never contracted the virus. I didn’t have it as a child or as an adult. Should I get the shingles vaccine? I have lupus and thyroid disease. I don’t […]
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Vaccination gone wrong can cause bursa injury
DEAR DR. ROACH: Two years ago, I received the high-dose flu vaccine at my doctor’s office. It resulted in a severe case of SIRVA bursitis in my shoulder. I suffered for three months, taking Tylenol after getting two shots of steroid from my orthopedic surgeon and physical therapy. Since then I have been afraid to […]
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Incorrect vaccine administration can cause bursa injury
DEAR DR. ROACH: Two years ago, I received the high-dose flu vaccine at my doctor’s office. It resulted in a severe case of SIRVA bursitis in my shoulder. I suffered for three months, taking Tylenol after getting two shots of steroid from my orthopedic surgeon and physical therapy. Since then I have been afraid to […]
Posted inAdvice, Dr. Roach
Couch potato seeks help for arthritis pain
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 72-year-old male disabled veteran. I started work out of high school in a factory where I did hard but not brutal work. Then went to Vietnam, where I injured my knee and had to be operated on. Next, I worked for an airline as a baggage handler then became […]
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One word can have different medical meanings
DEAR DR. ROACH: What’s the difference between a tubal pregnancy and an abortion? Are they the same thing? — J.K.S. ANSWER: The term “abortion” has several meanings medically, but most people think of only one type, the elective abortion. A “spontaneous abortion” is another term for a miscarriage. A “missed abortion” is when the fetus […]
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Time and effort needed to treat intermittent explosive disorder
DEAR DR. ROACH: Recently, you wrote about intermittent explosive disorder. I have this condition and would like your help dealing with it. I can lose my self-control and get so upset that I swear. I have attempted to control myself, but if I do not watch myself, I get very angry and then feel guilty […]
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Blood thinners are critical in first year after stent placement
DEAR DR. ROACH: My 75-year-old wife had two third generation medicine-eluting stents inserted into a branch of the left anterior coronary artery in January 2020. On 75 mg of clopidogrel and 81 mg of aspirin for nine and a half months, she has endured several serious nosebleeds, one of which required hospitalization for three days. […]
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For many OTC drugs, listed dose covers most people
DEAR DR. ROACH: In the majority of over-the-counter medication, the dosing references “adults 12 years and older” and then gives a maximum dose. I’m 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weigh 220 pounds. The average 12-year-old is 125-ish pounds. I don’t get it. Are we overdosing the 12-year-olds or limiting effectiveness for the older (or much […]
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Hyperhidrosis is too much sweating
DEAR DR. ROACH: Anytime I work — outside or in the house, in any season — my head sweats the whole time. A lot of sweat comes off my head. I have to cool off inside under a fan every half hour, even if air conditioning is on. I put ice on my head, and I don’t sweat anywhere else. If […]