DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a splenectomy in 2012 because an oncologist thought I had NK lymphoma. After pathology, I was informed that I had an unusual immune system with a lot of NK cells, but no cancer. I was very happy, but I’m wondering how to take care of myself now that I don’t […]
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Gluten is not always a bad guy
DEAR DR. ROACH: I don’t have celiac disease, but I keep reading that gluten-free is a healthier way to eat. Is that true? Is there any risk? — H.C. ANSWER: For people with celiac disease, strict avoidance of gluten (a protein component of grains, such as wheat, rye and barley) is essential. Gluten damages the […]
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Exercising after blood clot may be helpful
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 62-year-old male in generally good health. I have a clot in the popliteal vein in my right knee, and have been taking warfarin and getting periodic blood tests. Typically, the numbers are where my primary care physician wants them. It seems to be taking a long time (eight months) […]
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Testing is the key to informed health decision
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 71. I’m overweight at 300 pounds and have had Type 2 diabetes for 15 years. I haven’t had any chest pain or heart problems, but a recent nuclear stress test lead my doctor to suspect buildup in one of my arteries, and he wants to do a cardiac catheterization. I […]
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Help for essential tremor
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’ve suffered from essential tremor for 16 years. I take 500 mg of primidone and 40 mg of propranolol twice daily. I’ve gradually increased the dose over the years, and the combination works quite well. What is the highest dose of these medications that I can take? Also, are there any new […]
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Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma does not run in families
DEAR DR. ROACH: I had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma a couple of years ago. I am in remission now, but I never knew what caused it. Is it hereditary, or due to infection? I was told I had hypercalcemia at the time. Could the hypercalcemia have caused the cancer? Also, I was treated with chemotherapy, called ICE […]
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Home test kits for colon cancer can screen those unable to get colonoscopy
DEAR DR. ROACH: Do home colon-cancer testing kits really help in the diagnosis of colon cancer? Do you recommend them? — E.F. ANSWER: I strongly recommend colon cancer screening for healthy people between the ages of 50 and 70. Based on other risk factors, some people need testing at a younger age, and for some, […]
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Hearing loss indeed possible after surgery
DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently had a hip replacement. I am 84, with hearing loss. My family says my hearing is worse after the operation. My daughter talked with several seniors who experienced the same thing. They think it has to do with the anesthesia. Fact or fiction? — D.W. ANSWER: Possibly fact. Hearing loss […]
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What can cause large red blood cells?
DEAR DR. ROACH: In a recent article, you spoke of small red blood cells. I have large ones. My MCV is 102, with no anemia. What causes this besides alcohol, and is it something to be concerned about? I do not abuse alcohol. Thank you. — C.P. ANSWER: MCV, the mean corpuscular volume, is a […]
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Hospice switches focus from life length to life quality
DEAR DR. ROACH: I was advised by a doctor at a reputable hospital to put my mother in hospice for congestive heart failure. She also has multi-infarct dementia. That was a year ago. Her vitals have been checked twice a week since that time and are always good. Her oxygen level also is very good. […]