Should I Undergo Further Health Checks for My Ongoing Symptoms?
Should I undergo further comprehensive health screening? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing fatigue and dizziness for the past two months, so I would like to ask a question. On August 12, 2017, I drank quite a bit of alcohol for my birthday, and after returning home, I start...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The possible side effects of Propafenone (心利正) listed in the package insert include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and decreased appetite. However, these may not necessarily be caused by the medica...[Read More] Should I Undergo Further Health Checks for My Ongoing Symptoms?
Managing GERD with PPIs: Concerns During Menstrual Cycle
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) + Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) + Menstrual period? Hello Doctor, I understand the concept from the article regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients and routine endoscopy. Five years ago, I had an endoscopy that confirmed ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that can easily recur and varies in severity. Appropriate pharmacological treatment is recommended, with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) being the first-line choice. Some individuals may experience constipation or bloating af...[Read More] Managing GERD with PPIs: Concerns During Menstrual Cycle
Essential Liver Health Checks: Preventing Silent Liver Diseases
Prevention of Liver Disease Hello, doctor. I have heard that the liver can endure a lot even when it is diseased, which is why it is referred to as a "silent organ." What regular tests should be done to prevent liver issues?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you have hepatitis B or C, you should be monitored every six months. For the general public over the age of 40, you can undergo an adult health check every three years. If any abnormalities are found, further examination will be necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about ...[Read More] Essential Liver Health Checks: Preventing Silent Liver Diseases
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B testing status I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-ups. Today, I had blood tests done with the following results: - 2017/10/03 AST/GOT (aspartate aminotransferase) 25 U/L (normal range: 8-38) - 2017/10/03 ALT/GPT (alanine aminotransferase) 24 U/L (...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have antibodies against Hepatitis B, indicating that the infection has completely resolved. If you have liver cirrhosis, close monitoring is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Unexplained Anemia: Seeking Answers for Low Hemoglobin Levels
Unable to determine the cause of low hemoglobin levels? Hello Doctor, my younger brother has been experiencing pale yellowish skin and a lack of color in his face since last year. He has also been getting easily short of breath and fatigued while walking, which he has never exper...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious black stool or bleeding, it may be related to hematopoietic or hemolytic issues. Please discuss this with your healthcare team. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Unexplained Anemia: Seeking Answers for Low Hemoglobin Levels
Risks of General Anesthesia with High Liver Enzymes and Gallstones
Is there a risk associated with general anesthesia for someone with elevated liver enzymes and gallstones? Hello Doctor, I am considering undergoing laparoscopic sterilization surgery, which requires general anesthesia. However, my liver function test results show S.G.O.T: 54 and...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: An anesthesiologist may consider that poor liver function can affect the metabolism of anesthetic drugs. If the surgery is not urgent, it may be advisable to wait for liver function tests to improve in order to avoid unnecessary complications. Changhua Hospital cares about...[Read More] Risks of General Anesthesia with High Liver Enzymes and Gallstones
Understanding Digestive Issues After Liver Transplant: Bloating, Pain, and More
Abdominal bloating, belching, flatulence, abdominal pain? I have a history of liver transplantation and have experienced bowel sounds for several years, with bowel movements occurring every 1-2 days. In October of last year, I suddenly started having bowel movements every 2-3 day...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have already undergone a colonoscopy and only have issues with hemorrhoids, then the blood after wiping is more likely to be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding. 2. The liver is located on the right side, so there is a high possibility of adhesions from surgery. 3. Ther...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues After Liver Transplant: Bloating, Pain, and More
Understanding Bloating, Gas, and Constipation After Liver Transplant
Abdominal bloating, belching, and flatulence? I have a history of liver transplantation and have experienced bowel sounds for several years, with bowel movements occurring every 1-2 days. In October of last year, I suddenly started having bowel movements every 2-3 days, accompani...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Structural examination shows no abnormalities; the main issue is functional impairment, which is indeed related to the abdominal surgery.[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Gas, and Constipation After Liver Transplant
How Long Does Weight Loss Take to Improve Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, the doctor I consulted told me that fatty liver can only be resolved through weight loss. For severe fatty liver, how long does it typically take to improve to moderate fatty liver through weight loss, and how much w...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is not an absolute proportional relationship. By making an effort to eat less and exercise more, you can control your weight and then observe the results. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] How Long Does Weight Loss Take to Improve Fatty Liver Disease?
