Understanding Discomfort in Dialysis Patients: Heat Sensation and More
Body heat or feeling hot? Dear Doctor, My elder family member is 70 years old and has been undergoing dialysis three times a week for over three years. Recently, we have noticed that if he misses a dialysis session or goes two days without it, he experiences several uncomfortab...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, these symptoms may be caused by uremia. Hemodialysis treatment (commonly referred to as dialysis) is not a panacea and cannot be compared to the natural functions of healthy kidneys. It can only assist the body in eliminating some water-soluble t...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in Dialysis Patients: Heat Sensation and More
Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Immune system Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing mouth ulcers, throat pain, and gum pain since last month, and they haven't improved. A doctor suggested that I see an immunologist. Below are my health check reports: the report from April this year [link] and the immunolo...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on the two blood test reports you provided, there are no abnormalities indicated, and the symptoms you described do not have any clear association with systemic lupus erythematosus. Generally speaking, different laboratories may have variations in measurement values ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Understanding When to Start Diabetes Medication: A Patient's Dilemma
What is the situation regarding diabetes medications? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had two fasting blood glucose tests with results of 103 and 107, and my HbA1c levels were 6.5 and 6.8. The physician at the diabetes specialty clinic advised me to start medication and prescribed Metf...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The treatment of diabetes will generally follow the guidelines provided for diabetes management, but some details will still need to be adjusted based on the physician's clinical experience. Although there are differences in opinion between the two physicians, both fu...[Read More] Understanding When to Start Diabetes Medication: A Patient's Dilemma
Is It Safe to Drink High-Protein Whey for Fitness Enthusiasts?
Can I drink whey protein? Hello, doctor. I am someone who enjoys working out, and since fitness requires a lot of protein intake, I have purchased whey protein but I'm concerned about my kidney health before I start consuming it. I sometimes notice bubbles in my urine, and I...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: For individuals with normal kidney function, consuming high whey protein after exercise according to the recommended amounts will not harm the kidneys. However, it is important to remember to replenish adequate fluids after any workout to maintain fluid balance. Additional...[Read More] Is It Safe to Drink High-Protein Whey for Fitness Enthusiasts?
Could You Have Genital Warts or STDs After a Massage?
Consultation regarding cauliflower? A few days ago, I went to a hotel and received a Thai massage from a sex worker. I lay on the water bed during the session, and after the massage, I had unprotected oral sex, but there was no intercourse. Since then, I've been experiencing...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, although there was no direct contact between the genital organs, it is still classified as sexual contact. Since there were no protective measures and there is a possibility of bodily fluid exchange, there is still a risk of contracting a sexuall...[Read More] Could You Have Genital Warts or STDs After a Massage?
Impact of Blood Pressure Medications on Creatinine Levels: A Case Study
Creatinine and antihypertensive medications? Hello Doctor, last year during my health check-up, my creatinine level was 1.3, total cholesterol was 200, and my systolic blood pressure was between 140 and 150. I have been monitoring these results for a year, and they have remained ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Generally speaking, certain types of antihypertensive medications can indeed cause an increase in serum creatinine levels. However, the Norvasc you previously took at a normal dosage does not impair kidney function, so the rise in serum creatinine should be attributed to o...[Read More] Impact of Blood Pressure Medications on Creatinine Levels: A Case Study
Understanding Anemia: Symptoms and Self-Assessment Tips
Anemia issues I recently noticed that the outer ring of my conjunctiva is pink, while the area just inside it appears whitish. Could this be a sign of anemia? Also, how can I perform a preliminary self-check for anemia?
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your described condition, it seems to have little direct correlation with anemia. It is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist for examination to rule out any ocular pathology.[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Symptoms and Self-Assessment Tips
Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
anti-HBc If HBsAg is negative and Anti-HBs antibody is positive, there is generally no need to test for Anti-HBc antibody, as this combination typically indicates that the individual has either been vaccinated against hepatitis B or has cleared a past infection. Therefore, it can...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Your blood test report shows that HBsAg is negative, while Anti-HBs antibodies are positive. This suggests that you may have previously received the hepatitis B vaccine, or you may have had a recent hepatitis B infection that is currently in the early recovery phase. It wo...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
Understanding Mild Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Tips
Mild anemia? Recently, I suspect that I have mild anemia (experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, etc.). My gums and conjunctiva also appear somewhat pale, but I am not anemic by birth (I believe I have been tested for this). I often drink tea, usually one bottle a day, and so...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: First of all, it is recommended to visit a medical facility for a blood test to confirm whether there is an issue with anemia. The treatment for anemia depends on establishing a diagnosis and identifying the underlying cause before appropriate treatment can be administered...[Read More] Understanding Mild Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Low Neutrophil and High Lymphocyte Levels in Blood Tests
Blood Test Report The report indicates that the neutrophil percentage is 35.8%, which is low, and the lymphocyte percentage is 54.6%, which is high. These findings could suggest an underlying issue. A low neutrophil count (neutropenia) may increase the risk of infections, as neut...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The interpretation of blood test reports requires the complete report, so the physician will still need your white blood cell count report and the complete differential white blood cell count. Although your inquiry lacks sufficient details, generally speaking, a decrease i...[Read More] Understanding Low Neutrophil and High Lymphocyte Levels in Blood Tests
Understanding Trace Protein in Urine: Should You Worry?
Both urine protein tests showed +/-? Hello Dr. Lin, I underwent a health check on April 18, and the report indicated trace hematuria and trace proteinuria, with increased lung markings; all other results were normal. Today, I conducted another test, and the abnormal or borderline...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: This urine test report does indicate the presence of trace proteinuria. Generally, if proteinuria is initially detected, it is recommended to conduct two to three follow-up tests, preferably using the first urine sample collected in the morning. Additionally, women should ...[Read More] Understanding Trace Protein in Urine: Should You Worry?
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels After Kidney Surgery
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello Doctor, my father is 60 years old. Last year, he underwent a right nephrectomy due to certain reasons, and now he only has his left kidney. He has been continuously monitoring his creatinine levels, and there has been a significant fluctuation in...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on the information you provided, it is indeed possible that your father's kidney function has been affected by this cold. It is recommended to wait until he has fully recovered from the cold before proceeding with further monitoring. You may consult his original...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels After Kidney Surgery
Managing Low Calcium Levels After Kidney Transplant: Alternatives and Solutions
I would like to inquire about the issue of low calcium levels after kidney transplantation? Hello, I have been on dialysis for many years and underwent parathyroidectomy, with part of the parathyroid gland buried under my shoulder. After my kidney transplant, I have consistently ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: First, it is recommended to consult your physician regarding the values of parathyroid hormone and serum phosphorus in your routine blood test report, as these two values determine the difficulty of subsequent calcium supplementation and influence the physician's choi...[Read More] Managing Low Calcium Levels After Kidney Transplant: Alternatives and Solutions