DEAR DR. ROACH: I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer about seven weeks ago. I had a complete hysterectomy four weeks ago. The pathology report came back as “Stage 1, Grade 3, size 4.5 cm undifferentiated carcinoma with myoinvasion of under 50 percent, clear lymph nodes and margins.” My case was discussed at a tumor board, […]
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Sudden vision disturbance may be more than migraine
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a healthy 58-year-old female. One year ago, I was sitting on a friend’s porch when suddenly it was as if someone had poured thick oil over my left eye. After consulting with my eye doctor and my family physician, the occurrence was diagnosed as an ocular migraine. Bloodwork and a […]
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Strange ‘pimples’ may be rare disease
DEAR DR. ROACH: After having several strange-looking “pimples” on my thighs and one on my face, I was told it is lymphomatoid papulosis. One or two people in a million are diagnosed with this. I know that it is not contagious, but what is it? What causes it, how is it treated, and what can […]
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DEAR DR. ROACH: Articles on strokes or TIAs rarely mention that they can be caused by a congenital heart defect. I had a family member with a patent foramen ovale, found at age 54, after he’d had several strokes. He had surgery to repair it and has been well ever since. I would like to […]
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High LDL needs treatment, even with low calcium score
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m writing to request a second opinion regarding my cholesterol situation. After 20-plus years (I’m 66) on statins, I have become concerned about perceived muscle fatigue. I went off Vytorin for two months and had a blood test. Before going off, my numbers were HDL 56, triglycerides 60 and LDL 111. After […]
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One-click medical records can contain errors
DEAR DR. ROACH: I was a registered nurse for more than 45 years, and I admit that I am old-school. I specialized in emergency-room and cardiac care. I always ask for copies of my office notes and test results for my records, and I see a frightening trend among physicians. In the past five years, […]
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The double-edged sword of radiation exposure
DEAR DR. ROACH: Radiation can be used to treat cancer, but I’ve heard that radiation from too many CT scans and X-rays can cause cancer. What is the difference? I’m 72 and have had close to 25 CT scans over the years, mostly of my sinuses. Do I have an increased risk of getting cancer? […]
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Uveitis is inflammation of the middle eye
Uveitis is inflammation of the middle eye DEAR DR. ROACH: For the past several months, I’ve had problems in my right eye. The eye was bloodshot and painful, and vision was blurry. I was diagnosed with uveitis, and the doctors didn’t know why it happened. I’ve had full lab work and chest X-rays. I have […]
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Was case of ‘Bird Lung’ an allergy or infection?
Was case of ‘Bird Lung’ an allergy or infection? DEAR DR. ROACH: I was a very active, healthy, young 68-year-old until March, when I was hospitalized for two weeks for bilateral pneumonia. I was told by the doctors at the hospital that it would take four to six weeks to get my health back. However, […]
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Chikungunya not likely cause of chronic diarrhea
DEAR DR. ROACH: In January 2014, I was bitten by a mosquito in the Caribbean and came down with the Chikungunya virus, which I still have. I took naproxen for about three months for the Chikungunya from April to July 2014. In August, I started having chronic diarrhea, which continues to this day. I have […]