ArcaMax

DEAR DR ROACH: I'm 60 years old now. I never had chicken pox as a child but was tested as an adult, and I do have the antibodies. I've been on a standard dose of acyclovir for 15 years after I had a severe neurological reaction to a potential but unconfirmed herpes simplex infection.

My doctor said there is evidence that maintenance acyclovir...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 85-year-old woman in relatively good health. I had been taking raloxifene for approximately 45 years. My doctor at the time said that since I had a complete hysterectomy, I should be on it for the rest of my life to help prevent breast cancer and osteoporosis. My bone density is normal.

A few months ago, my provider ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate two months ago. I thought it was another kidney stone I needed to pass, but I had a totally blocked urethra. I was sent home from the emergency room with a two-week catheter. My urologist prescribed 5 mg of finasteride and alfuzosin.

I spend winters in Florida, but my urologist in ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm interested in consuming dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). I've read it will destroy the root of cancer and hasten the healing of broken bones, ligaments and strained muscles. My question is whether it is OK to consume the suggested amount of DMSO?

My aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical valve three years ago. After 12 months ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a good friend who is almost 77 years old. He was a heavy smoker until about 14 years ago. He decided to quit smoking and used nicotine gum to help with this process. It's my understanding that nicotine gum should only be used for a fairly short period of time to help a person quit smoking.

However, he is still using it ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter-in-law and son are expecting their first baby in late January. I am a 65-year-old healthy, fit woman. I walk daily and do yoga. Other than perhaps my age, I have no medical risk factors. She is requesting that I received the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. I do not see any reason that it is necessary. She...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: It seems that many of the medications I see advertised on television carry a warning about "thoughts of suicide." Can you explain why so many diverse drugs share this same side effect? -- W.S.

ANSWER: Unfortunately, suicide is a too-common cause of death that many people are uncomfortable talking about. However, it is clear ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband is 73 and was diagnosed with heart failure and a severely dilated left ventricle. At the time, he was pumping 10 liters per minute. He had a proBNP natriuretic peptide level over 10,000 and an ejection fraction of 39%. Later, he was found to have an abdominal arteriovenous malformation (AVM). He underwent three ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: You recently wrote that you do not recommend probiotics in healthy people. I am a 78-year-old male who, three years ago, underwent an esophagectomy to remove my esophagus and part of my stomach because of cancer. I was put on 30 mg of pantoprazole, which was later increased to 40 mg. I've read that prolonged use of this ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 75-year-old male and have had pain in my buttocks down to my outside thigh muscles. My primary care doctor ordered an MRI of the lower back and referred me to an orthopedic doctor who specializes in back issues.

The doctor diagnosed my condition as lumbar spondylosis based on disc compression impacting the nerves. ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: My wife is 51 and has generally struggled with constipation for as long as I've known her (many decades). Several weeks ago, an extended period without bowel movements began. She regularly uses Miralax, fiber bars, other laxatives, and even prune juice, to no effect. She has been giving herself an enema, but again, no results. ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 73-year-old man who has recently been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe arthritis in my right knee. I am trying to figure out a healthy way to manage my chronic knee pain. Is there any danger in the long-term use of acetaminophen? I take an anticoagulant (5 mg of apixaban daily), so I don't take any NSAID pain relievers....Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a serious problem with my fingernails splitting and coming off at the edges. I have tried biotin and keratin for almost a year without results. I am an 89-year-old man who takes ibrutinib, Valtrex, allopurinol, cetirizine, and recently Eliquis and metoprolol succinate. Is there a solution for this sore, uncomfortable ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent column on shingles. I am 66 years old and in fairly good health. I had both Shingrix shots about five years ago. I take hydroxyurea for polycythemia vera (PV).

Around Aug. 1, I noticed some spots on my forearm that appeared to be a spider bite. I went to my family doctor, and she immediately diagnosed me ...Read more