DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been hospitalized twice in the past year for a partial blockage in my bowel, where there is scar tissue. I did have a noncancerous polyp removed as well as part of my colon in 2008, and in 1959, I had a tumor and ovary removed. I am 73 years young. […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: When my doctor looked at some blood-test results, he found that my good cholesterol was fine but my bad cholesterol was too high. I have been taking Lipitor or its generic equivalent daily now for several years. Now that the bad cholesterol is where it should be, I expected to be taken […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My physician has prescribed me Fosamax to treat osteoporosis of the spine. My latest bone density test shows osteoporosis of the last lumbar disc in the tailbone area. My T score in the spine is -2.6. (In 2006, it was -0.3; the change is unbelievable)! After extensive research, I am extremely fearful […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 66 years of age and fit. In 2012, I was admitted to a local hospital because I thought I was having a heart attack. The doctor ran many lab tests, including a chest X-ray and EKG. I had palpitations during my hospital stay. My blood pressure would fluctuated, as did my […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Regarding your column on ear-cartilage pain, I asked my dermatologist about it, because I had a similar pain in/on both ears. She mentioned that old (I’m 67, and resented the age reference) cartilage often gets irritated like that, and suggested I get a pillow with a “well” for the ear. (I happen […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have several symptoms of gluten intolerance. I’ve read that there are tests to confirm celiac disease. Besides a blood test, one test is a biopsy of tissue taken from the small intestine. How does the doctor retrieve such tissue? How reliable are the results of these tests after following a gluten-free […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 84-year-old woman in good health. I have been faithfully going to the gynecologist and having a mammogram every year. Do I really need to keep seeing the gynecologist — I haven’t had any problems in 30 years — or can I just continue to get my annual mammogram? — […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was hospitalized this year with ulcerative colitis. While there, I was tested three times for C. diff, and all tests were negative. About a week or so later, my doctor suggested that I be tested again and the result was positive. I have been treated twice with Flagyl. To my dismay, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently was diagnosed with gastroparesis. I am 73 years old. I understand there is effective treatment. My gastroenterologist has recommended a special diet to help me gain weight. — P.M. ANSWER: Gastroparesis is when muscles inside the stomach decrease their movement, which causes the stomach to delay emptying its contents. Food […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Have you ever heard of PTS disorder? What is it? What are its symptoms? — N.R. ANSWER: Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a complex condition that occurs in some people after major psychological trauma. The causes of PTSD are many. Some traumas typically associated with PTSD include military combat, violent personal […]