DEAR DR. ROACH: I have just retired from working the graveyard shift for 40 years. I am hoping you can share some information on how to safely learn to sleep at night once again. — E.H. ANSWER: Changing your body’s circadian rhythm isn’t always easy, and after such a long time, it will take longer […]
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Patients with hypothyroidism benefit from continuing therapy
DEAR DR. ROACH: I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism many years ago and have since been put on Synthroid. Since I am extremely healthy other than this issue, is there any chance I can go off Synthroid ever? Are there any changes I can make on my own or holistically? — R.P. ANSWER: Most cases of […]
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Low blood sodium levels could be due to antidiuretic coniditon
DEAR DR. ROACH: My mother’s blood test has a sodium level of 130 mEq/L. She is not on diuretics, and she does not have heart or kidney problems. She is on thyroid medication and omeprazole. Do I need to be concerned? Due to the heat, I was encouraging her to drink more water. Should I […]
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Older adults don’t necessarily need to switch to a geriatrican
DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband is 77, and I am 68. Our health deteriorated during the pandemic. When should we switch to a gerontologist for our general care? — A.M.P. ANSWER: Nearly all adult primary care doctors, including family medicine doctors and internists, have expertise in taking care of older adults, as older people tend […]
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Hundreds of ongoing studies aim to better understand COVID
DEAR DR. ROACH: Is there a research group studying the aftereffects of COVID? My husband has been exhausted since his second bout of COVID in June 2023. This is not simply being tired; it is exhaustion. Our physician has ordered multiple tests (for his heart, lungs, etc.), and nothing else turns up. When speaking with […]
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Multiple myeloma patients can live longer with proper treatment
DEAR DR. ROACH: Can someone have diffuse multiple myeloma with serious symptoms (like bone pain, pale skin, amber-colored urine, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, excessive sweating, and dizziness) and still be alive after four years? — J.O. ANSWER: Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer of the bone marrow. The cells in the bone marrow (called plasma […]
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PSA score raises while taking medication, causing confusion
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 65 and have been taking 5 mg of finasteride for over one year to address benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). My PSA score has lowered from 11.4 ng/mL (before finasteride) to 7.9 ng/mL, but I understand that this score should be doubled when taking finasteride. So, I think my PSA score […]
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Medicines aren’t the answer when it comes to alcohol disorders
DEAR DR. ROACH: My sister has a real problem with alcohol. I have tried to get her into a rehab program, but she is resistant. I have read that medications like Ozempic might have some benefit in getting people to stop drinking alcohol. Is there an answer? — W.A. ANSWER: Alcohol use disorder is a […]
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High results in urinalysis don’t necessarily call for treatment
DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently had a urinalysis done for pain that I usually get from urinary tract infections (UTIs). The results showed that some of the tests were high. My epithelial cell count was 11; my hyaline cast count was 10; and there were both red and white blood cells. There wasn’t any bacteria, […]
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How to recognize normal versus high blood pressure
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been confused about what normal blood pressure is for me (or anyone). I know there are some issues on what normal is today, but let us say that normal is 120/80 mm Hg. Does this mean that 110/90 mm Hg, 130/70 mm Hg, or 150/50 mm Hg is also normal? […]