Health Advice
/Health
Meds Can Help Identify The Cause Behind Cough With Mucus
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 103-year-old woman with a medical problem that I hope you can help me with. I cough up a lot of mucus every day, which is clear with no discoloration. The cough can start at anytime, but it is more prevalent at night. The mucus starts with the cough and can last anywhere from 15-30 minutes or more.
I don't know where ...Read more
Herpes Symptoms Usually Appear Four Days After Exposure
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a question regarding the transmission rate of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). I had a sexual encounter with exposure to HSV-1. Despite being careful, there was some contact. I explained my fear of contracting HSV-1, and my partner admitted that they had the virus but had been on antiviral medication for years, to the point...Read more
Ten Days Is Sufficient Enough To Stop Isolation After Mild Covid
DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband and I both came down with COVID. We had all of the usual symptoms and have since recovered. We have been in isolation and are even wearing masks around the house to keep our (so far) uninfected son safe. However, after 15 days for me and 17 days for my husband, we are still testing positive. We have used four ...Read more
Is A Hysterectomy Necessary For Woman With A Low Cancer Risk?
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 66-year old post-menopausal woman who is scheduled next month for a hysterectomy to correct a pelvic organ prolapse. There is no history of ovarian cancer in my family. My first period was at age 12, and menopause happened for me at age 51. I used birth control pills.
My gynecologist is leaving the decision up to me. I ...Read more
Growth Of Tissue On The Palm Bothers Retired Mail Carrier
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 75-year-old retired mail carrier. I have a growth on my palm that continues to grow. It's not hurting me, but it is annoying and puts pressure on my hand. My hand surgeon called it "palmar fibromatosis" and said to just leave it alone, since it's no big deal. But I want it gone, and I am at a loss as to what to do next. ...Read more
Vocal Cord Becomes Paralyzed After A Cold
DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter, 45, has had a paralyzed left vocal cord for about a year now. We have been to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor who ran at least a half dozen tests, including several scans. These didn't show a reason for the problem, and everything else appeared to be normal. She had a cold before this happened. We were ...Read more
Trouble Swallowing Can Point To A Number Of Possibilities
DEAR DR. ROACH: My 94-year-old father has been having trouble swallowing lately. He tries to expel any food by inducing himself to vomit, but it is very difficult. We looked up his esophagus symptoms, but there doesn't seem to be many causes. He does have chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); would this point to cancer or a blockage? Would a ...Read more
A Low T-Score And A Low Z-Score Signify Severe Osteoporosis
DEAR DR. ROACH: The results for my last bone density test show not only a T-score but also a Z-score. For my spine (L1 through L4), the T-score is -3.4, while the Z-score is -1.4. Can you please explain the difference between the two measurements?
I realize that I have osteoporosis; this is something that I have been dealing with for the past...Read more
Symptoms Of Wobbliness Ensue After Various Procedures
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an almost 70-year-old male. I'm 6 feet and 2 inches tall, and I weigh 174 pounds. I quit smoking in May 1988. I drink little to no alcohol (although I have had periods of moderate to heavy use in my life).
I have been a runner and moderate strength trainer since the mid-1980s and ran a marathon in 2009. I lift about 2/3s ...Read more
Enlarged Prostate Follows After A Bout Of Bacterial Pneumonia
DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently contracted a rather severe case of bacterial pneumonia, requiring 10 days of amoxicillin. It has left me with a problem -- I have an enlarged prostate. Prior to getting pneumonia, I had to go to the bathroom three times a night, which I could handle. Now I have to urinate every hour on average, which is keeping me ...Read more
High Troponin Levels And Chest Pressure Signify Heart Damage
DEAR DR. ROACH: My mom was just admitted to the hospital with chest pressure. She had just lost her husband of 62 years last week, and she initially thought this was just stress. They said she might have a blockage because her troponin level was 142 ng/mL. Her cardiologist recommended an angiogram. Is that a good idea? -- D.S.W.
ANSWER: A ...Read more
Constant Aleve And Ibuprofen Consumption Can Cause Damage
DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband, age 70, had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his neck, for which he would take Aleve to relieve his discomfort when needed. Just before the Christmas holiday last year, his back began hurting so much that he went to his doctor, who said to get up and move more. (We have always exercised and remained active in ...Read more
Patient Worried Over Cancer Risk With Barrett's Esophagus
DEAR DR. ROACH: After many years of dealing with reflux, I have now developed Barrett's esophagus. The biopsy said "Barrett's/intestinal metaplasia." After speaking to the nurse at my gastroenterologist's office, she explained that they were the "same thing."
Needless to say, I'm a bit concerned knowing that this diagnosis is a precursor to ...Read more
How To Treat Edema In The Legs And Feet
DEAR DR. ROACH: My brother is 74 and has edema in his legs and feet. He doesn't exercise; he basically just sleeps and plays games on his computer. His bedroom is upstairs, and he struggles going up and down the stairs. He takes a water pill (furosemide).
Is he doing more harm than good taking the pill? Is there anything he can do or take ...Read more