DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a history of polyps. I recently had nasal polyps removed, and a previous colonoscopy had also revealed polyps. I have been put on a blood thinner (Xarelto) and an aspirin. Since I started taking Xarelto and the aspirin, my hemoglobin level dropped over the course of four months. What is […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: In a recent column, you referred to a U.K. source that stated “all-cause mortality is very significantly reduced in people who have had the COVID vaccine, compared to unvaccinated people.” I wasn’t sure what you meant by all-cause? Does this mean any and all deaths, with or without COVID, for any reason, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I would appreciate any insight you can give me regarding a diagnosis that I was given after my last colonoscopy. I was being tested because of anemia. The gastroenterologist said that I had arteriovenous malformations — “too many to treat” — in my ascending colon and that I should take iron for […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I know a successful career woman, a psychologist working for the school board and a private practice as well, who has recently been admitted to a psychiatric hospital. She has never had an addiction to any type of drugs or alcohol, has never been suicidal or even shown any suicidal ideation, has […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 82-year-old, reasonably fit woman. I am having cramps at night in my feet and legs, causing me to wake three or four times a night. Getting up and walking helps, as does applying a hot washcloth and using Voltaren on the cramping areas. However, I would prefer not to […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Whenever I got a wound while I was young, my mother would take me to the hospital to get stitches. I am now 94. I went to get a wound seen, and the nurse said that it needed to heal from the inside. They treated it with gauze, wrapping and then a […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: What causes the growth of new teeth at my current age? I am a 74-year-old woman in good medical health except for a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Generally, I feel well and keep active. I noticed nubs behind my lower front teeth — two on each side — about three to four […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 61-year-old male, and I’m currently taking medication for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with deep venous thrombosis (a blood clot in my right leg). I was prescribed Coumadin. After taking Coumadin for six months (I never could get the number right), I went […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Are there any supplements that can help reduce alcohol abuse? — B.S. ANSWER: Alcohol abuse is an enormous problem, affecting over 100 million people worldwide in any given year, with three million deaths a year — for which there is no single solution. Recognizing that one has a problem is a critical, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband had surgery the first time he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Five years later, he had a recurrence. We investigated his options and decided to go with the proton therapy. I am surprised you did not suggest this treatment in your recent column about prostate cancer. He had no further […]