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To Your Good Health: Muscle spasms after surgery prompt concern for a stroke

DEAR DR. ROACH: In 2021, I drove to the hospital with chest and back pain. I was told that I needed an emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder. During the procedure, I suffered a heart rhythm disturbance, which they were able to stabilize. (Months later, a doctor indicated that they had to ...

Dear Annie: Weighed down while husband is worry-free

Dear Annie: I'm writing because I can't tell if I'm being too sensitive or if I'm finally seeing something I've been ignoring for years. I'm 46, married, and we have three kids (two teens and one in college). On paper, our life is good. We're busy, we're stable, we show up for school events ...

To Your Good Health: Breaking down the condition of cryptogenic cirrhosis

DEAR DR. ROACH: My friend has cryptogenic cirrhosis. She says that the doctors don't know what causes it. Where could this have come from, and what does this mean for her? -- A.T.G. ANSWER: "Cryptogenic" is from the Greek roots "krytpo-" (meaning hidden) and -genic (for "origin"), so ...

‘Backup friend’ left behind by old circle

By ANNIE LANE Syndicated columnist Dear Annie: I am embarrassed to admit this at my age, but I feel like the kid left out at recess. I am in my late 40s, married with kids, a steady job and a calendar that looks full from the outside. But inside I feel lonely. I have plenty of ...

Many charities are worthy of your support

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Heloise: I have enjoyed your (and your mother’s) column for decades and currently read it in the Colorado Springs Gazette. I was recently upset by the person who recommended not giving to charities because the money all went to administration costs. This is simply not true. There are thousands of charities in the United States, and many depend on volunteers only. However, there are scammers, and it is easy to check out a charity at CharityNavigator.org. They study each charity’s work and their financial statements, and they rate them ...

Cost of IBS medicine expensive even with insurance

Kicker hed: “To Your Good Health” (1/5) By KEITH ROACH, M.D. Syndicated columnist Dear Dr. Roach: After a month of testing from my gastrointestinal doctor, I have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. I have been sick for several months and have lost 12 pounds. I’m now ...