DEAR DR. ROACH: My father is in his mid-60s and recently underwent surgery to repair mitral valve prolapse. Everything went smoothly, and his recovery has been good, with the exception of this morning. He has resumed smoking (after telling his doctors that he quit), and he experienced a dizzy spell where his vision in one […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read a recent headline that said people who fast intermittently have an increased risk of heart disease. Is there merit to this story? — K.O.S. ANSWER: Intermittent fasting is an increasingly common weight-loss strategy. The two most common approaches of intermittent fasting are alternate-day fasting (eating nothing one day, then whatever […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have neuropathy in my left foot. It feels very hot on the bottom. My neurologist thinks it is from my sugar level, but I got my A1C down from 6.2% to 5.6% and do not have neuropathy in my right foot. A friend said that he has had some relief with […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 72 years old and otherwise fairly healthy, but I am writing to you in desperation. I have talked with every doctor I have had in the past 15 years, and no one has been able to give me any help. I have had severe hot flashes for over 22 years, […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by my gastroenterologist over three years ago. I was tested using the tube method. (I followed a diet the day before, then blew into tubes the day of.) I am so bloated that I cannot wear any of my clothes because I look […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: What is the main cause for insulin resistance? I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about five years ago. I’ve maintained a consistent weight under 200 pounds, and I’m only 5 feet, 9 inches tall. I was able to get my A1C level to 7.2% last summer, but in late fall, my […]

DEAR DR ROACH: I’m writing in to warn readers of a possible side effect of an antibiotic known as levofloxacin. I was recently treated with this medication for a sinus infection that would not clear up with amoxicillin. After five days of taking the medication, my joints became very inflamed, especially my ankles, and it […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 58-year-old female in reasonably good health. When I was young, I donated blood several times and would have continued to do so, had I not become ineligible due to living in England during the mad cow disease outbreak. I happened upon something recently stating that this particular disqualifier has […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a healthy 67-year-old female being treated with Eylea for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). I have just had my second round of Eyelea, and with the pollen starting up, my eyes are beginning to itch. Is it safe to use over-the-counter eye drops? I also take Zyrtec nightly for my […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 64-year-old male, and my A1C level has been averaging around 7.4% for a number of years. I was diagnosed diabetic at age 54. My doctor has been trying several combinations of drugs over the last couple years to get my A1C below 7%. I currently am maxed out on […]