Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Pancreatic Issues?
What is upper abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I am 170 cm tall and weigh 62 kg. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. I would like to ask about my ongoing issues with gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. I do not have Helicobacter pylori, but I have been treating my ulcers for a long tim...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Mr. Hong: I would like to know how long it has been since you started losing weight. I recommend discussing your situation with your physician to hear their advice and how to proceed. Director Cai Jin-ji, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Pancreatic Issues?
Unexplained Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Solutions and Next Steps
Left lower abdominal pain of unknown origin? Since March of this year, I have been experiencing pain in the left lower abdomen after walking for extended periods (more than 5-10 minutes). I have consulted with medical professionals and undergone blood tests, colonoscopy, gastrosc...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely caused by neuromuscular issues; you may also consult a rehabilitation physician.[Read More] Unexplained Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Solutions and Next Steps
Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection: Testing and Symptoms Explained
Issues related to the examination of pork tapeworm? Hello, I purchased frozen thick-cut pork chops from Carrefour on July 5th. After bringing them home, my husband did not cook the pork thoroughly. Because the outer layer was coated with flour, we could not see that the pork was ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If you are concerned, you can consult with an infectious disease specialist for testing.[Read More] Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection: Testing and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Dark Stool: Causes and Concerns After Medication Change
Bowel movement color issues? Hello Dr. Tsai, Last month, my cardiologist switched my medication from Rosuvastatin to Lipitor 500/20. About a week after starting the new medication, I noticed that the color of my first bowel movement in the morning was very dark, almost black. H...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you notice that your stool is nearly black, it is advisable to check for fecal occult blood. If the results are normal, there is no need to worry. If abnormal, you may consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Ts...[Read More] Understanding Dark Stool: Causes and Concerns After Medication Change
Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry and When Not To
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, I have undergone fecal occult blood tests (two types), and the results were normal. I asked the doctor if there is a possibility of false negatives, and he mentioned that both tests have very high sensitivity, and gastr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Don't worry, a light diet will suffice.[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry and When Not To
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Sleep Problems and Liver Health
Hello, doctor? Hello, Doctor! I have been unable to sleep in July and August this year, only falling asleep around 7 AM the next day. I have a long history of insomnia and irregular sleep patterns, but it was particularly severe this past July and August. In September, while taki...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Fecal occult blood testing can be performed. 2. Eliminate poor dietary habits / weight loss. 3. Medications may be necessary to manage digestive symptoms. 4. Psychological evaluation may be needed for insomnia medication.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Sleep Problems and Liver Health
Do You Need to Stop Medications or Fast Before a Stool Test?
Stool examination Is there a need to discontinue any medications or avoid certain foods before undergoing a fecal occult blood test using immunochemical methods?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No need to stop medication, maintain a normal diet.[Read More] Do You Need to Stop Medications or Fast Before a Stool Test?
Do You Need to Stop Medications or Fast Before a Fecal Occult Blood Test?
Stool examination Is there a need to stop any medications or fast from certain foods before undergoing a fecal occult blood test using immunochemical methods?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No need to stop the medication, maintain a normal diet.[Read More] Do You Need to Stop Medications or Fast Before a Fecal Occult Blood Test?
Do You Need to Stop Medications or Adjust Diet for Fecal Occult Blood Testing?
