Understanding Thyroid Issues and Digestive Problems: A Patient's Journey
There are many issues..? Hello, I have a problem with hyperthyroidism and I am currently taking medication. I used to frequently experience habitual abdominal pain (I can't pinpoint where it hurts), but I notice that my stomach hurts when I'm hungry. I also experience s...
Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
If you have various symptoms, please visit a family medicine clinic. The family medicine physician will thoroughly inquire about your medical history and refer you to the appropriate specialty for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues and Digestive Problems: A Patient's Journey
Which Specialist Should I See for My Health Concerns?
Which department should I consult? Hello Dr. Chen! I have three symptoms: 1. About a year ago, after giving birth to my second child and completing my postpartum confinement, I started experiencing stiffness in the joints near my heels every morning upon waking, along with heel p...
Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
1. About a year ago, I gave birth to my second child. After completing my postpartum confinement, I started experiencing stiffness in the joints near my heels and pain in my heels every morning about six months after delivery, making it difficult to walk normally. However, after ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Health Concerns?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?
Hepatitis B vaccine If I have only received the hepatitis B vaccine once, will I produce antibodies, or do I need to have a blood test, or should I continue with the vaccinations? I received my first dose in December.
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Jing, Hello. Generally speaking, after receiving the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, it is possible to develop antibodies, but these can only be maintained for a short period. Therefore, it is recommended to complete the full series of three vaccine doses to achi...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?
Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Acromegaly Diagnosis?
For the examination of gigantism, you should schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist? Hello, doctor. I would like to know which department I should visit to check for acromegaly (which seems to be related to gigantism). Also, if I want to undergo a colonoscopy, should I j...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, you can see an endocrinologist or a metabolism specialist, or you may first consult a family medicine physician for an initial evaluation to determine if further testing is necessary.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Acromegaly Diagnosis?
Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Solutions After Years of Discomfort
Left lower abdominal pain? 1. The current symptoms include bloating and pain in the lower left abdomen, which have persisted for four years. There is still abdominal bloating and pain regardless of diet. 2. So far, I have consulted various specialists, including gastroenterolog...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if all relevant specialties have been examined and no abnormalities were found, and organ issues have been ruled out, functional disorders may be considered. For functional gastrointestinal issues, you can seek treatment from a family medicine...[Read More] Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Solutions After Years of Discomfort
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Relief for Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort
Rib Sharp pain in the lower right abdomen (below the rib cage) that worsens when lying on the side and is less painful when lying flat.
Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
Right lower abdominal pain (intermittent sharp pain below the rib cage) is more painful when lying on the side and less painful when lying flat. There are many potential causes of abdominal pain, and pain under the right rib may be due to neuropathic pain, muscle pain, gallbladde...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes and Relief for Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort
Understanding Head Warmth and Neck Tension: Stress or Something More?
Feeling hot in the head? Hello, I sometimes feel a heaviness in my head and a tightness in my neck. Could this be due to stress, or is there another reason? I didn't experience this before, but it started happening in the last 3 to 4 days when the weather got colder. Could y...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, you can first measure your blood pressure to check for any changes. Fatigue may lead to stiffness in the neck muscles, and high stress levels could cause sympathetic nervous system overactivity, resulting in increased body heat, which is why y...[Read More] Understanding Head Warmth and Neck Tension: Stress or Something More?
Understanding Obesity: Symptoms, Causes, and Necessary Tests
Obesity issue I haven't undergone any examinations, but I suspect I have a gastric ulcer because I experience stomach pain whenever I get hungry, and if I go too long without eating, I even start to shake. Additionally, my appetite has been increasing; I am 170 cm tall and h...
Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
There are many causes of obesity. It is best to schedule an appointment with a family medicine specialist to evaluate and rule out any potential underlying conditions. After that, focus on total caloric intake and exercise. If there are gastrointestinal symptoms, please consult a...[Read More] Understanding Obesity: Symptoms, Causes, and Necessary Tests
Understanding the Myths of Big Hospitals: A Patient's Perspective
The Myths of Large Hospitals Dear Dr. Tsai, First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I believe that those who ask questions online are often confused and seeking answers either before or during their medical treatment. I frequently see dedicated doctors a...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Based on your age and medical history, it is difficult to make an accurate assessment due to the lack of 1. medication records 2. occupation or job history 3. past examination results 4. family medical history. It is suspected that a physician may consider 1. rheumatoid ar...[Read More] Understanding the Myths of Big Hospitals: A Patient's Perspective
Chronic Headaches After Neck Pain: What to Do and Which Specialist to See
Suspected stiff neck for three weeks, resulting in habitual headaches? Hello, doctor. I am currently a student at National Cheng Kung University. About three weeks ago, I woke up with neck pain (it hurts when I turn my head), but I didn't think much of it. It has persisted u...
Dr. Chen Yingzhen Reply:
Dear Ah Hong, Thank you for your question. The pain you experience when turning your neck after waking up is most commonly due to a condition known as "wry neck" or "torticollis." The usual causes of this condition are poor sleeping posture and excessive slee...[Read More] Chronic Headaches After Neck Pain: What to Do and Which Specialist to See
Understanding Lower Back Pain After Menstrual Cycle: Causes and Remedies
Lower back pain? After my menstrual cycle, I experienced soreness in my lower back and waist. I'm not sure if this is related to taking ovulation medication during my last cycle. Could the lower back pain be connected to some mild discomfort in my lower abdomen?
