Persistent Abdominal Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
There has been a dull pain in the lower left abdomen and the upper right abdomen for more than three months? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my left lower abdomen and right upper abdomen for over three months (the pain in the right upper abdomen is mor...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Some discomfort may not necessarily indicate an issue with the organs, but rather a functional problem. If you have already undergone gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasound without any significant abnormalities, it may be necessary to improve your condition through emoti...[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Stomach discomfort? Last week, I felt swelling in my lower right abdomen and underwent an abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy, both of which showed no issues, except for mild hemorrhoids. However, I have been experiencing stomach pain intermittently, located about 5 centimeters ...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Chung: It is recommended to see a doctor to see if you can undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Nantou Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Understanding Surface Antibodies and Relapse Risks After Hepatitis B Treatment
Taking Huilei (Rituximab) can lead to the production of surface antibodies. The likelihood of relapse after discontinuing the medication? Hello: Four years ago, I started taking entecavir due to acute hepatitis. In January of this year, my E antigen turned negative, and the other...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Currently, the National Health Insurance recommends that patients with e-antigen positive hepatitis B who turn negative require one year of consolidation therapy. The presence of S-antigen turning negative and the production of S-antibodies in patients infected with hepati...[Read More] Understanding Surface Antibodies and Relapse Risks After Hepatitis B Treatment
Persistent Left Upper Abdominal Pressure: Causes and Solutions
There has been a persistent sensation of a foreign body and pressure in the left upper abdomen and under the rib cage for nearly two months? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been troubled by a sensation of pressure and tightness from a foreign body in my left upper abdomen for quite some t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Cancer and other causes can be ruled out, so please rest assured. If necessary, medication can be used to control the symptoms.[Read More] Persistent Left Upper Abdominal Pressure: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Concerns
Hepatic hemangioma issues? In August 2018, an abdominal ultrasound at the clinic revealed a 2.2 cm liver tumor, mild fatty liver, and a 0.4 cm gallbladder polyp. Tests for hepatitis B and C were conducted, and both liver function tests and alpha-fetoprotein (cancer marker) were n...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Rarely increases. 2. Not often missed. 3. Common artifacts; please cooperate with follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Concerns
Persistent Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
If you have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for nearly a year and have already undergone an endoscopy with no issues found, it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. You may consider consulting a gastroenterologist for a comprehensive assessment. They may ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is continuous weight loss or a positive fecal occult blood test, further specialized examinations of the small intestine and other areas are necessary, and a visit to a medical center specializing in small intestine diseases is required.[Read More] Persistent Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Discomfort: Possible IBS Solutions
Abdominal discomfort? Dear Doctor: I have been experiencing a strange feeling in my abdomen for a long time. It’s not very painful, but it is uncomfortable, and I can't pinpoint the exact location of the discomfort. I have undergone several examinations at the hospital, incl...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The location of pain is very important, as the distribution of organs is closely related to the discomfort experienced. If the pain occurs in different locations each time, it is essential to consider whether it may be a functional issue, such as irritable bowel syndrome. ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Discomfort: Possible IBS Solutions
Persistent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Left lower abdominal pain? Two months ago, I went to a gynecology clinic several times due to left lower abdominal pain, but there was no improvement. As the pain worsened, I went to the emergency room, where the doctor diagnosed me with a bladder infection and recommended hospit...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Zou, you have undergone many examinations. Essentially, clinical issues should be discussed with your current attending physician. What were the findings from the endoscopy? Why was a biopsy performed? What were the results of the biopsy? How will treatment for the pain ...[Read More] Persistent Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Intermittent Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Intermittent stabbing pain in the right upper abdomen? After undergoing gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound, the doctor mentioned that there were no significant issues, only excessive gastric acid secretion and a mild gastric ulcer. After taking medication, I felt much better, b...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 23-year-old male presents with intermittent stabbing pain in the right upper abdomen. He has a history of excessive gastric acid and mild gastric ulcers, which had previously improved. The symptoms have recurred, with pain exacerbated when sitting. His weight has recentl...[Read More] Intermittent Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated GPT/indirect bilirubin slightly elevated? Over the past 10 years of regular health check-ups, my GPT/GOT/total bilirubin levels have all been within normal ranges, with GPT/GOT between 10-20. In August 2018, total bilirubin was first noted at 1.8 (with GPT/GOT around 20 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The condition is somewhat different from others, but still poses no danger. It is recommended to continue monitoring at the same healthcare facility. Maintain a normal diet and avoid exposure to toxic volatile substances. Referral to a medical center should only be made if necess...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Fatty Pancreas: Insights from Abdominal Ultrasound
Fatty pancreas under ultrasound? Hello Doctor: The recent abdominal ultrasound report mentioned: 1. Liver mildly increased brightness (Fatty liver mild) 2. Increased brightness of pancreas. It was previously mentioned that increased brightness of the liver indicates that the live...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Increased brightness of the pancreas indicates that the pancreas is encased in fat, which necessitates attention to weight management and monitoring for potential excessive alcohol consumption. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Fatty Pancreas: Insights from Abdominal Ultrasound
Understanding CA199 Levels After Gastric Cancer Surgery: What to Do Next?
