DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 65-year-old woman, very active and in good health, my only medication being a daily 5-mg tablet of Exforge to control high blood pressure. My mother had systemic lupus erythematosus and passed away when I was 13 years old. For the past three weeks I have had a smooth, bright-red […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My grandson, age 26, was diagnosed with aortic stenosis at birth. He has had two surgeries to temporarily fix the problem. He recently saw his doctor and was told that he must reduce his weight (311 pounds) within a few months in order to undergo his final surgery (valve replacement). He was […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Why aren’t all people screened for genetic hemochromatosis? It is the most common inherited disease. The tests are simple and would save so much suffering and massive payments for care. I know people who suffer from cardiac, liver or lung problems; diabetes; severe joint pain; fatigue; and many other problems. Early treatment […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve heard that there are issues with the enzymes, proteins and chemicals that are found in animal meat and plant matter. Somehow, I’m told, it affects a woman’s brain and makes her go crazy when they’re mixed together. Somehow, this mixture possibly causes postpartum depression. I’m told it’s better to eat either […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 78-year-old with severe back pain due to compression of the nerve. My activities of daily life are more and more limited, and my quality of life is suffering. I am told I need a back operation, and I agree that it is necessary. However, when I consult with the […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m writing about atrial fibrillation. In April I had a one-time 17-hour stint of it. I was not aware of anything happening at the time. When I had a device check (heart pacemaker), I was told of this occurrence, and it was recommended that I see my heart specialist. As a result, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: You have written many times about elevated cholesterol, but I have never seen anything about low cholesterol. I am an 86-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes that has been treated with moderate success using oral medication. I am 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weigh 160 pounds. I exercise regularly. My total […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: After many years of various treatments, including allergy shots, food studies and an ear tube, I was recently diagnosed with “semicircular canal dehiscence.” Can you explain what this is and the treatment (besides surgery) to relieve the symptoms of inner ear pressure, dizziness and pressure and pulsation in the head? Are there […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 63-year-old male diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. I am 5 feet, 11 inches and weigh 240 pounds. I have two stents and take Sprycel for the CML. My levels are good, and the coronary disease is under control. For a few years I’ve […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a faithful reader of your column, but I don’t read many questions about brain tumors. I am 53 years old, diagnosed almost four years ago with multiple meningiomas. I had an atypical meningioma removed, followed up with gamma knife. My question is whether I will be at a greater risk […]