DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 79 years old, at a healthy weight, and I exercise often. Recently I had a blood test that showed several markers for lupus. The doctor wants to put me on hydroxychloroquine. But first I had to have my eyes checked because the drug seems to have an effect on your […]
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Treatment for depression effective
DEAR DR. ROACH: Could you say something about depression? What can it do to you in the long run if it isn’t treated? — Anon. ANSWER: Depression is a huge topic. There are many types of depression, and the effects of depression on a person depend in large part on age, sex, pregnancy status and […]
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Two possible causes of cold toes
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 79 years old. I have lupus, and currently my main focus is the lungs (COPD, asthma), which is under control. However, no one seems to be able to tell me what to do to prevent my toes from feeling like they have been soaking in ice. Even when I’m sleeping, […]
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Currently no recommendation to check antibodies
DEAR DR. ROACH: How effective are COVID vaccines for people taking immunosuppressive prescriptions? Will we be tested for a desired level of antibodies and maybe get a booster sooner than other people? — C.J. ANSWER: The degree of benefit from a COVID-19 vaccine in people with weakened immune systems due to disease or medication is […]
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Not uncommon for titer not to drop to undetectable
DEAR DR. ROACH: In October 2018 I was treated for syphilis, and had a VDRL titer of 1:128. A few months later, the titer was 1:8, but has stayed at 1:8 since then. Why hasn’t it gone down? — Y.Y. ANSWER: VDRL and RPR are antibody tests for syphilis. They are nonspecific and can have […]
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Ulcers are less prevalent
DEAR DR. ROACH: When I was growing up, people would discuss their ulcers and complain of pain related to an ulcer. You never hear that word anymore. Why is that? — Anon. ANSWER: Ulcers indeed have become less prevalent in the U.S. and Canada over the past few decades. But I think much of the […]
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Deliberate approach to neuropathy is the most prudent
DEAR DR. ROACH: My son has been experiencing what he thinks is neuropathy in his arms and fingers. He currently feels sharp pain in his fingers. He has a tingling feeling as well. The orthopedic surgeon’s office put him on meloxicam, and he wears an arm brace as well as a computer brace. Is meloxicam […]
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Marketing pharmaceuticals to the public
DEAR DR. ROACH: As I watch TV, I see a lot of drug advertisements. Why would the drug companies advertise to the general public when doctors are the people prescribing the new drugs? Or are they advertising to doctors through TV and the general public just sees the advertisement? — C.S. ANSWER: I do not […]
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Supplements not well regulated
DEAR DR. ROACH: My doctor prescribed a statin for me to reduce my LDL cholesterol, which was at 131. My HDL was 70. I stopped taking it after three weeks because I was experiencing pulled muscles at the top of each hamstring. I run 20 miles a week. Thirty-five years of running and this had […]
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Autoimmune disease is no reason to change vaccine course
DEAR DR. ROACH: I was very reluctant to get the COVID-19 vaccine due to its rushed status and unknown long-term side effects. Finally I gave in and got my first shot a week ago, because I determined the benefits outweigh the risks. I haven’t had any problems yet, but am now contemplating NOT getting the […]