Ask the Doctor

Delusions are real for the sufferer

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am writing on behalf of my mother. For the past 17 months she has been experiencing what she feels are parasites coming out of her skin. She has seen multiple doctors, including skin doctors. They have done blood tests, X-rays and e... Full story

Even topical estrogen can have side effects

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: For the past five years I have been using vaginal estrogen. I was first given Estradiol Cream. I have always had very thick, curly hair. In less than a week I started noticing hair coming out in my hands when washing it. Within a coup... Full story

Using Tylenol in treatment for RA

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 80-plus-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis. My doctor has reduced my methotrexate dosage due to his concern about kidney damage. He prescribed Tylenol. My question is whether Tylenol also has a potential problem for my kid... Full story

Treat a kid with OI as a kid, not a kid with a disease

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: My great-grandson was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta.  He had his first leg fracture before his 2nd birthday. I understand there is no cure.  How do we help him be the best he can be? -- A. ANSWER: Osteogenesis impe... Full story

There's no home remedy for COPD

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: In a recent column, you recommended "very aggressive treatment" of the COPD in a man who was nearly passing out when coughing due to a cold. I know a man who has been diagnosed who continues to smoke a non-filtered brand of cigarette.... Full story

Chiropractic manipulation is mostly safe

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 11-year-old daughter suffered a stress fracture on her lower spine a couple of years ago from doing back handsprings in gymnastics. She wore a back brace for a while, and now has no more problems in that area. However, her upper ba... Full story

Watching carbohydrate intake is not a bad diet

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 55 years old, take no medication and am in good health. However, I'm about 25 pounds overweight. Starting four months ago, I eliminated most carbohydrates from my diet -- no pasta, potatoes, rice, flour, bread or sweets. I have a... Full story

CPAP does not worsen sleep apnea

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband said I snore, so I went to a sleep lab and was diagnosed with borderline sleep apnea. The doctor said I could get the CPAP machine, but it was up to me. I chose to get it, and I use it every night. Now, when I nap, I wake m... Full story

Ear pain that comes and goes is hard to diagnose

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Please, please help me. I've visited my allergist, the ear-nose-throat specialist and my own internist. None of them has ever heard of my problem and don't know how to help me. Starting in 1990, every couple of months I would get an ... Full story

Is there a link between cancer and stress?

BY KEITH ROACH, M.D.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Several of my friends developed breast cancer shortly after the death of their husband, child or someone else close. Your comments, please, regarding great stress and cancer. -- M.W. ANSWER: I think there are two issues here. The fir... Full story

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