Managing Drug Interactions in Bipolar Disorder and Thyroid Conditions
Drug interactions in bipolar disorder? TSH: 12.66. Hypothyroidism. Today, I saw a metabolic specialist who prescribed Eltroxin. I am currently using glaucoma eye drops: Tafluprost and Brimonidine, and I am taking medications for bipolar disorder: Divalproex Sodium and Lithium. Sh...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please take the thyroid hormone on an empty stomach in the morning, and do not take it with other medications. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Drug Interactions in Bipolar Disorder and Thyroid Conditions
Understanding Blood Donation and HIV Testing: What You Need to Know
Blood Donation and HIV Issues Hello, my girlfriend has had unprotected sexual intercourse in the past but did not get tested. Later, she donated blood and received a report stating that her blood was suitable for use (multiplex NAT negative). However, I saw that the blood donatio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although AIDS can cause immune dysfunction, AIDS-related diseases are classified as infectious diseases. Therefore, questions related to AIDS should be directed to the Infectious Disease Department. Please consult with them. Thank you! The Aller...[Read More] Understanding Blood Donation and HIV Testing: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Transmission from Sharing Ice Cream with an Infected Person
The risk of transmission when sharing a bowl of ice with a person living with HIV? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if there is a risk of infection if I shared a bowl of ice with someone who is HIV positive. They had their wisdom teeth removed two days ago, and I am not sure if ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the disease control tree data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmissi...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Sharing Ice Cream with an Infected Person
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: Is It Time to Worry About Kidney Health?
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) Doctor, in my company's annual health check-up reports, my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has consistently ranged between 65-75 for the past nine years. Does this indicate chronic kidney disease? Am I at risk of needing dialysis? What shoul...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Please visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed examination and assessment.[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: Is It Time to Worry About Kidney Health?
Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello, Doctor: If there is a scratch on my leg (suspected to be bleeding) that comes into contact with a blood stain on a bedsheet (approximately within a small square area of 1cm x 1cm) and the affected area (the scratched area) is in contact with the blood stain w...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection. 2. Blood t...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Questions about pre-meal blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin? Hello Doctor, during my health check in 2018, my fasting blood sugar was 105, and in 2022, it was 113, with other results normal. After undergoing an endoscopy on September 1st this year, I noticed my previous blood ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Elevated fasting blood glucose is also a risk factor for diabetes. It is recommended that you lose weight and continue to follow up at the metabolic clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Can You Take Fish Oil and B Vitamins with Salazopyrin?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and I am currently taking Celebrex and Voltaren. Recently, I want to buy fish oil and B vitamins. Can I take B vitamins and fish oil together with Celebrex, or should I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Vitamin B complex and fish oil can be taken together with Salazopyrin. If you have concerns, you may also separate them by an hour. This is a message from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of He...[Read More] Can You Take Fish Oil and B Vitamins with Salazopyrin?
Persistent Positive COVID-19 Test: What You Need to Know
Persistent positivity after COVID-19 diagnosis? Hello Doctor: I tested positive on November 9 and started taking molnupiravir, completing a five-day course. After that, the second line on the test strip became faint, but the next day it started to darken again. As of today, Novem...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
Patients with complications from COVID-19 require isolation. It is recommended to wear a mask and monitor for any worsening symptoms. You may discuss with your original physician, and if you experience any discomfort or have questions, please consult the infectious disease outpat...[Read More] Persistent Positive COVID-19 Test: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights
Hashimoto's thyroiditis In April of this year, when I had my cholesterol checked, my doctor also tested my thyroid function. The results showed T4 at 1.15, TSH at 1.554, and anti-TPO at 5.57, indicating the presence of antibodies consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You may consider discontinuing the medication, and at least monitor thyroid function annually. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights
Understanding Urinalysis Results: What Your Doctor Didn't Explain
Urinalysis Hello Doctor: I recently went to the clinic for a health check-up, and the test results are as follows: 1. Albumin (urine protein) (semi-quantitative) 10 mg/dl 2. Creatinine (urine creatinine) (semi-quantitative) 10 mg/dl (reference range 10-300 mg/dl) 3. Protein (urin...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
UACR = 10/10 = 1 The report result is still normal.[Read More] Understanding Urinalysis Results: What Your Doctor Didn't Explain
Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
Genetic polycystic kidney disease raises concerns regarding dietary supplements such as protein powder? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my situation. I have a family history of polycystic kidney disease, and my recent health check results are as follows: Blood Urea Ni...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
