Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Why Am I Experiencing Low Readings?
I have self-monitoring of blood glucose? I apologize for the confusion earlier. I have not taken medication for 1-2 years. When I feel unwell, I self-monitor my blood sugar, which is about 60 mg/dL under normal circumstances. If I haven't eaten, the body's mechanisms sh...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Typically, when our sugar levels are low, we first burn fat to generate heat and glucose. Patients with Type 1 diabetes experience issues with glucose metabolism due to either insufficient insulin secretion or abnormal insulin function, leading to irregular blood sugar lev...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Why Am I Experiencing Low Readings?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Left lower abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing pain in my lower left abdomen near the pelvis and groin since I had a cesarean section for my second child. This pain occurs frequently during the ovulation period leading up to my menstrual cycle, and it has b...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems to be postoperative adhesions. We usually first rule out some possibilities such as colorectal polyps, colorectal lesions, and ovarian conditions. I recommend that you consult a gastrointestinal surgeon who may arrange for a CT scan. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Where to Get Health Checkups: Addressing Family Health Concerns
Where can I go for a health check-up? My grandfather passed away at around 55 years old due to stomach disease, and my father also passed away from liver cancer at the age of 59. My brother has cirrhosis, and I am very afraid that I might also develop liver cancer. Where should I...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Theoretically, you should start your first comprehensive health check-up at the age of 40. However, due to your clear family history, it is recommended that you seek a larger hospital for a self-paid health examination, which should not cost more than 20,000 NTD. Thank you...[Read More] Where to Get Health Checkups: Addressing Family Health Concerns
Evaluating Calcium Supplements: Benefits and Potential Risks
Please inquire about a type of calcium supplement? Hello Doctor, could you please help me review this calcium supplement? 1. Will it be effective? 2. Does it contain any ingredients that are not beneficial for the body (components that a physician would not recommend)? Thank you....
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: These ingredients are all natural food components. The only thing to be aware of is to not consume the product if you have an allergy to shellfish. This means that if you have previously had an allergy to shellfish, you may experience an allergic reaction. As for whether s...[Read More] Evaluating Calcium Supplements: Benefits and Potential Risks
Understanding Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide
Vaccine Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my blood test results. Both the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the Hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV) values are normal, but I am unclear if this indicates that I have antibodies, especially since I have never received th...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis virus test reports are usually indicated as (positive) or (negative), and it is rare to use normal test values. If HBsAg is (negative), it is necessary to further test for Anti-HBsAg. If Anti-HBsAg is (positive), it indicates that antibodies are present. If Anti-...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide
Understanding a Growing Lump on the Back: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding protrusions on the back? Hello Dr. Tsai: My brother has had an unknown lump on his back for about 5-6 years. It has been growing larger with age; it was not very noticeable before, but now it is approximately 3 cm in size. However, it is not painful and he feels nothing...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The unidentified mass you described may be a lipoma. It is recommended that you take him to a dermatology clinic, and it would be best to have it excised and undergo pathological examination. Thank you for your correspondence. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding a Growing Lump on the Back: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Spine Issues?
Back pain!? Two years ago, after attending a class similar to yoga, I started experiencing pain and soreness under my right shoulder after using the computer for a short time at work. The discomfort persisted for a long time before it improved. Recently, even while sitting and di...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your description of back pain does not allow for a clear distinction between upper back pain and lower back pain. If the pain is localized to a specific point, management is relatively straightforward. However, if it involves a broader area, a detailed examination is neces...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Spine Issues?
Understanding Sudden Body Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
The young girl is experiencing widespread pain? My daughter is in fifth grade this year and experiences sudden sharp pains in various parts of her body, mostly in her legs, but sometimes in her arms and other areas as well. It feels as if there is a bug crawling on her skin. Init...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The pain you described is not very clear and seems more like neuropathic pain. I recommend taking her to a large hospital to see a neurologist for an examination. Thank you for your letter. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Body Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
Understanding Leg Cramps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Frequent muscle cramps? Hello, I would like to ask if it could be related to my job, as I sit for long periods or have a habitual sitting posture (which causes my legs to curl into a "C" shape). Two years ago, I experienced frequent calf cramps during sleep, but it grad...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, This phenomenon is often caused by muscle fatigue due to insufficient rest, and sometimes it can be triggered by an electrolyte imbalance. A simple way to improve this is to eat a banana daily. If there is still no improvement, I recommend seeking assistance at a family ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Cramps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
MMR Vaccine Requirements for Studying in the U.S.: What You Need to Know
MMR Vaccine Immunization Certificate for Study Abroad in the United States? Hello, I was born in 1983 and I'm from Tainan. I will be traveling to the U.S. at the end of March, and my school requires proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine or vaccination at the school. I have p...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: In some countries, the measles vaccination schedule includes administering one dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MV (measles vaccine) at 12-15 months of age, followed by a second dose of MMR or MV at 3-6 years of age. The principles for catch-up vaccinations are as ...[Read More] MMR Vaccine Requirements for Studying in the U.S.: What You Need to Know
Understanding Jaw Pain and Clicking: When to See a Doctor
Facial occlusion can sometimes be painful? Your aunt experiences loud sounds from the "joint" area near her ears when she bites down, and sometimes feels pain when opening her mouth after not speaking for a while. Which specialist should she see, and what could be the c...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The situation you described pertains to a dental issue: temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is often caused by occlusal abnormalities, with a few cases resulting from trauma leading to occlusal issues. This problem is commonly seen in patients who grind their teeth during s...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain and Clicking: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Muscle Atrophy After a Lumbar Strain: Causes and Solutions
Muscle atrophy caused by a lumbar sprain? Hello, I would like to ask a question! I have a female colleague who is around thirty years old. Last year, she sustained a lumbar strain while doing warm-up exercises. She has been undergoing rehabilitation for over three months, but she...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, this appears to be muscle atrophy caused by nerve injury. The longer the atrophy persists, the more severe the condition will become, similar to Jacky Cheung's left hand. I recommend that you visit a major hospital to consult with a neurolog...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Atrophy After a Lumbar Strain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adolescents: Key Considerations
Issues related to hepatitis B vaccination? The girl is currently 14 years old. During a school health check in the first year of junior high, the results indicated that she is a "carrier of hepatitis B." After further testing at the hospital, it was determined that she ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: A negative Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) result may vary depending on different testing machines or reagents. However, since this result is not urgent and will not cause immediate harm to the body, there is no need to worry too much. It is recommended that you vi...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adolescents: Key Considerations
Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Muscle Atrophy in the Buttocks?
