Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Oral Antiviral Drugs in Hepatitis B
Issues regarding health insurance coverage for oral antiviral medications for hepatitis B? I have been taking Viread for three years due to hepatitis B, as recommended by my physician. My health insurance coverage for this medication is about to expire. Although my liver enzyme l...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. According to my understanding, the regulations regarding health insurance have indeed been relaxed, allowing for treatment until the e-antigen becomes undetectable. Therefore, please discuss your medication situation clearly with your physician. Changhua Hospital care...[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Oral Antiviral Drugs in Hepatitis B
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Fatigue: Key Insights
Elevated liver enzymes and fatigue? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, and alternating chills and fever for about a month. My health check report regarding liver function shows that both GOT and GPT are at 25 (max. 35), while GGT is at 63 (m...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Values within the normal range are considered normal. There is no need to worry excessively. Medications that can be avoided should not be taken unless absolutely necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Fatigue: Key Insights
Understanding Abnormal ALT and AST Levels: Tips for Recovery
Blood test report Hello Doctor, I have a question. Due to long-term night shifts, I had a blood test and found two abnormalities: ALT (GPT) 49 and AST (GOT) 36. How can I maintain my health to restore these levels to normal? If this condition does not improve, what could be the p...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, GPT49. There are some signs of liver inflammation. You should ensure adequate sleep, avoid alcohol, and traditional Chinese medicine, among other things. There is no need to worry too much. You can have regular follow-ups with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialis...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal ALT and AST Levels: Tips for Recovery
Can You Safely Get A and B Hepatitis Vaccines Together?
Regarding hepatitis A and hepatitis B issues? 1. Hello, doctor. I am a male, and I would like to know if I can receive the Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, and the nine-valent HPV vaccine (for cervical cancer prevention) simultaneously. Is it possible to administer these...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended not to administer both vaccines simultaneously. 2. If antibodies have not yet formed, there is a possibility of infection. 3. Hepatitis A is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. 4. This does not affect Changhua Hospital's concern for your health....[Read More] Can You Safely Get A and B Hepatitis Vaccines Together?
Is It a Duodenal Ulcer? Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Gas
Is this an ulcer? Hello doctor, I have been feeling strange in my right mid-abdomen (about two centimeters to the right of my navel and two to three centimeters above it) recently. I don't experience any pain, but the sensation has become more consistent lately, whereas it w...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The organ located about two centimeters to the right of the navel and two to three centimeters above it is likely the duodenum. The large intestine is located at the bend of the liver, along with the gallbladder and liver. Common issues in this area include peptic ulcers o...[Read More] Is It a Duodenal Ulcer? Understanding Abdominal Discomfort and Gas
Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Should You Be Concerned at Age 60?
Mild dilation of the bile duct? I am sixty years old. Last month, I had my annual check-up and an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed a slight dilation of the bile duct measuring 7mm, while everything else was normal. My liver function tests were also normal, and I do not feel a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The normal range for the diameter of the bile duct is between 7mm and 11mm. If the bilirubin levels and alkaline phosphatase are normal, there is no need to be overly concerned. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Mild Bile Duct Dilation: Should You Be Concerned at Age 60?
Understanding Liver Function Tests: AST, ALT, and hsCRP Levels Explained
Liver function tests (LFTs) AST test result: 19 ALT test result: 48 hsCRP test result: 1.50 On 4/20: AST test result: 20 ALT test result: 47 hsCRP test result: 1.24 The patient is currently receiving intravenous antibiotics (Vesicant) for the treatment of osteomye...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the changes in your liver function indices are minimal. As long as the liver ultrasound is normal and there are no hepatitis B or C infections, you can continue with regular monitoring. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: AST, ALT, and hsCRP Levels Explained
Understanding Fluctuations in Liver Enzymes During Hepatitis B Treatment
After taking Baraclude for hepatitis B carrier status, the liver enzyme levels fluctuate? Dear Dr. Chen, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and started treatment with Baraclude on April 14th of this year due to elevated liver enzymes. I have been taking the medication for about three...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Belatacept rarely develops resistance, and the onset of resistance does not occur within the first few months, so there is no need to worry. Changes in liver function need to be evaluated to rule out other causes and should be monitored further, including a comprehens...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Liver Enzymes During Hepatitis B Treatment
Can Liver Issues Cause Back Pain? Understanding the Connection
Can liver problems cause back pain? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if soreness in the back near the shoulder blade and lower back pain could possibly indicate a liver issue? Also, if someone is infected with hepatitis, could it affect the breasts or stomach? Recently, I somet...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Based on the currently described symptoms, there seems to be no direct relation to the liver.[Read More] Can Liver Issues Cause Back Pain? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Mild Anemia: Causes and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Acute mild anemia Hello Doctor: In 2013, my hemoglobin was 16.4 during a health check, and in 2015, it was 15.7. However, in 2016, my hemoglobin dropped to 12.7, and during a blood donation in March 2017, it was found to be 12.6. In April 2017, a hospital check showed my hemoglob...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Please first visit a colorectal surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Mild Anemia: Causes and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Helicobacter Pylori and Beyond
