ArcaMax

Correction: Fixes spelling of Enbrel in graf 2.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Your recent column on the shingles vaccine did not address those of us with compromised immune systems. I take Enbrel and could not take the original shingles vaccine. What is the protocol as of now with the new vaccine? -- C.H.

ANSWER: Unfortunately, there is still no consensus ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm a 75-year-old male who can't remember whether or not he's had chickenpox as a child. This is somewhat important, as I'm considering getting the shingles shot to prevent that horrible illness. Which would be a prudent approach: go ahead and get the shingles shot or wait in suspense? -- R.B.

ANSWER: Although some of my ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm an active 85-year-old woman. For the past four years, I have been having erratic blood pressure readings. Sometimes my blood pressure is 80/50, other times 200/90 or higher. I am treated with nadolol as needed.

My cardiologist said he cannot help me. The doctors at the hospital have no idea why I have this problem. When my ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have two boys diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. I am looking everywhere for some help, but can't seem to find anything. Is there a cure? -- F.I.I.

ANSWER: There are many types of muscular dystrophy. Some start in childhood; others later in life. The limb-girdle muscular dystrophies are a diverse group of inherited...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 18-year-old niece has Friedreich's ataxia and is getting used to living in her dorm but requires a walker or wheelchair to get around. We know that there isn't a cure or really any treatment outside of some potential drug trials and that the long-term prognosis is dire. But could a CRISPR type of technology hold promise? -- I....Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: My stepfather had a series of screening tests done by a commercial company, including tests on his carotid arteries, abdominal aorta, peripheral arteries and heart rhythm. He received a good report. However, two or three weeks after the screening, he suffered a stroke. My confidence in the screening program was shaken! How ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: My grandson suffers from misophonia. He is unable to attend school or be in the same room as anyone eating. He runs away when someone clears their throat or coughs.

As a result, he is totally isolated and has no friends. He is soon to be 16 years old and is home-schooled. Are there any treatments for this horrible disorder? -- G...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 67-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, currently treated with Prolia injections. I also previously took Fosamax for four years.

I must have a tooth extracted due to a crack in the root, and my dentist wants me to forgo the Prolia treatment due to risk of osteonecrosis. What is the current research on ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 77-year-old aunt, who is in good health, had an endoscopy and was told that her stomach biopsy was positive for H. pylori. She was treated for 14 days. After a month, a breathing test showed no signs of H. pylori. However, I read her biopsy report, and it showed "secondary interstitial chronic gastritis with plasmacytosis." ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 70-year-old active female in good health, with the exception of a heart murmur and mitral valve prolapse with two leaks. My cardiologist has advised me that I will most likely need to have the valve replaced. I have been seeing him every six months for an echocardiogram and a follow-up to see if there are any changes. ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 76 years old and have had a bone density test every two years for the past 12 years at the recommendation of my physician. Every test has shown bone loss in my left hip, which is the result of a childhood case of polio. My physician has also pressed me to take Fosamax, which I have strongly resisted because of the unpleasant...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: My sister is getting chemo for breast cancer, and her 4-year-old is due for his shots. She's worried that he won't be able to get them all because of her treatment. Our parents are unsure if they should go ahead and get the shingles vaccine since they are around her often. What are the guidelines on shots for close contacts of ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 67-year-old estate planning attorney. Last year I had back surgery and experienced substantial cognitive impairment immediately after. It has been over a year, and I have recovered perhaps 80% of my prior mental function. I would appreciate your thoughts on this issue, as many of my elderly clients have also experienced ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 80-year-old male who's very physically active. Six years ago, I had a coronary calcium scan resulting in a score of 3,708 with no symptoms. A few days later, a thallium treadmill stress test showed no problems.

I have aortic stenosis that recently reached the borderline-severe stage and is being dealt with by my doctor. ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: Why is there a flu season instead of it being a year-round health challenge? And why do flu strains originate in Southeast Asia instead of, say, Poughkeepsie, New York? -- M.S.

ANSWER: Why there is a flu season is a bit of a mystery. Scientists used to think it was due to people staying indoors more during cold weather or ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm an 83-year-old woman in very good health who takes no medications. My doctor informed me that I have an "extra" heartbeat, but I have no noticeable symptoms. What is my prognosis? Will my heart wear out sooner? -- R.P.

ANSWER: Based on what you've told me, I'm going to guess that you have an irregular heart rate due to some ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am in my early 90s and have read your column and those before yours, and have not seen this topic covered.

Long ago, my primary doctor told me that many people suffering from constipation are not aware that they are ignoring the natural urge for a bowel movement that comes within 15 to 30 minutes after every meal, often ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: A 2016 Hopkins study reported that medical negligence accounts for 250,000 deaths per year. And that's just mortality; it does not include any contributions to living with disease. My own view is to attribute nearly all of this to the fact that physicians are severely overworked. What do you think about all of this? -- R.A.

...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: A few years ago, while skiing in Utah, I became violently ill and could barely walk. I called 9-1-1 and was taken to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with hyponatremia. It took a week in the hospital to recover. My internist eventually prescribed 1 gram of salt/sodium a day and to not drink too much water.

Even though I take ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I've caught a flu. That's despite taking vitamin C, garlic and oil of oregano. I gave up on echinacea a long time ago. I try to get enough rest and live a relatively healthy life. I take no prescription drugs, and you'd think at age 59 I'd have built immunity to the latest bug.

If there's a cold or flu circulating, I always get ...Read more