Fecal occult blood immunochemical test? Hello doctor, I am currently taking Dexilant. I am about to undergo a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for occult blood. Should I stop taking the medication or adjust my diet before this test?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
No need to stop medication, maintain a regular diet.[Read More] Do You Need to Stop Medications or Adjust Diet for Fecal Occult Blood Testing?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes in Young Children: What Parents Should Know
Liver enzyme issues? A 3-year-old child attended a growth clinic and had blood test results showing: 1. AST/SGOT: 49 (reference range: 10-42) 2. Lymphocytes: 60 (reference range: 19-48). All other report results were normal, with only these two values highlighted in red. The chil...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Whether it's liver function tests or lymphocyte counts, the primary purpose of blood tests every three months is to monitor the trends in these indices. If your physician recommends it, it is advisable to continue monitoring. Changhua Hospital cares about your health....[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes in Young Children: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello, doctor. I have always had a high body weight. In July of this year, I had a blood test that revealed abnormal liver enzyme levels (AST 69 / ALT 147 / GGT 155). The doctor suspected that this might be related to the fact that I had chickenpox ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Fatty liver disease, drug-induced/alcoholic hepatitis, and even autoimmune hepatitis are possible conditions that require diagnosis and treatment by a hepatologist. Dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, and abstaining from alcohol are initial steps that can be taken independent...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Assessing Colorectal Cancer Risk: Family History and Symptoms
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, the issue I mentioned last time has not recurred in the past two weeks. However, after asking my family, I found out that my grandfather's brother had colon cancer but recovered after hospitalization when he was in...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no objection to starting fecal occult blood testing at age 40 and undergoing a colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years, along with actively pursuing weight loss.[Read More] Assessing Colorectal Cancer Risk: Family History and Symptoms
Understanding Left Chest Pain and Burping: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Left chest burping pain? Experiencing chest pain and a sensation of food being stuck or moving slowly through the esophagus after eating, with normal results from an electrocardiogram and blood tests. In June, an endoscopy diagnosed mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no vomiting of food, further observation is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain and Burping: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Next Steps for Suspected Pancreatic Cancer: Essential Tests and Recommendations
If pancreatic cancer is suspected, what further tests should be conducted? Hello Doctor, in mid-September, I sought medical attention due to abdominal discomfort and occasional back pain. After undergoing an electrocardiogram and gastroscopy, I was diagnosed with erosive esophagi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Monitoring is the primary focus, and there are currently no other recommendations.[Read More] Next Steps for Suspected Pancreatic Cancer: Essential Tests and Recommendations
Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry About Your Health
Stool color Hello Doctor, on Saturday after using the restroom, I noticed that the toilet water was slightly coffee-colored, and it appeared to have a reddish-brown hue. Could this indicate a tumor in the colon? The appearance of the stool itself and the toilet paper were normal ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to observe the stool color a few more times, as there is a high likelihood of interference from food color. If abnormalities persist, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Typically, a fecal occult blood test will be performed first, unless there is ...[Read More] Understanding Stool Color Changes: When to Worry About Your Health
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis
Chronic abdominal pain Hello, doctor. At the end of July, I experienced nighttime lower abdominal pain, followed by severe diarrhea the next day, which was watery. After seeing a doctor, my symptoms improved, but in August, I started having intermittent cramping. At the end of Au...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The diagnosis should be irritable bowel syndrome. Reduce oil and dairy intake, minimize stress, and continue to monitor the situation. If necessary, a fecal occult blood test may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Symptoms, Concerns, and Diagnosis
Understanding Changes in Stool Color: When to Worry About Blood
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, on Saturday after using the restroom, I noticed that the water in the toilet was a deep coffee color with a hint of red, resembling coffee with a bit of red. Could this be a sign of colorectal cancer or other bleeding symptoms? I do not feel any discomf...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Further observation is possible; if concerned, a stool occult blood test can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Color: When to Worry About Blood
Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns
Possible causes of positive fecal occult blood test? Hello, doctor. Recently, I started experiencing pain in my lower left abdomen, and I underwent a stool test. During the stool sample collection, I noticed that the color at the front was particularly dark, and the result came b...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A positive test result suggests that you should undergo another colonoscopy. There are many reasons for a positive fecal occult blood test, including gastric ulcers, enteritis, hemorrhoids, polyps, and cancer. Any potential source of bleeding could lead to a positive resul...[Read More] Understanding Positive Fecal Occult Blood: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Cancer Risks
Blood in the stool? Hello, Deputy Director. I would like to ask you: 1. What could be the cause of a small amount of blood on a portion of the stool (approximately the size of a five-dollar coin)? Could it be colon cancer? 2. What is mucus stool? How can one determine if it is mu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A fecal occult blood test can be performed first, and a colonoscopy should be done only if necessary.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Cancer Risks
Understanding Sticky, Pasty Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Stool is pasty and sticky? I would like to ask the doctor, every time I use the restroom, my stool is always pasty and sticks to the toilet. The amount of stool is neither too much nor too little. Since my father has a history of colon cancer, I have been undergoing fecal occult ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, A 30-year-old male is experiencing pasty stools that stick to the toilet. This could be a sign of indigestion. It is advisable to avoid greasy foods and to increase the intake of fresh, fiber-rich foods while reducing fried and barbecued items. There is a family history ...[Read More] Understanding Sticky, Pasty Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help