Once degenerative arthritis, it is now osteoarthritis

Dear Dr. Roach: You published an article in April discussing the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. How does 'degenerative arthritis' differ from the other two?

To manage opposing conditions, doctors balance risks and benefits of medications

Dear Dr. Roach: In 2008, I was treated for prostate cancer with radiation. A couple of months later, I started passing blood during bowel movements. I went to a gastroenterologist, who found that my colon was 'burned' by the radiation.

Dementia and delirium not the same thing

Dear Dr. Roach: My father, 79, used to play 18 holes of golf three times a week, but after a recent gallbladder removal, he started showing some unusual symptoms. He appeared to be a totally different person: helpless and unable to walk. The doctors diagnosed him as having dementia.

Dad had shingles, fears visitor at risk

Dear Dr. Roach: I have suffered with shingles for the past six months. My daughter, who lives a long distance from me, is coming for a visit. She’s pregnant with her first child. I wonder if I should let her come because of my shingles. I know shingles is related to chickenpox, and I don’t want her to be infected. It could harm her baby. What would you advise?

Reducing salt intake eases high blood pressure

Dear Dr. Roach: I have type II diabetes and high blood pressure, which I generally keep below 130/80 with medication. My doctor is concerned about my salt intake. When I pointed out that my sodium level from a recent blood test was in the middle of the normal range, my doctor stated that that was something different.

A concussion can affect one's sense of smell, taste

Dear Dr. Roach: My 18-year-old grandson sustained a concussion while skateboarding. He does not remember the event, which happened about a month ago. He is back in college and can manage his studies. However, he lost his senses of smell and taste. This is very depressing to him. His neurologist states he will not retrieve them. What do your studies show?

Does sleep apnea test give clues about RLS?

Dear Dr. Roach: My husband, age 65, had a sleep apnea test done overnight in the hospital a year ago, and they said he does not have it. Lately, when I wake during the night, I listen to him breathe. He snores only some nights, not all. It sounds like he breathes five or six times, then his feet or legs shake a little. I told him about this, and he thinks he might have restless leg syndrome. What do you think? Could he have sleep apnea now?

Cause of painful sex should be investigated

Dear Dr. Roach: This is a subject I am reluctant to discuss, but I am at my wits’ end and don’t know what to do. I am 61 years old. I had a vaginal hysterectomy two years ago because of prolapse. I also have had a bladder lift (about 15 years ago). Everything seemed to have gone well. Once I recovered and was allowed to resume sexual relations, I discovered that I could no longer tolerate penetration.

Best way to treat pet bites sought

Dear Dr. Roach: Will you give me information on the best way to treat pet bites? I have three young children, and we live in a neighborhood where every family except us has at least one pet. The pets are mostly dogs. I don’t want to overreact to a tiny scratch, but I need to know what to do with a more serious bite.

Oral meds most effective for toenail fungus

Dear Dr. Roach: My husband has bad toenail fungus. He is not diabetic. He cannot take prescription medicine by mouth (like terbinafine) because he is on too many other prescription medications. What about laser treatment? Does it work? Is it expensive? Is it contagious?

Can liquids flush out eye dryness?

Dear Dr. Roach: I have had pain from dry eyes for three years. My ophthalmologist had me using artificial tears several times daily. At a recent annual visit with my internist, he pronounced me in excellent health but stressed I needed to drink eight glasses of water or liquid a day. Within two weeks of following his instructions, my eye dryness cleared up completely, and I seldom need to use the artificial tears.