CA199 index My mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer a year and a half ago. After surgery to remove the tumor, her tumor markers CEA and CA19-9 both decreased to safe levels. She has been continuously taking oral chemotherapy, but six months ago, her CA19-9 levels began to gra...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Consult with the attending physician to assess your individual condition.[Read More] Understanding CA199 Levels After Gastric Cancer Surgery: What to Do Next?
Understanding CA199 Levels After Gastric Cancer Surgery: What to Do Next?
CA199 index My mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer a year and a half ago. After surgery to remove the tumor, her tumor markers CEA and CA19-9 both decreased to safe levels. She has been continuing oral chemotherapy, but six months ago, CA19-9 began to gradually rise, and tod...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is necessary to consult with the attending physician to assess personal conditions.[Read More] Understanding CA199 Levels After Gastric Cancer Surgery: What to Do Next?
High Liver Enzymes: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
If liver enzyme levels double, can it lead to symptoms such as abdominal bloating and pain, dizziness and headaches, blurred vision, generalized weakness, and loss of appetite? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother. Recently, she has been experiencing bloating and stomach pa...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. A twofold increase in liver enzymes is considered a mild elevation. 2. Many liver function abnormalities are asymptomatic; even if levels exceed 1000, symptoms, if present, are often non-specific, such as fatigue, decreased appetite, and nausea. 3. Your mother's symptoms ...[Read More] High Liver Enzymes: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Solutions
Unexplained Recurring Fever: A Gastroenterology Case Study
Recurrent fever of unknown origin for an extended period? Hello Doctor, my mother is 62 years old. Since returning from a trip to Europe at the beginning of the year, she has had a poor appetite and has lost weight (from 60 kg to 50 kg). She says she is not accustomed to European...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Please visit the infectious disease department and undergo nuclear medicine scanning if necessary.[Read More] Unexplained Recurring Fever: A Gastroenterology Case Study
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Growth Concerns and Monitoring Guidelines
Is there a concern about the growth of gallbladder polyps? Hello Doctor: In 2013, during a health check at a regional hospital, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a gallbladder polyp measuring 0.26 mm. Since then, I have undergone regular follow-up examinations each year, conducted...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Follow-up every six months; surgery is required only if the size exceeds 1 centimeter.[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Growth Concerns and Monitoring Guidelines
Do I Still Need Regular Liver Function Tests After Recovering from Hepatitis B?
Question 2 after Hepatitis B testing? Hello Doctor: I previously inquired about my hepatitis B test results, and you mentioned that I have "had hepatitis B, have recovered and developed antibodies, and have lifelong immunity." I would like to ask if this means that I no...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Yes.[Read More] Do I Still Need Regular Liver Function Tests After Recovering from Hepatitis B?
Do You Really Need a Colonoscopy? Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Is a colonoscopy necessary? Hello Doctor, for the past six months to a year, my stools have been unformed, alternating between diarrhea and constipation. Sometimes I feel the urge to have a bowel movement, but I can't go, or I feel like I haven't fully emptied my bowels...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Abdominal ultrasound examination of the gastrointestinal tract is not very helpful. The likelihood of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is high. If symptoms persist, a colonoscopy may be considered.[Read More] Do You Really Need a Colonoscopy? Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Understanding Pancreatic Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Follow-Up Care
Pancreatic pseudocyst Hello Doctor Chen: I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my right abdomen for 3-4 years. Sometimes, I also have abdominal pain that radiates to my back (the area is not fixed). My blood test showed a slightly elevated bilirubin level (1.6...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Pancreatic cysts are generally not a major concern, while liver nodules need to be evaluated based on their characteristics. Typically, ultrasound examinations do not specifically emphasize the relationship between height and pancreatic size, but rather observe whether there is a...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Pancreatic Health: Symptoms and Recommended Tests
Is it possible for the pancreas to develop a disease? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have suddenly experienced a loss of appetite, slight abdominal bloating, and occasional nausea. After seeing the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer, I became very anxious. Additionally, I have been ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
The priority for examining the pancreas is primarily through abdominal ultrasound.[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Health: Symptoms and Recommended Tests