DEAR DR. ROACH: I happened to come across your recent article on the placebo effect. As a professor of physiology, I understand perfectly your advice. And I sort of feel that the placebo effect can be a good one. If someone feels ”relief” from taking a harmless substance, what’s the matter with that? I’m talking […]
Dr. Roach
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
Infection 20 years ago unlikely to be trigger for current illness
DEAR DR. ROACH: In 1973, I was hospitalized for three days in an Air Force hospital in Thailand with an unknown viral illness. I quickly recovered and went back to my duties. In 1992, I started having one problem after another for about six months, culminating in losing my ability to walk in about 10 […]
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Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
Can hearing loss, dizziness be traced to military service?
DEAR DR. ROACH: In 1966, my husband was in the military, assigned to artillery for a period of three months’ training. During this time, he and his fellow soldiers were exposed to close-range cannon fire. At the end of and during each operation, his ears would be buzzing. Ear protection was not provided. My husband […]
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
Congestive heart failure can be difficult to manage
DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband was diagnosed with congestive heart failure a year ago. His ejection fraction was 15-20. Now it is 25-30, but he’s worse! For the past few months, he’s been admitted to the hospital at least once a week. It started with an overload of 13 liters; he came home, and within […]
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
Effects on the body of regular blood donation
DEAR DR. ROACH: My blood type is O-negative. I am well aware that O is the universal donor blood type. I have tried to donate every eight weeks since I was 16. I am now turning 49 in a few weeks, and wonder how many people I’ve helped over the years and if there are […]
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Once hammertoe process begins, treatment is necessary
DEAR DR. ROACH: What is the cause of and treatment for hammertoe? — A. ANSWER: Hammertoes have many possible causes, including a variety of muscle and nerve diseases, but the biggest cause I see is improperly fitted (or designed) shoes. They occur most commonly in the second, third or fourth toe. Toes are permanently bent […]
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
Benign fasciculations are troubling twitches to reader
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a 53-year-old daughter who is troubled by muscle twitches. They occur on various parts of her body, some lasting for several minutes, and others much longer. No pain is associated with these mysterious twitches, but recently their frequency seems to be increasing, along with the severity. She has seen several […]
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
Steroids and antibiotics prescribed together: the new trend?
DEAR DR. ROACH: In late spring of 2016, I had a sinus infection and was prescribed both an antibiotic and prednisone. I was told that the steroid would increase the effectiveness of the antibiotic. After reading the patient insert for prednisone, I elected to take only the antibiotic, with excellent results. Since that time, three […]
Posted inDr. Roach, sj-web
Blood test not always needed to regulate meds dose
DEAR DR. ROACH: My son was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. The doctor prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). When I inquired about a blood test to determine his serotonin levels, the doctor told me it wasn’t necessary. How could a medication be prescribed without knowing what his levels are? My wife has her levels checked each year […]
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It’s wise to consider potential side effects of treatment
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 70-year-old woman with lichen planopilaris. While I know that this is rare and not life-threatening, it is nonetheless extremely upsetting to me. Are there any promising treatments, and what side effects do they have? I was told that with one drug you must have your eyes checked regularly, and […]