The Denver Gazette

ADVICE

DR. ROACH Email to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

Dear Dr. Roach: Could you address problems that may or may not be aftereffects of COVID-19? The problems seem to be common among people who have had COVID-19, but not acknowledged by all medical professionals. — A.C.S.

Answer: Although the likelihood of dying from COVID-19 is “only” about 1.8% — meaning 938,000 deaths in the U.S. alone due to COVID by the best estimates as of this writing — many people who survive COVID-19 are left with persistent symptoms. The most common physical symptoms are fatigue or low energy, which can be profound; shortness of breath, especially with exertion; chest pain or tightness; and cough. However, many people have other symptoms, including persistent changes in smell and taste, joint pains, headache, dizziness, poor appetite and poor sleep.

I’m not sure what medical people you have been talking to. Studies are clear, and those of us who have taken care of many people with COVID-19 know that this disease can cause persistent symptoms ranging from mild to debilitating in a very large number of people. We do not know how long-lasting these symptoms are going to be, or even whether some symptoms may be permanent.

Dear Dr. Roach: I am an 87-year-old man with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation. I am still active, except for severe osteoarthritis of the right shoulder and a torn rotator cuff. I had opinions from two orthopedic surgeons. The first recommended a complete shoulder replacement as soon as possible. The second advised that due to my age and overall health, it would be best to live with the condition.

I am confused about the way to go. — D.R.

Answer: This is a critical decision, and I don’t have enough information about you to give you much help. The key factor is how healthy you are: Doing surgery is a little risky, and even in the best situation you will have a lot of work to do with rehab after surgery. The best person to help you make this decision is your regular doctor. That might be your family doctor, internist or cardiologist, but that person should help you balance the short-term risks against the long-term benefits.

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2021-09-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://daily.denvergazette.com/article/282372632759345

The Gazette, Colorado Springs