Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Concerns About Lipitor's Impact
Issues related to discontinuation of Lipitor? Hello Doctor, I am an 8-year diabetes patient, 60 years old. For the past 8 years, I have controlled my blood sugar through diet and exercise without taking any hypoglycemic medications. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2014 with an H...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: Most cholesterol-lowering medications may induce the onset of diabetes, but there are some cholesterol-lowering drugs that have minimal impact on blood glucose levels. It is advisable to discuss with your primary physician whether to switch to these types of...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Concerns About Lipitor's Impact
Concerns After Two BNT Vaccine Doses: Insomnia and Pain Management
Issues after receiving two doses of BNT (BioNTech) vaccine? Hello Doctor: After receiving two doses of the BNT vaccine, I often experience insomnia, accompanied by symptoms of irregular and forceful heartbeats, as well as body heat. Additionally, the injection site has been painf...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: You can currently visit a family medicine physician for further evaluation. It is recommended that you discuss with your doctor whether the third dose of the vaccine is appropriate for you before making arrangements. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Concerns After Two BNT Vaccine Doses: Insomnia and Pain Management
Persistent Cough, Fever, and Rapid Heartbeat: Seeking Medical Guidance
Fever, cough, rapid heartbeat, and a prominent swelling above the clavicle? Hello, Doctor. Initially, I had a persistent cough along with a fever that lasted for a month. I first visited a general clinic, but there was no improvement after medication. In addition to the cough and...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, online user: You can currently visit a family medicine physician for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Persistent Cough, Fever, and Rapid Heartbeat: Seeking Medical Guidance
Understanding Alternating Foot Warmth: When to Seek Medical Advice
Alternating warmth in the left and right feet? Hello Doctor, for the past month, I have been experiencing warmth in the areas below my ankles (including the dorsum of the foot, the sole, and the toes). Sometimes it occurs in the morning, and other times in the afternoon, with bot...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, online user: You may want to discuss your current condition with your rheumatologist first. If there is no improvement, you can seek further evaluation from a cardiologist. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Alternating Foot Warmth: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Glucose tolerance test Hello Doctor: My hemoglobin A1c is 5.5, and the results from my five glucose tolerance tests were as follows: 96, 167, 212, 174, and 132. My attending physician indicated that three of the glucose levels exceeded 140, suggesting poor glucose tolerance and t...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: Currently, the recommendations for individuals with prediabetes are to maintain a balanced diet and engage in moderate exercise, while also keeping a relaxed mindset and regularly monitoring their condition. You may discuss the frequency of monitoring with y...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Nighttime Disturbances in Elderly Diabetics
Diabetes in individuals aged 80 and older? My grandfather is a diabetic patient. Recently, he has been waking up in the middle of the night, screaming and tossing and turning, feeling very uncomfortable and unable to fall back asleep. Could this be related to his diabetes? His bl...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, based on the blood glucose records you provided, it confirms hypoglycemia. I recommend that you discuss the adjustment of blood glucose medications with the original prescribing physician. The symptoms of nighttime shouting may also be related to blood sugar levels, so it ...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Disturbances in Elderly Diabetics
Understanding Prediabetes: Blood Sugar Levels and Common Concerns
Hello, doctor. What is prediabetes? Hello Doctor, may I ask: I usually measure my blood sugar, and my typical levels are 88-95 in the morning and 105-115 after meals. However, during the New Year period, I went a long time without eating. On January 1st, my morning readings were ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, based on the blood glucose records you provided, there is no indication of diabetes. However, further testing at a medical facility is required to confirm prediabetes. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Blood Sugar Levels and Common Concerns
Persistent Tightness and Heat in the Upper Right Abdomen: What to Do?
Persistent tightness and heat sensation in the upper right abdomen? Recently, I have been experiencing a tight sensation in the upper right abdomen (approximately from above the navel to just below the rib cage) that sometimes feels warm. This has persisted for about a month and ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding your discomfort in the upper right abdomen, it is recommended that you consult with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist to discuss the necessary examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Persistent Tightness and Heat in the Upper Right Abdomen: What to Do?
