Opinion

This past week has been a time of reflection with the passing of Sen. Bob Dole.

Dear Amy: I am the proud papa of a brilliant, beautiful, 18-year-old daughter. She is thriving as a freshman in college.

Dear Dr. Roach: I have had osteoporosis for a while and recently had a bone density test that again confirmed that I have it. I am not really interested in taking an oral prescription such as Fosamax, because of the many negative side effects. I would like to find out more about the injection, Prolia. I also understand that there is an infusion, Reclast, that is done once a year. I am concerned about the strength of something that is done only once a year and any side effects since I tend to be sensitive and don’t take a lot of medication.

Dear Dr. Roach: About three months ago, I had an attack of gout. I believe it was my first, but I may have had one a few months earlier that was diagnosed as a foot infection. The symptoms lasted well over a month. My last uric acid reading was 5.1, but it was 8.6 in February. I am watching my diet – I have not eaten red meat in over 30 years – and have basically eliminated shellfish, which I love. I also take 100 mg of allopurinol.

Dear Amy: Every year, my husband receives a text message from his sister asking what our two children would like for Christmas. She does not acknowledge our children’s birthdays or any other special milestone that would warrant a call, a card, or a gift; but at Christmas she always sends gift cards.

Dear Amy: I’m a new mom to a wonderful, healthy and happy baby. The birth was traumatic.

Dear Dr. Roach: I’m a 75-year-old man who is quite active in many sports, including tennis. About six weeks ago, I developed pain in the outside of my elbow, which the internet tells me is lateral epicondylitis. I’ve never had an injury, including fractures, that is so persistent. I seem to be no closer to resuming my sports activities. Could you write about the condition and what treatments have the best chance of success?

Dear Amy: I have always been against senseless consumerism. I am a minimalist in almost all aspects of my life. I do not try to impose my beliefs on anyone, however, whenever I am invited to birthday parties, I almost wish I wasn’t.

Dear Dr. Roach: Is it safe for an unvaccinated person experiencing long-term symptoms after a COVID-19 infection to get the vaccination, or must they wait until the typical 90-day period for symptoms to diminish or disappear?