Opinion

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a woman, 74 years old and in fair health. Eight years ago I had surgery for lung cancer. The first night after, I was told I had atrial fibrillation due to the surgery being so close to the heart. I was started on metoprolol. Every now and then I would feel that my heart skipped a beat. My pulse was usually normal, and my doctors fluffed it off. I had shortness of breath to a mild degree from the surgery, but now it is pronounced on even slight exertion.

Q: I keep hearing about how pollutants in the air are causing all kinds of health problems. I live in the heart of a big city.

Dear Amy: I met a young woman online about eight months ago and have messaged her regularly. We also have video calls because she lives in the Philippines.

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a 79-year-old woman who was diagnosed with heart failure six years ago. I exercise almost daily and have had low blood pressure all my life (my systolic pressure varies between the high 70s and low 100s). I have a body mass index of 22. I recently started a prediabetic diet because my blood A1C value had climbed to 6.0.

Q: I’m having a knee replaced, and my doctor is going to prescribe me opioids to manage the post-op pain. Should I take them? I am afraid of becoming addicted.

By Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency Dear Amy: Two weeks ago, my husband, who was not being careful enough, came down with COVID-19. I duly reported this to the person who is in charge of a weekly outdoor gathering I attend with some other people.