DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 64-year-old woman with a thin frame who was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. In the past 10 years, my bone density has declined despite regular exercise, a diet high in dairy products and taking calcium carbonate supplements. My doctor prescribed Forteo injections for one year to hopefully improve my bone […]
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Post-intensive-care syndrome now recognized
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 […]
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Heart attack still possible after triple bypass
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 […]
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Sore jaw sufferer seeks sleep solution
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been living with TMJ pain on my right side. I believe my situation is unique in that I experience the pain only at night, initially when lying on my right side. While the level of pain is not excruciating, it’s more than sufficient to ruin any effort to sleep. Over […]
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Find a specialist for trochanteric bursitis
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 […]
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Making sense of the ACCORD trial recommendations
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 […]
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Epidural injections widely used to treat back pain
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 […]
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There are many causes of weight loss
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 […]
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Low lymphocyte count is cause for concern
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 […]