DEAR DR. ROACH: After years of controlling my herpes outbreaks, I began having severe outbreaks again. I noticed that they began after I had completed a week’s worth of prednisone. Since then, and after a few more steroid prescriptions over the years, I have been on valacyclovir, which has cut the symptoms of the virus […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 60-year-old male. In April 2020, while watching TV, I developed dizziness, changes to my vision, difficulty standing and walking, and sudden deafness. I did not want to go to the hospital right away. I finally went to the hospital the third day after symptoms appeared. I was informed by […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I think I have a middle ear infection. I noticed it last night. It doesn’t hurt except when I swallow. Otherwise, I feel fine. Should I wait 24 hours before seeing my doctor, or should I try to see him today? — J.B. ANSWER: First, let’s review the anatomy. The ear has […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 75 and have had Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia for three years, which has been treated with ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and is now in remission. A side effect of Imbruvica is bleeding, and it requires the drug to be withheld before procedures. I need a colonoscopy and a prostate biopsy now. Ideally, how long […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a female over 90 years old who has been urged to take an essential oil wolfberry supplement with a drop of frankincense to prevent cancer. I recently had a mastectomy in my left breast. Please comment. — D.H. ANSWER: Wolfberry, also called goji berries, has been touted as a cancer […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband is 84 years old and has critical stenosis in his back. He is also diabetic (his A1C level is 8.8% with insulin), has high blood pressure that is under control, and takes amiodarone for his heart. He received an epidural for back pain, but it did not help. He is […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My friend uses an Inspire device for sleep apnea. It bothers him during the day when he feels it stimulating his tongue. Can you tell me about this? — R.S. ANSWER: Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the back of the tongue closing the airway when the muscles relax during sleep. (Snoring […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 69-year-old who used to walk up 75 to 90 flights of steps several days a week as exercise. After a steering wheel airbag went off and damaged my heart, I am afraid my ability to do that stopped. After years of medications, I am now on a pacemaker, which […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 54 years old, and I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation that comes and goes. I was prescribed Xarelto, but since I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy done soon, I asked my cardiologist if I can start the medication after the procedure. She agreed, but I am still a little […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Have you ever heard of “fibromuscular dysplasia”? My mom was diagnosed with this blood disorder and understands that there is no known medical procedure to treat it. She claims this is a blood disease that is affecting her kidneys, and she had a stent placed near the opening of her kidney to […]