Managing Pain from Bone Spurs in the Lower Back: Beyond Painkillers
If you have developed bone spurs in your lower back and are experiencing frequent pain, what should you do? Is taking pain medication the only option? I was diagnosed with bone spurs in my lumbar spine in December 2004. Due to a busy work schedule, I have been unable to undergo r...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: 1. There is still some doubt as to whether your discomfort is indeed caused by what is commonly referred to as "bone spurs." Given your age group,...[Read More] Managing Pain from Bone Spurs in the Lower Back: Beyond Painkillers
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Boosting MCV and Hemoglobin Levels
Iron deficiency anemia During my last physical examination at the military academy, I was disqualified due to low MCV and hemoglobin levels. My values were MCV 75.4 and hemoglobin 11.3. The guidelines state that MCV must be above 80 and hemoglobin must be at least 12. Previously,...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: Maintaining a balanced diet, adhering to a regular lifestyle, and engaging in regular exercise may seem like common advice, but when followed to a significan...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Boosting MCV and Hemoglobin Levels
Can You Get Naltrexone for Weight Loss at a Family Medicine Clinic?
Will the weight loss clinic prescribe Naltrexone? Hello! Doctor, I am 160 cm tall and weigh 78 kg. Will the weight loss clinic at Taichung Hospital prescribe me Nometine? Do I need to tell the doctor that I want to take Nometine? I previously purchased Nometine on my own and lost...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dana, 1. Please directly inquire with Taichung Hospital's weight management clinic regarding the prescription of Nometine. 2. Nometine is an out-of-pocket expense at our hospital, and its use requires discussion with a physician. Wishing you good health and all the be...[Read More] Can You Get Naltrexone for Weight Loss at a Family Medicine Clinic?
Understanding Nail Changes: Signs of Health Issues and Dizziness
Symptoms of Disease Hello Dr. Tsai, I have a question I would like to ask you regarding a white layer on the inner surface of my fingernails that seems to be gradually shrinking. Does this indicate any discomfort or potential disease in the body? Additionally, I sometimes exper...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Allen: The size of the lunula at the base of the nail varies from person to person, and whether it can be used as a criterion for assessing bodily diseases is still a matter of debate. However, if there is a noticeable change in its size, it may indicate a change in bodily ...[Read More] Understanding Nail Changes: Signs of Health Issues and Dizziness
Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Concerns, and When to See a Doctor
Frequent bruising? I recently noticed severe unexplained bruising all over my legs after waking up. It doesn't hurt when I press on it, and the bruises seem to be getting larger. Can you provide an explanation? Should I see a doctor? Which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Xiao T, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health. First, let's rule out any deficiency in platelet count. If necessary, it may be advisable to visit either the Hematology Department or the Family Medicine D...[Read More] Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Concerns, and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Bright Red Blood in Stool Without Abdominal Pain
Blood in stool If there is blood in the stool, the abdomen is not painful, there are no other physical symptoms, and the stool is normal in shape with bright red blood, what could this condition be? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Ade, it could be hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, but I still recommend that you get it checked. Please consult a colorectal surgeon or a general surgery outpatient clinic. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Sincerely, Hsu Li-An, Hualien Hospital, Family Medicine Department.[Read More] Understanding Bright Red Blood in Stool Without Abdominal Pain
Why Is My Head Growing? Understanding Unexplained Changes
Enlarged head The same hat no longer fits, and I've also cut my hair. This has happened in the past few months; is it possible? A towel can no longer wrap around my head.
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Mei Mei, there could be many possible reasons. Perhaps the hat has shrunk. If you have other symptoms, please visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic. Wishing you a speedy recovery both physically and mentally. Best regards, Hsu Li-An, Hualien Hospital, Family Medicine Depart...[Read More] Why Is My Head Growing? Understanding Unexplained Changes
Do I Need a Large Hospital for Hepatitis B Blood Tests?
Hepatitis B Excuse me, I would like to ask if I need to go to a larger hospital for a hepatitis B blood test, or if a smaller clinic would suffice? A friend mentioned that many small clinics do not have the necessary equipment or procedures for this type of blood test and that sa...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Xiao Hei, please visit a hospital with family medicine or internal medicine departments to get tested for hepatitis B. The test will show whether the results for the antigen or antibody are negative or positive; there is no need for numerical values. You only need to take th...[Read More] Do I Need a Large Hospital for Hepatitis B Blood Tests?
Understanding Your Symptoms: Chest Pain, Dizziness, and More
I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide a translation. Please provide the specific text you would Hello Dr. Hsu Li-An, I have a few questions I would like to ask you. My first symptom is chest pain and difficulty breathing. The second symptom is persistent d...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, the items assessed during military service physical examinations are limited and do not necessarily indicate that you are completely healthy. Since you have so many questions about your health status, I recommend that you visit a family medicine clinic for examination, tre...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Chest Pain, Dizziness, and More
Which Specialist to See for Memory Issues and Mood Changes?
Dementia? Depression? Hypothyroidism? Which department(s) should I consult? Hello Doctor, my mother is 55 years old and slightly overweight. She has a history of hypothyroidism and cardiovascular issues (she has a lack of temperature sensation in her left hand and elevated blood ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Kevin, I suggest you take your mother to see a neurologist; some hospitals refer to this as the Department of Neurology. At the same time, you should also visit an endocrinologist, which some hospitals call the Department of Metabolism. It would be best to find a facility wh...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Memory Issues and Mood Changes?