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Wen, Regarding your question, I am unsure if you are referring to the ovulation medication Clomid. If so, common side effects include headaches, nausea, edema, abdominal bloating, hot flashes, and visual disturbances (such as double vision). Lower back pain is a ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain After Menstrual Cycle: Causes and Remedies
Should You Get Tested for HIV After a Risky Encounter?
HELP! Should I get tested for HIV? In late November, a female friend visited a client in Paris, France. After discussing business and enjoying a lavish dinner, the client warmly invited her to his residence. Trusting him, she accompanied him there. After some casual conversation ...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. LYH, Regarding your question, if the situation is as you described, it is still advisable to consider testing for HIV and VDRL (syphilis), and you may also want to consider screening for Hepatitis B and C. Although it is classified as non-penetrative intercourse, there ...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After a Risky Encounter?
Understanding Unexplained Body Aches: Neck, Shoulder Pain, and Dizziness
Generalized body aches? Hello, doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing unexplained body aches, especially in my neck and shoulders, along with dizziness and headaches. Could you please let me know what might be causing this? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The first consideration for unexplained pain is whether it may be work-related, possibly due to overexertion leading to muscle fatigue. Secondly, it could be caused by excessive exercise or fatigue from lack of sleep. Sometimes, high levels of stress can also contribute to...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Aches: Neck, Shoulder Pain, and Dizziness
Understanding Blood Test Results: Is It Thalassemia?
Blood test I previously underwent a health check, and some results were not within the ideal range: mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 72 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 22.3 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 30.9 g/dL, and red blood cell (RBC) count 6.41 mill...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is not possible to definitively determine if there is thalassemia based solely on the values you provided. It is advisable to first consult with a family medicine clinic or a hematology clinic.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Is It Thalassemia?
Essential Pre-Marital Health Checks for Couples Planning Pregnancy
Pre-marital health checkup Hello, Dr. Tsai. I got married this April and plan to conceive after the end of the year. Since my husband is 41 years old and I am considered a geriatric pregnancy, we did not undergo health checks before marriage. Although both of our companies conduc...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Rachel, Regarding your inquiry, the standard premarital examinations include: A: Tests for both parties: 1. Blood glucose test 2. Urinalysis (primarily to check for proteinuria, hematuria, and other issues) 3. Complete blood count (to check for anemia, especially the p...[Read More] Essential Pre-Marital Health Checks for Couples Planning Pregnancy
How to Find Pediatric Medication Guidelines and Adult Drug Usage in Taiwan
I would like to understand medication for children..? I previously saw news mentioning that many hospitals and clinics in the country use adult medications to treat sick children instead of pediatric medications. The news mentioned that one can check with the National Health Insu...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. ViVi, What you mentioned should be the information from the Health Reform Foundation, which provides a list of institutions that prescribe pediatric medications. The website is as follows: http://www.thrf.org.tw/activity/place.htm. I hope you can find the information yo...[Read More] How to Find Pediatric Medication Guidelines and Adult Drug Usage in Taiwan
Understanding Elevated Health Check Results: White Blood Cells and More
The health examination results have red markings? Hello Dr. Chen, last week our health check results came out and I found several red flags, among which three items are elevated: white blood cell count in the blood, white blood cells in the urine, and epithelial cells in the urin...
Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
The health check results show several abnormal values, including elevated white blood cells in the blood, white blood cells in the urine, and epithelial cells in the urine, which may indicate a urinary tract infection. Please bring the report to consult with a family medicine phy...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Health Check Results: White Blood Cells and More
Understanding Hepatitis B: Follow-Up Timing and Specialist Guidance
Hepatitis B If you were diagnosed with hepatitis B during a health check-up over six months ago, you should follow up every three to six months. You should see a specialist in either Hepatology or Gastroenterology. The recommended tests may include liver function tests, hepatitis...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Wu, Generally speaking, if your previous liver function tests were normal and there are no abnormalities in the fetal protein levels and abdominal ultrasound, it is sufficient to have blood tests every six months and an abdominal ultrasound once a year. If any abnormali...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Follow-Up Timing and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Low Lymphocytes and High Eosinophils: What It Means for Your Health
Low lymphocyte count and high eosinophil count? Hello Dr. Wang, I have two questions I would like to ask you. I had a health check-up at my company in mid-October, and two of my results were abnormal. 1. My lymphocyte count is low. The normal range is 20-56%, and my result is 1...
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello, dear community member: Regarding your questions: 1. Your lymphocyte count is low. The normal range is 20-56%, and your value is 19.6%. This is slightly below normal but not significantly abnormal. 2. Your eosinophil count is elevated. The normal range is 0-5%, and your v...[Read More] Understanding Low Lymphocytes and High Eosinophils: What It Means for Your Health
Persistent Vomiting After Eating: Seeking Answers for Gastrointestinal Issues
Vomiting after eating? I would like to ask, I always vomit after eating! Sometimes even liquids make me vomit! This has been happening for nearly three years! During this time, I have undergone gastroscopy four times at different hospitals, and the results have consistently shown...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. JC, Regarding your vomiting issue, it is likely related to a functional gastrointestinal problem, or there may be underlying psychological factors involved (such as anxiety or depression). You may consider undergoing a barium swallow study in the gastroenterology depart...[Read More] Persistent Vomiting After Eating: Seeking Answers for Gastrointestinal Issues