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Rare Statin Side Effect Requires Expert Evaluation

DEAR DR. ROACH: In your column about statins, you said they have the potential for side effects. Why don’t doctors know or consider these when prescribing them or tell you when to stop taking them? After a few years on statins, I had muscle aches, especially in my legs. Not one doctor acknowledged it when I asked if it could be the statins — except to say “Let’s try another one.” It wasn’t until I read an article online written by two European doctors and one from San Diego that talked in depth about statin side effects. That’s why they said they don’t prescribe ...

Friend Wants to Break Up With Longtime Golf Partner

DEAR ABBY: Years ago, I met a man through golf, and we developed a casual friendship. I lost track of him for a few years, but when I heard his wife was being treated with chemo for cancer, I took them food and offered my support. As our friendship grew stronger, we began playing more golf and became “refriended.” He’s a good golfer, but very serious, and he whines constantly on the course. I have kidded him about it, and he acknowledges it to a small degree. He’s also joined at the hip with his wife, so much so that when I invited him to our cabin for a guys’ weekend, he ...

Coin Shortage?

Dear Readers: Surely you’ve noticed retailers posting signs about a coin shortage. It’s not really a shortage, it’s a distribution problem. During these times of a global pandemic, some businesses have had their doors closed or have been limited in service for social distancing and stay-at-home orders. Some of these include businesses that rely on coins (laundromats, car washes and even vending machines), and they have seen their revenue plummet. Therefore, there are fewer coins in circulation. As the economy recovers, you’ll see more coins around and fewer signs stating, ...

Many Reach Out To Offer Help to Grieving Widower

DEAR ABBY: Your advice to the grieving widower “In Need of Someone” (June 22) was spot on. I met my husband when I was 14. We married at 18, and he died when he was 44. After his death, I had no idea how to be a person because I had always been a partner. In the early years, I cried every day and was searching, like “In Need,” to fill that empty spot in my life. Then one day, I started figuring out what to do about the other holes in my life. I had not been the breadwinner, so my income was poverty-level. I had no college and not a lot of work experience. I knew if I was ...

Plan to Move South Become Roadblock in Trip to the Altar

DEAR ABBY: I am a 41-year-old woman who has been with my fiance for eight years. Before we decided to become a couple, I made clear to him that if he had no intention of moving south once my kids graduate, he should not get into a relationship with me. When we got together, I assumed he understood and would be moving with me. We have bought vehicles together and a house. Earlier this year, he took me on a cruise and proposed. Again I made it clear about my plans to move south and told him not to give me a ring if he didn’t plan on going. Well, here we are all these years later, and ...

Clogged Shower Head

Dear Readers: Have you noticed that your shower head no longer shoots out a steady stream of water? Minerals from hard water may have clogged up the holes. Before you call a plumber, try this first: If you can remove the shower head, totally submerge it in a bowl of hot vinegar. After the vinegar has dissolved the buildup, use an old toothbrush or toothpick to loosen any remaining clogs. If you can’t remove the shower head, fill a sturdy plastic bag with vinegar and secure it with a rubber band, tape or tie, so the shower head is submerged in the vinegar. Letting it soak overnight ...