Intermittent Pain in the Front of Right Calf: Causes and Solutions
Intermittent sharp pain on both sides of the front of the right calf bone? Hello doctor, my right calf has intermittent sharp pain on both sides of the bone at the front. Sometimes the pain is focused on a specific point on the right side, and other times it is on a specific poin...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello Mr. Xiaopang, your condition may be related to overuse. I recommend that you see an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Dr. Hsu Li-An, Hualien Hospital, Family Medicine Department.[Read More] Intermittent Pain in the Front of Right Calf: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Symptoms: Are Your Health Issues a Sign of Serious Problems?
Is there a problem with health? Hello, I am a 39-year-old male. Recently, I have been feeling very fatigued, and when I squat down and then stand up at the store, I experience severe dizziness and can barely stand. I often feel discomfort in my stomach and left abdomen (my abdome...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it could be a precursor to cancer, but it might also just be diabetes or a gastric ulcer. Since you are concerned, why not go ahead and get an examination? You can schedule an appointment with either family medicine or gastroenterology. Wishing y...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Are Your Health Issues a Sign of Serious Problems?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Testing, and Vaccination Options
Hepatitis B Hello. Due to a previous issue regarding hepatitis B during my university health check, I was advised by a doctor to get vaccinated, but I didn't take it seriously at the time. I wasn't sure if I needed to get vaccinated because I had antibodies or if I was ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hei. You can get the hepatitis B vaccine at the family medicine clinic. One dose costs around two to three hundred NT dollars, and you will need to receive three doses in total. I suggest you wait to inquire about the cost until after your examination at the clinic, w...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Testing, and Vaccination Options
Understanding Neck Swelling: Causes and Symptoms of Fatigue
Neck swelling Doctor: Recently, I often feel a swelling sensation on the left side of my neck, and I also become easily fatigued. What could be the cause of this? Thank you for your response, doctor.
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello Xiaoying, I suggest that you not only worry but also visit an otolaryngology clinic for an examination. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Xu Li'an, Hualien Hospital, Family Medicine Department.[Read More] Understanding Neck Swelling: Causes and Symptoms of Fatigue
Understanding Taste Changes: Common Issues in Family Medicine
請提供 Sometimes food has no taste, or the flavors are very strong.
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Mr. Zong, please schedule an appointment with the neurology department to check whether the issue is related to the tongue or the taste nerves. Wishing you a speedy recovery and the ability to enjoy flavors again. Xu Li'an 9504211749 on duty in the emergency department at Hu...[Read More] Understanding Taste Changes: Common Issues in Family Medicine
What Specialist Should You See for Your Baby's Ear Lump?
Which specialty should I see? The baby is 1 year and 1 month old. Last night, while sleeping, I suddenly noticed a small hard lump behind one ear. I initially thought it was a bone, but there is none on the other ear. This afternoon, the forehead accidentally bumped and has some ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Tsai Yueh-Fu of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department, Hello. The small hard lump behind the baby's ear should be examined by a pediatrician. This will help determine if it is related to any trauma or other causes such ...[Read More] What Specialist Should You See for Your Baby's Ear Lump?
Understanding Sexual Health: Timing, Pain, and Myths in Relationships
Sexual issues I would like to ask, when is the best time to have intercourse (with internal ejaculation) to minimize the risk of pregnancy? Will it be very painful for a girl during her first time? What about for the boy? How can you tell if she is a virgin?
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Director Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health: (1) The fertile period is when pregnancy is possible, and the truly safe period is roughly only one week before and after menstruation. (2) Most individuals experience a co...[Read More] Understanding Sexual Health: Timing, Pain, and Myths in Relationships
Should You Get Blood Tested After a Minor Injury?
Should I get a blood test? Last month, I had my eyebrows shaped at a department store and bled a little. The sales assistant said the eyebrow razor was taken out that day and should be quite new, but I suspect it may not be completely new. Should I get a blood test to check for a...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Tsai Yue-Fu of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: 1. In the case of a cut from an eyebrow razor, if it is a new blade that has not been used, there should be no risk of infectious disease transmission as long as the wound ...[Read More] Should You Get Blood Tested After a Minor Injury?
Understanding Elevated CPK Levels: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
What is CPK? Hello Dr. Lin, I had a blood test at a private laboratory on March 23 of this year, and the results showed the following: 1. SPOT: 332, SGPT: 793, CPK (Creatine Phosphokinase): 336 (of which CPK-MM is 100, and both BB and MB are zero), 4. Cholesterol: 237, 5. Trigly...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Tsai Yueh-Fu of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: 1. Elevated CPK levels are commonly seen in conditions such as polymyositis, myocardial infarction, muscular dystrophy, and cerebrovascular diseases. Regional hospitals ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CPK Levels: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
Common Health Concerns: Back Pain and Lipoma Removal Questions
Please ask your health-related question? I have a few health issues I would like to ask the doctor about. 1. I have been experiencing lower back pain for several years. Recently, I noticed that when I sit and study, I easily become fatigued, and my posture tends to slide down, ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Tsai Yue-Fu from the Family Medicine Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: 1. Common causes of lower back pain include poor posture and sports injuries (including trauma). When seeking medical attention, a physical examination will be cond...[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Back Pain and Lipoma Removal Questions