Understanding Liver Function Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Inquiry about liver function tests? Height: 182 cm, Weight: 65 kg, Age: 19. I went to bed at midnight the night before the examination. The results are as follows: 1. AST: 54 U/L 2. ALT: 47 U/L 3. Serum Creatinine: 0.9 mg/dL 4. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): 115...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Get enough rest and avoid staying up too late; if you are overweight, you should manage your weight. 2. You can consult a gastroenterologist, and if necessary, arrange for an abdominal ultrasound at Changhua Hospital to monitor your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Navigating Unstable Liver Enzymes: Treatment Dilemmas for Chronic Hepatitis B
Persistent abnormal liver function tests without meeting the criteria for medication intervention? Hello doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and I am about 40 years old. For the past 5 to 6 years, I have been regularly undergoing blood tests every three months. My ALT levels fl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, this is a strategy mandated by the National Health Insurance Administration. There is no right or wrong; it depends on the discussion between the physician and the patient. If there is significant fibrosis, a biopsy may be considered to confirm whether cirrhosis is present...[Read More] Navigating Unstable Liver Enzymes: Treatment Dilemmas for Chronic Hepatitis B
Gallstones and Fatty Liver: Treatment Options and Dietary Management
Gallstones and fatty liver disease? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I experienced abdominal pain that radiated to my back after eating barbecue. I visited a gastroenterologist and had an ultrasound today, which revealed that I have multiple gallstones. I had an ultrasound done at t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Gallstones cannot be treated with medication. If pain or acute cholecystitis occurs, surgical treatment is necessary. Rapid weight loss can lead to the excretion of some body fat through the biliary tract, resulting in the rapid formation of biliary system stones. If there...[Read More] Gallstones and Fatty Liver: Treatment Options and Dietary Management
Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Stomach pain with back pain? Hello Doctor, I had a barbecue lunch the day before yesterday, and after taking a shower that evening, I suddenly felt abdominal pain along with discomfort in my lower back. Later that night, I had two episodes of diarrhea, but the pain in my stomac...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back may be indicative of pancreatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or duodenal ulcers. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to determine the cause. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Sh...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Back Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin Doctor, I recently had blood test results showing elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels. The normal value for total bilirubin is 1.2 mg/dL, and mine is 1.77 mg/dL. The normal value for direct bilirubin is 0.5 mg/dL, and mine is 0.6...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on what you described, it seems to be a benign congenital condition related to bilirubin metabolism. Generally, it is not dangerous and does not require treatment. At most, you may need to have blood tests annually for comparison, so there is no need to worry! Changh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: A Young Adult's Journey
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, I am currently 25 years old, male, and have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for a long time. Due to the numerous symptoms and questions I have, I will list them for your advice. Thank you very much. 1. I have had persistent abd...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Sir, you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome with dysmotility and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Please follow your physician's prescribed medication and make adjustments to your diet and daily routine. A stool occult blood test can also be performed initiall...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Gastrointestinal Issues: A Young Adult's Journey
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Commonality and Diagnostic Insights
Hepatic hemangioma Hello! Last April, I had blood in my urine and underwent an abdominal CT scan with contrast, which reported everything as normal, but a polyp was found in my gallbladder. This July, I had an abdominal ultrasound to follow up on the gallbladder polyp, but it als...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
A physician may not administer treatment, prescribe medication, or issue a diagnosis without personally examining the patient.[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Commonality and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Hiccups, Chest Tightness, and Stomach Ulcers: A Patient's Journey
Gastric ulcer / chest tightness / belching Hello Dr. Chen, last month I experienced persistent hiccups, chest tightness, a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, and black stools. I visited a gastroenterology clinic, where the doctor performed an ultrasound that came back norm...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if it has been confirmed that there are no heart issues, you may take antacids to see if it improves the chest pain, which could be due to gastroesophageal reflux. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hiccups, Chest Tightness, and Stomach Ulcers: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Liver Cancer Recurrence and Treatment Options: A Patient's Guide
Liver tumor treatment Hello Dr. Chen, Last March, my family member was diagnosed with liver cancer during a health check-up. In April of last year, they underwent surgery for resection, and the pathology report indicated stage 1 or 2. In October of last year, a follow-up CT sca...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, after the surgery, you can undergo a self-paid EOB-MRI in one month to confirm how many tumors are still viable or newly developed. S1 electrosurgery requires experienced personnel and carries slightly higher risks. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer Recurrence and Treatment Options: A Patient's Guide
Managing Abdominal Pain, Digestive Issues, and Back Discomfort After C-Section
Abdominal pain, stomach pain, lower back pain, bowel issues? Hello, Since my second cesarean delivery, I have been experiencing persistent lower back pain and stomach pain. I have also noticed that my bowel movements are often elongated in shape and accompanied by discharge (wh...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: After a cesarean section, women may experience lower back pain, stomach pain, thin stools, discharge, abdominal bloating, and pain in the lower left abdomen. Dietary habits are acceptable, and it is advised to avoid stimulating beverages. Post-cesarean adhesions are common...[Read More] Managing Abdominal Pain, Digestive Issues, and Back Discomfort After C-Section
Discrepancies Between Imaging Reports and Physician Assessments in Gastroenterology
There is a discrepancy between the imaging examination results and the radiology report compared to the physician's report? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing prolonged stomach pain, pain in my left rib area, and persistent abdominal pain. Whenever the pain in my left r...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please discuss with your physician but do not become overly anxious. Trust the physician's judgment and continue to follow up. Maintain a regular routine and you may try local heat application. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Discrepancies Between Imaging Reports and Physician Assessments in Gastroenterology