Upper abdominal pain Helicobacter pylori Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing stomach pain and discomfort in the upper right abdomen, so I went to the hospital for treatment. Two days ago, based on the doctor's recommendation, I underwent an upper endoscopy. It showed mild...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or inflammation of the stomach and duodenum, it is recommended to continue medication for a period of time. A one-week treatment may not be sufficient, and you may need to continue taking gastric medications until symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain: Helicobacter Pylori and Beyond
Understanding Hepatitis B Relapse After Stopping Medication: Key Insights
Will there be a relapse after stopping liver medication? Hello Doctor: My husband is a carrier of hepatitis B. In June 2015, he visited the hospital due to fatigue, and the results showed GOT 47, GPT 59, indicating abnormal liver function, and triglycerides at 219, with a diagnos...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. Patients with abnormal liver function and hepatitis B can use liver-protective medications covered by health insurance, but the cause of the condition needs to be confirmed at a gastroenterology outpatient clinic. If it is fatty liver, dietary control and weight mana...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Relapse After Stopping Medication: Key Insights
Understanding Fatty Liver: Concerns About Hepatomegaly and Next Steps
Fatty liver with abdominal distension? Hello. In January of this year, I underwent an abdominal ultrasound due to abdominal pain, and the report indicated fatty liver. The ultrasound report stated: "liver is normal size with smooth outline. There is diffuse increase in echog...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. The normal liver size is approximately 25 cm in length, 15 cm in height, and 16 cm in width. 2. I'm not sure how often your physician has advised you to return for follow-up; if there are no specific concerns, a follow-up with blood tests and ultrasound every six m...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Concerns About Hepatomegaly and Next Steps
Post-Liver Transplant Nutrition: Can Reishi Mushroom Supplements Help?
Dietary Management After Liver Transplant Surgery Doctor, my father underwent a liver transplant due to cirrhosis, and my brother was the donor. Regarding their postoperative diet, can I buy "Gui X" reishi mushroom or Ensure for nutritional supplementation? I read that ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Individuals who have undergone liver transplantation need to take immunosuppressants and should not self-purchase health supplements. It is important to consult with the transplant team’s health educator or physician regarding what to take. A natural diet and thoroughly co...[Read More] Post-Liver Transplant Nutrition: Can Reishi Mushroom Supplements Help?
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Right lower abdomen Hello doctor, regarding my previous issue with right-sided abdominal pain, I visited the hospital on April 26 to see the doctor who performed my liver transplant. The doctor mentioned that the location of my right abdominal pain seems more related to intestina...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If all tests are normal and you suspect a musculoskeletal issue, you should pay attention to your sitting posture, whether you have been lifting heavy objects, or if you have a habit of using your right hand for certain activities, which may have caused muscle injury. If n...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Liver Tumors: Assessing Cancer Risk and Follow-Up Care
There is a tumor in the liver? Hello Doctor: In February, an abdominal ultrasound revealed two tumors in my liver (0.6 cm and 1.7 cm). During a follow-up in April, another tumor was found (0.8 cm). The previous two tumors had not grown, and the doctor mentioned that they might ha...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the probability is low, but further monitoring is needed. If necessary, a CT scan or MRI may be performed for evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Assessing Cancer Risk and Follow-Up Care
How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy and Endoscopy After Previous Exams?
How often should colonoscopies and upper endoscopies be recommended for follow-up? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask, if I underwent a painless endoscopy (gastroscopy and colonoscopy) 2 to 3 years ago and there were no significant issues (e.g., polyps), what would be an appropri...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Regarding your gastrointestinal issues, observation along with dietary and medication adjustments should suffice. Liver function can be monitored every 3 to 6 months, and it is important to avoid becoming overweight. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shi...[Read More] How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy and Endoscopy After Previous Exams?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain After Liver Transplant: Causes and Solutions
Right lower abdominal cramping pain? I had a liver transplant 15 years ago. For the past three years, I've experienced loud stomach noises daily. My hepatologist suggested that it might be due to intestinal adhesions and recommended probiotics, which improved the stomach noi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you want to confirm whether there is an increase in retained stool or gas in the intestines, you may consider visiting a gastroenterologist to see if an X-ray is necessary. Additionally, it is recommended to increase your fluid intake and to chew vegetables and fruits t...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain After Liver Transplant: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Pain Near the Xiphoid Process: Is It Normal?
There is a sensation of tenderness when pressing on the xiphoid process and the surrounding area? Hello, doctor! When sitting, I experience some pain when pressing on the xiphoid process and the right edge of the ribs (where the liver is located). The pain is somewhat stronger at...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The area slightly to the left and right of the xiphoid process is where the gastroesophageal junction or the liver is located. If there is pain without pressure, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to check for possible gastroesophageal reflux disease or liver ...[Read More] Understanding Pain Near the Xiphoid Process: Is It Normal?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues
Abdominal issues? About two months ago, I started experiencing nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, excessive stomach acid, and an inability to burp, so I went to the hospital for a check-up. After undergoing an endoscopy, the doctor said there were no issues with my stomach, but I ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound: liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys; the pancreas can only be visualized when there is minimal intestinal gas. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Insights into Gastrointestinal Issues