DEAR ABBY: My husband passed away recently and I have some items of his I’m unsure how to tastefully display to honor his memory. They are his Bible, a U.S. flag in a triangular display box (he was a veteran), a set of deer antlers, works he authored, his guitar and family photos. I don’t […]
Advice
Goal of treatment is to balance risk and benefits
DEAR DR. ROACH: Is Lyrica a safe type of medication for fibromyalgia? I am worried about side effects and interactions with other medicines. — L.M. ANSWER: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder whose hallmark symptoms include disordered sleep, pain and fatigue. Treatment can include, among other strategies, careful attention to sleep and exercise, and often medication. […]
Visits to mother-in-law feel like stepping into a fight ring
DEAR ABBY: I am dreading an upcoming trip that includes a visit to my husband’s mother, “Harriet.” She is prone to “accidents” when I visit, and I always end up getting hurt. Harriet’s “oops” moments usually involve my toes and feet, although the last time I was there she managed to strike my face. I […]
Potentially infected knee replacement may need antibiotics for life
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 68 years old. A recent column discussed a woman on antibiotics for seven years, and I was concerned about my own situation. I had a knee replacement four years ago, and I had a severe staph infection afterward. I also have an artificial mitral heart valve, which added to my […]
Cancer: Prepare for a magical journey
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Oscar De La Hoya, 43; Gabrielle Anwar, 46; Clint Black, 54; Alice Cooper, 68. Happy Birthday: Your innovative way of dealing with whatever comes your way will be entertaining, but don’t let the attention you get this year cause you to lose sight of what’s realistic. You’ll be tempted to […]
Gemini: Take your career seriously
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Isla Fisher, 40; Nathan Lane, 60; Morgan Fairchild, 66; Blythe Danner, 73. Happy Birthday: Your ability to relate to others and bring peace to tumultuous situations will encourage advancement. A change regarding your reputation, status or position is favored, but will also be more time-consuming, causing exhaustion and poor relationships […]
Chronic nasal congestion and ADHD need proper diagnosis, treatment
DEAR DR. ROACH: My girlfriend has been taking pseudoephedrine HCL for at least a year. She takes an average of four 30-mg pills per day. As far as I know, she started this to keep her sinuses open and help her nasal breathing. I am concerned about addiction and long-term effects. She was on Adderall […]
Woman on egg donor registry need not volunteer her status
DEAR ABBY: I recently decided that I wanted to help an infertile couple conceive by becoming an egg donor. I’m well-educated and have a job I love. I understand the commitment both time-wise and emotionally. I am now part of a registry, and I could be selected for a donation at any time. Like other […]
Stepson with addicted mom must learn that she is sick
DEAR ABBY: My stepson just turned 7. My husband was granted custody because the mother was declared unfit due to her drug abuse. She was granted supervised visits until she can pass two consecutive drug tests. Over the last year and a half, her visits have become few and far between. My husband and I […]
Taurus: Plan a trip with a loved one
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Shakira, 39; Christie Brinkley, 62; Brent Spiner, 67; Graham Nash, 74. Happy Birthday: Your secretive nature will serve you well. Use your intuition to decipher what others are thinking and you will avert problems before they arise. A lifestyle change will be caused by outside influences. Make the most of […]