A low-protein diet is defined as 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Currently, it has shown benefits only for patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60; the effects for those with a GFR above 60 are unclear. Unless there are special requirements...[Read More] Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
The Connection Between Eclampsia and Immunology in Pregnancy
The relationship between eclampsia and immunology, rheumatology, and allergy is complex. Eclampsia, a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures, is primarily associated with preeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure and organ dysfunction. While ecla...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Women with a history of preeclampsia or eclampsia do have an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus. Therefore, this is not only a precaution for potential future pregnancies but also relates to your overall health...[Read More] The Connection Between Eclampsia and Immunology in Pregnancy
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment Options and Concerns
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about psoriatic arthritis. Thank you? Hello Doctor, last year I experienced pain in my right wrist and consulted a physician at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. The doctor informed me that it might be psoriatic arthritis. I have been t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I researched online and feel that my symptoms are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but during my initial consultation, the anti-citrullinated protein antibody test came back normal. The doctor said it is not rhe...[Read More] Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: What You Need to Know
The chest X-ray shows shadows in the lungs? Last week, I received a notice for military service medical examination. After undergoing a physical check-up and an X-ray, I was informed today that there is a shadow in the lower left lung. Since I have to wait until next week for a f...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
Lung X-ray shadows may be due to pulmonary nodules, vascular issues, lung infections, or other multiple causes. It is advisable to return to the original hospital for a chest CT scan to determine the underlying cause. Follow-up with a pulmonology outpatient clinic is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: What You Need to Know
High Cholesterol and Heart Murmurs: Which Specialist to See First?
High cholesterol levels in the heart, heart murmurs? Hello, doctor. My mother recently had a blood test arranged by the rheumatology and immunology department, followed by a scheduled echocardiogram and CT scan (which has not yet been completed). After the echocardiogram, it was ...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
If possible, you may consult your original physician to review the report earlier. You can also consider an outpatient consultation with a cardiologist to evaluate whether treatment or further testing is necessary. If you experience any discomfort, please return to the hospital f...[Read More] High Cholesterol and Heart Murmurs: Which Specialist to See First?
Common Questions About HIV Saliva Rapid Testing Explained
Questions about HIV rapid testing? Hello Doctor, I purchased an HIV saliva rapid test two days ago, and the result was negative. I have a few questions about the process, and I would appreciate your help. If there is insufficient sample collection on the test stick, will the C li...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The accuracy of the HIV saliva screening test is as high as 99%. The sample is collected by gently scraping the gums with a collection swab, and results can be interpreted in about 20 to 30 minutes, making it both convenient and quick. However, saliva testing still has a window p...[Read More] Common Questions About HIV Saliva Rapid Testing Explained
Understanding HIV Testing Results: A Journey Through Two Pregnancies
I tested positive for HIV three years ago when I had my first child (my second child). The first test was positive, while the second test was negative? Three years ago, I had two children. The first pregnancy tested positive in March 2019, and the second in October 2020, both bei...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The first question is whether an HIV-positive baby has been born. If so, at least one parent must be an HIV-infected individual, and regardless of whether the initial test result is negative or positive, a confirmatory test must be conducted at a hospital. 2. What is the pur...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Results: A Journey Through Two Pregnancies
Understanding Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention for Lumps
Rib pain If you suddenly feel a lump the size of a quail egg below your right rib that is painful to the touch and there is no history of trauma, you should consider visiting a gastroenterology clinic or a general surgery clinic for evaluation.
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
You may first consult a dermatologist, and if further follow-up is necessary, you can be referred to a surgeon or other specialists. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention for Lumps
Experiencing Dizziness After Hitting Head Without Visible Injury: Should You See a Doctor?
Head trauma without an open wound but accompanied by dizziness? Today, I fell backward from my bed and hit my head against a wooden door and the wall. I am experiencing dizziness but have no cuts or swelling. Should I see a doctor?
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended to consult a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Experiencing Dizziness After Hitting Head Without Visible Injury: Should You See a Doctor?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insulin Resistance Connection
Gastrointestinal discomfort Hello doctor, I have been experiencing issues with gas and belching for the past few months. I recently underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor prescribed medication, but it hasn't been very effective. Today, I received my company's health che...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
Intestinal gas can be caused by gastrointestinal diseases, dietary issues, or other problems. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's muscles and fat respond poorly to insulin, which may lead to hyperglycemia. Individuals with diabetes often experience gastrointestinal iss...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insulin Resistance Connection