Understanding Low Total Cholesterol: Causes and Solutions
Low total cholesterol Hello Doctor, today I received the health examination report for new staff, which has four items highlighted in red: 1. BMI = 25.5, 2. Total serum cholesterol 67 (high-density lipoprotein 49, normal with no red flag), 3. Triglycerides 171, 4. Urinary protein...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: Generally, cholesterol levels are rarely as low as you described. I recommend that you confirm this with the hospital where you had your tests done, or consult a family medicine specialist for a re-evaluation. Positive urine protein can also be monitored in ...[Read More] Understanding Low Total Cholesterol: Causes and Solutions
Impact of Grapefruit Juice on Immunosuppressant Medications After Liver Transplant
Drug interactions Hello doctor, I have had a liver transplant for 20 years and take my medication twice a day at 8 AM and 8 PM. Tonight at 8 PM, I took my medication, which includes Prograf (FK506), an immunosuppressant, along with juice that contains grapefruit. I would like to ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, online user: The concurrent use of immunosuppressive medications and grapefruit juice may affect the efficacy of the medication. It is advisable to discuss this with your primary physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Impact of Grapefruit Juice on Immunosuppressant Medications After Liver Transplant
Understanding the Connection Between Gastrointestinal Issues and Back Pain
Dizziness, fatigue from standing for long periods, back pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor: In May and June of this year, I visited a clinic due to some pain in my upper left abdomen and was treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). At that time, my stomach con...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: Gastroesophageal reflux rarely presents with symptoms such as spinal pain or dizziness and weakness. It is recommended that you seek evaluation at a family medicine clinic; if symptoms worsen, it is advisable to go to the emergency department immediately. Wi...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Gastrointestinal Issues and Back Pain
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Leukopenia Hello, the employee health check report shows a white blood cell count (WBC) of 3600, a platelet count of 140,000, and a lymphocyte count of 900, all of which are highlighted in red. At the time of the examination, there were no symptoms of a cold or any discomfort, an...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: If your white blood cell count is low and you do not have any obvious discomfort, you can follow up at a family medicine clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Does Strenuous Arm Use After BNT Vaccine Affect Its Effectiveness?
Does exerting force on the arm after receiving the BNT vaccine affect its efficacy? Hello Doctor, I received my second dose of the BNT vaccine on December 10th (Friday) at 10:30 AM. My left arm where I got the shot was very painful, but by Tuesday (December 14th), it had improved...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, netizen: The strength of your arm does not affect the efficacy of the vaccine. After receiving the vaccine, it is advisable to temporarily avoid excessive exertion. If you experience discomfort, you can apply ice and monitor the situation. If symptoms persist, it is recomm...[Read More] Does Strenuous Arm Use After BNT Vaccine Affect Its Effectiveness?
Understanding Blackouts: Could Gastroenteritis Be the Cause?
Blackouts or temporary vision loss? Last Saturday and Sunday, and this Monday, I experienced severe diarrhea. These past few days, when I stand up from bed, I suddenly feel dizzy and see black. I would like to know if this could be caused by gastroenteritis. If not, which special...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, if you are feeling unwell, you can seek evaluation at a family medicine clinic. If your symptoms worsen, it is advisable to go to the emergency department immediately. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Blackouts: Could Gastroenteritis Be the Cause?
Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Hello Dr. Hou, after receiving my first dose of the BNT vaccine on October 22, I experienced fever, followed by chest tightness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, back pain (radiating from the inner side of my right shoulder blade to my ne...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, if you have already been examined by a cardiologist and no significant issues were found, I recommend that you consult with a pain specialist for further evaluation, treatment, and follow-up. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abnormal health examination findings? Last week, my husband had a health check-up at work, and there are many abnormal results that he doesn't understand. We're not sure if he needs to seek immediate medical attention or which specialty to consult. Thank you, doctor! Hi...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: According to your health check report, you need to pay attention to the effects of metabolic syndrome. It is recommended that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further evaluation, treatment, and follow-up. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: When to Seek Medical Advice
Why Does Skin Pain Occur After Overindulging in Food?
The day after overeating, the skin becomes tender to the touch? I usually control my diet, but sometimes I indulge in too many fried foods or sweets, or I eat until I'm too full. Additionally, when I drink less water, I notice that on the same day or the next day, if I press...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further advice and to arrange for examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Why Does Skin Pain Occur After Overindulging in Food?
Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Impact of Menstruation on Test Results
Eosinophilia Hello doctor, I recently had a company health check, and the report showed that my eosinophil percentage (Eosin%) is 9.0 and eosinophil count (Eosin#) is 0.7. Since it was the first day of my menstrual period on the day of the check-up, I am wondering if this could a...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: It is generally difficult to interpret a blood report based on a single abnormal value; it often requires a combination of results for accurate interpretation. Additionally, the menstrual cycle typically does not significantly affect blood reports. I recomme...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Impact of Menstruation on Test Results
Potential Interactions Between Medications and Supplements for Seniors
I would like to ask if there are any interactions between taking dietary supplements and medications together? My father (67 years old) regularly takes the following 7 medications: 1. Anbang tablet 0.5 mg 2. Lian Duomian tablet 0.25 mg 3. Diphenhydramine coated tablet 25 mg 4...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: Most dietary supplements are designed to help you meet your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals, and they generally have a low risk of interactions. Current research has not found an increased risk of bleeding when taking fish oil and aspirin togeth...[Read More] Potential Interactions Between Medications and Supplements for Seniors
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Blood test examination The blood test results show atypical lymphocytes at 3.72 and nucleated red blood cells at 0.1. The report indicates that further examination by a hematologist is necessary. What do these two simultaneous abnormalities mean? Are these values considered high?...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, online user: It is difficult to assess a blood report based solely on a single abnormal value; it requires interpretation in conjunction with other factors. I recommend that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further advice. Wishing you good...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients