DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a female, age 70, who is 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds. I have no problems with cholesterol, diabetes or blood pressure. I do not take any medications, just vitamins. I take dance exercise classes and walk often. I recently went for my checkup and found that I […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: Two years ago, my wife (age 62, nonsmoker, nondrinker) was hospitalized for a case of septicemia. Her doctor at the time described her blood as “basically toxic sludge.” He said that she had gone into septic shock and her prognosis was poor. However, after a period in intensive care and being flooded […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My friend had a triple bypass last August. He still has problems. At a recent visit to the cardiologist, he was told that one of the grafts has fallen away. What does this mean? Where is that blood going? The doctor says he still has coronary heart disease, and they are trying […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 78-year old woman with longstanding trochanteric bursitis. I am always offered cortisone injections, and most of them have not worked. When they did, they were short-lasting. This bursitis can be severe. In the beginning I was given high doses of anti-inflammatories, but these gave me ulcers, so I can […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m 85 years old and a Type 2 diabetic. My fasting blood sugars are usually below 100. My physicians seem to worry about low blood sugars, and I am more concerned about slightly elevated blood sugars causing damage to my cardiovascular system and my kidneys. I’ve had three close relatives die from […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have suffered sciatic pain on my left side for over a year, and an MRI revealed spinal stenosis and arthritis. My doctor, who specializes in physiatry, has recommended an epidural injection with ultrasound. While I trust him, I have been doing some research, and am reluctant to go that route for […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: A year ago, I weighed 175 pounds. My wife was quite concerned when I started to lose weight. I am generally in good shape. I visited my local internist, and he ordered a series of blood tests, CT and MRI scans, and a brain scan, all of which were favorable. However, I […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 58-year-old male. Several months ago, I lost 17 pounds, and even though I have gained back about 2 pounds in the past month, I cannot gain the weight back, even by increasing my food intake. I feel tired all the time, and my energy level is not good. My […]