If you are experiencing muscle atrophy in the gluteal muscles, you should consult a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or a Neurologist, depending on the underlying cause of the atrophy? My mother is 58 years old and started hormone therapy during menopause, but ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Muscle atrophy should be confirmed by a physician. I recommend that you visit a hospital to consult with a neurologist for an assessment. Typically, muscle atrophy is caused by nerve injury. Thank you for your correspondence. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Muscle Atrophy in the Buttocks?
Managing Chronic Pharyngitis: Alternatives to Medication for Relief
Chronic pharyngitis Hello Dr. Tsai, First of all, thank you very much for your professional and detailed response. May I further inquire—I've been in the teaching profession for over ten years. Last year, I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and two otola...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Chronic pharyngitis means that the throat has been subjected to long-term irritation (from work or external factors), causing the mucous membrane of the throat to remain in a state of damage without adequate time to rest and recover. Therefore, the focus of treatment is no...[Read More] Managing Chronic Pharyngitis: Alternatives to Medication for Relief
Understanding Your Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
What type of anemia am I diagnosed with? Hello Doctor: My CBC results are as follows: Red blood cell count # 3.72 - normal range 4-5.5 (low) Hemoglobin # 7.9 - normal range 12-16 (low) Hematocrit # 26.2 - normal range 37-47 (low) Mean corpuscular volume # 66.5 - normal range 80-9...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Based on the data you provided, it appears to be microcytic anemia. However, it cannot be definitively determined whether it is iron deficiency anemia without the TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity) test result. It is important to note that a hemoglobin level of 7.9 is alre...[Read More] Understanding Your Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
Understanding Abdominal Pain in Middle-Aged Women: When to Seek Help
excuse me? Hello, my mother is 47 years old and experiences abdominal pain (approximately above the navel) upon waking up. What could be the cause? If she needs to go to the hospital, which department should she visit? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, abdominal discomfort is either pain or unease. We typically use the term "soreness" to describe muscle or joint pain. If the abdominal soreness is isolated and not accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain in Middle-Aged Women: When to Seek Help
Where to Seek Help for Skin Allergies and Concerns?
Which specialty should I consult? My mother is currently 48 years old and has had persistent skin issues. She often experiences allergies to certain insects, and recently, she discovered a red, swollen area about 2-3 centimeters in her armpit. She mentioned that it hurts when pre...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The issue you mentioned should be addressed by a dermatologist. I recommend visiting the dermatology department at Shin Kong Hospital, where the chief physician has a lot of expertise in dealing with complex cases. Thank you for your inquiry. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hosp...[Read More] Where to Seek Help for Skin Allergies and Concerns?
Which Medical Specialty Should Handle My Cousin's Salivary Gland Surgery?
Am I consulting the right specialty? My cousin, who is currently 10 years old, sometimes experiences inflammation and swelling in the area where the jaw meets the throat. An otolaryngologist performed a CT scan and the report indicated that he has a salivary gland stone. Due to t...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: If salivary gland stones frequently cause inflammation of the salivary glands, it is generally recommended to surgically remove the salivary gland. This type of surgery is typically within the expertise of otolaryngology. I suggest you return to your original physician for...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should Handle My Cousin's Salivary Gland Surgery?
Understanding Unexplained Back and Stomach Pain: A Guide for Seniors
Unexplained back pain and stomach pain? Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask for your help in answering the following questions. I know an elder (around 60 years old) who experiences back pain every day around dusk, which lasts until the next day b...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the simultaneous occurrence of back pain and stomach pain is often indicative of an acute condition. For example, acute gastrointestinal ulcers, acute pancreatitis, gastric perforation, and myocardial infarction can all cause referred back pain. The sym...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Back and Stomach Pain: A Guide for Seniors