ArcaMax

DEAR DR. ROACH: Recently, you wrote that people who were born before 1957 are likely to have had measles and don't need to get the measles vaccine. I was born in 1954 and had measles in 1959 (with photographs to prove it). Last year, I had an MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) titer test, which showed that I had sufficient antibodies for mumps and ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I've read that there's a big increase in whooping cough. I am pregnant and want to know the best way to protect my baby. Is it exclusive breastfeeding? Getting the vaccine? Making sure that visitors are vaccinated or wear masks? -- D.G.

ANSWER: Whooping cough is caused by a species of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. This...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm a 66-year-old male in good health. I've always had very regular bowel movements, usually spending less than 5 minutes in the bathroom daily. About six months ago, I had a colonoscopy. Since then, I've been constipated with very hard stools. My doctor recommended fiber supplements three times a day and Colace. I've been ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm an 80-year-old male who doesn't drink or smoke, exercises regularly, and takes telmisartan for blood pressure and rosuvastatin for cholesterol. I've never had any heart issues except for a diagnosis of arteriosclerosis. Five years ago, my calcium score resulted in a left anterior descending artery at 92.9 Agatston units, ...Read more

DEAR DR ROACH: I decided to practice using an inhalation spirometer, partly because I have a daily productive cough (small amounts three to four times a day). I smoked a pack of filtered cigarettes a day from ages 17-29. I smoke marijuana now.

My scoliosis is quite complex and has taken over 4 inches off my height. But at age 75, I volunteer as...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was in excellent health until December 2020, when I was admitted to the hospital with high-risk multiple myeloma (MM). I've been participating in a Phase 2 clinical trial since January 2021, and I was fortunate to achieve minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative status in November 2023 -- a milestone that is reached by only 10...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm a 70 year old woman in good health, other than osteopenia and digestive problems that plague many seniors. I went through a sleep study and was found to have somewhat severe periodic limb movement. I do wake up frequently, always use the bathroom, and can be awake for a while before going back to sleep.

I was prescribed ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: After a routine blood test raised suspicions, my husband was diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). At first, we thought this wasn't a big deal, but further tests indicate that he's in the "high risk" category, although he doesn't have symptoms. The hematologist/oncologist has indicated that he ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an active senior and have started to feel symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). I'm wondering how and why this started. In the evenings, I use an athletic foam roller, drink water, and take magnesium supplements. I'd like to hear how to remedy this so that I can get some much-needed sleep. -- J.L.

ANSWER: We don't ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: My future son-in-law was diagnosed with hemicrania continua several weeks ago by a neurologist and is responding to indomethacin. Could you provide a prognosis for this illness? The internet says that it can take anywhere from weeks to months to years. Is this likely the case? -- M.I.L.

ANSWER: Hemicrania continua is an ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm always saddened when a young person dies of an old person's calling. I read about an actor dying of a heart attack at age 57. Apparently, he was athletic and in otherwise good health. Why do healthy young people suffer from unexpected heart attacks? -- A.C.G.

ANSWER: A heart attack is very rare under the age of 30 -- in ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm 70 years old, and my whole family is prone to edema, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis due to venous insufficiency. I've been wearing support pantyhose for 45 years whenever I get dressed, and I recently increased the compression. While I'm sitting, I elevate my legs. I am otherwise healthy and not overweight, and I ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read your recent column on primary sclerosing cholangitis. What is the difference between this condition and primary biliary cholangitis? Where can I find information on how to get on a waiting list for a liver transplant? -- C.V.

ANSWER: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are similar ...Read more

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read about a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease called NeuralCIM from Cuba. Do you think this is real? -- J.B.

ANSWER: NeuralCIM, aka NeuroEPO, is derived from erythropoietin -- the hormone that stimulates red blood cell precursors to make more blood cells. However, this intranasal form doesn't stimulate blood cells; it ...Read more