DEAR DR. ROACH: When is a full hysterectomy called for, as opposed to a partial one? I have a cyst on one ovary that has not changed in three years. My doctor has been watching it via ultrasound every six months. She says that in my stage of life (long past menopause, I went through […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: A man has erectile dysfunction because blood will not flow into his penis. What is the connection between this blood flow and the blood flow in the rest of his body? Also, how do medications like Viagra cause blood to flow? — T.E. ANSWER: Male sexual function is very complicated, requiring several […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: About six months ago, I was walking on a downward-sloping trail and fell forward, slamming my total abdomen and left hip area on the ground. The only obvious injury was a fractured left rib. The rib did improve after about six weeks, but I was left with an aching abdomen area. This […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My question is different from any I have ever seen. About 15 years ago, I suddenly felt a strange tightening, like a tourniquet, simultaneously in both biceps. It caused a faint tingling sensation in my arms and at the base of my skull, and a generally weak feeling. I was writing a […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband, age 84, has vascular dementia. How does this differ from other forms of dementia? What is the time frame for progression of this illness? — P.M. ANSWER: Vascular dementia, also called multi-infarct dementia, is caused by poor blood flow to the brain. This causes many “mini-strokes,” which, early on, can […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 61. Nearly a year ago, I had chest pain that brought me to the emergency room, and I was diagnosed with blockages in my coronary arteries. I was treated with four stents and cardiac rehab. I’m taking the usual collection of meds for my heart (Plavix, Coreg, Pravachol and lisinopril), as […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My sister has been diagnosed with erythromelalgia/red neuralgia. Is there a cure? Or just pain management? She has seen her PCP, a neurologist and now sees a pain-management clinic. She is taking oxycodone and has had several “blocks.” She is in so much pain. Please advise. — V.M. ANSWER: Erythromelalgia (“erythro” is […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I just read the question from “B” on bacterial endocarditis. I had bacterial endocarditis seven years ago, and I’ve also had a mitral valve prolapse heart murmur for decades. You advised “B” that, if you’ve had bacterial endocarditis, “You have to take antibiotics before any dental work that seeds the blood with […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I know you’ve heard this a thousand times, but I have a VERY embarrassing problem and am hoping you can share some insight and information about it with me. I have had extreme anal itching since we moved to Florida six months ago. I use the same soap and laundry detergent that […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I use Advair every day, two times a day, and I now have high blood pressure. I have heard there is a connection between the two. What can be done about it? Will this be a long-term problem? Thanks. — E.G. ANSWER: Advair is a combination inhaled medication for asthma. It consists […]