Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Essential Dietary and Lifestyle Tips for Recovery
Dietary Guidelines After Gallbladder Removal Surgery Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with gallstones through an ultrasound at the beginning of last year. However, I maintain a very light diet, consuming greasy foods only about once a month because I dislike oily foods. Due to a la...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, (1) It is recommended that your regular diet should be low in fats and proteins, and the portion sizes should be moderate to avoid overeating, which can reduce the burden on digestion. (2) Essentially, the gallbladder functions like a "reservoir," storing bile pr...[Read More] Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Essential Dietary and Lifestyle Tips for Recovery
Managing Liver Health: Addressing Fatty Liver and Cholesterol Concerns
Dumbbell body examination Hello, I have been a carrier of hepatitis C for a long time, and I have not undergone treatment due to concerns about the side effects. My AST levels are normal, and my ALT levels are mostly below 60. However, I have fatty liver and high cholesterol. I g...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Fatty liver and high cholesterol require long-term dietary weight control and exercise to see results. The use of cholesterol-lowering medications must be evaluated before use. 2. Prolonged fasting can lead to the production of ketones. 3. For chronic hepatitis C and ab...[Read More] Managing Liver Health: Addressing Fatty Liver and Cholesterol Concerns
Monitoring Benign Liver Tumors: Understanding FNH Growth and Management
Follow-up for benign liver tumors? Hello Doctor: I have a relatively large focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in my liver, and I have been regularly monitored at a major hospital since 2009. The first MRI measured it at 9 cm, and the second MRI in 2010 measured it at 9.87 cm. I aske...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) can indeed grow. 2. It is also necessary to consider the Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) hepatitis marker. 3. If it is liver cancer, MRI typically shows specific imaging characteristics. 4. Symptoms are for reference only. 5. If necessary, a biop...[Read More] Monitoring Benign Liver Tumors: Understanding FNH Growth and Management
Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Next Steps in Treatment
Diagnosed with liver cirrhosis? Dear doctors, could you please assist me? I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis by the gastroenterology department at another hospital. The surface of my liver is very rough, and I have undergone ultrasound examinations for over ten years with...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Currently, there are no specific medications that can slow down or reverse the progression of cirrhosis. The goal is to prevent it from worsening too quickly. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hosp...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Next Steps in Treatment
Can I Get an Abdominal Ultrasound for Tumor Screening Without Symptoms?
Abdominal ultrasound Currently, if there are no symptoms or pain, is it possible to schedule an appointment for an abdominal ultrasound to check for tumors?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is not covered by health insurance unless there is a pre-existing liver function abnormality or hepatitis B or C. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Can I Get an Abdominal Ultrasound for Tumor Screening Without Symptoms?
Understanding Unexplained Kidney Pain: When Tests Show Normal Results
The kidneys may sometimes experience sharp pain, and although imaging of the kidneys was performed (during which pain was also present), the results were normal? I have been experiencing this for several months now, and it tends to occur more frequently in the morning. The pain i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Typically, pain from kidney inflammation is associated with flank tenderness (frank knocking pain), so it would be helpful to clarify which specific area you are referring to regarding the right kidney. In medicine, visceral inflammatory pain is often not precisely localiz...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Kidney Pain: When Tests Show Normal Results
Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Gastrointestinal Health Issues
I'm sorry, but it seems that the text you provided is not clear or contains errors. Could you please provide a clearer or corrected version of the content you would like translated? I'm sorry, but it seems that the text you provided is not clear or contains errors. Coul...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello... Due to the garbled content of your question, we are unable to respond. Please re-enter your question, and we will provide you with an answer. Ministry of Health and Welfare Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Yang Chih-Chao.[Read More] Understanding Liver, Gallbladder, and Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Understanding Elevated Liver and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels: Causes and Treatments
Health check values Recent blood tests revealed elevated levels in the following parameters: - AMY (Amylase): 103.000 U/L (normal range: 0-100) - TG (Triglycerides): 137.000 mg/dL (normal range: 50-150) - TC (Total Cholesterol): 213.000 mg/dL (normal range: 50-200) - T-B (Total...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Elevated amylase levels are significant only in the presence of abdominal pain. Elevated total and direct bilirubin levels should primarily raise suspicion for biliary tract disorders, and it is recommended to perform an abdominal ultrasound. If the results are normal and ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver and Pancreatic Enzyme Levels: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Health check-up value inquiry 2 Hello, doctor. I am the one from the previous message regarding elevated amylase and total bilirubin levels. I later underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and part of the pancreas, and there were ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Amylase can be monitored. 2. Sometimes the use of certain medications or exposure to chemical agents can also cause elevated bilirubin levels; follow-up is sufficient, and there are currently no treatment recommendations. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Ch...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Pancreatic cancer index Hello, Doctor! I am 34 years old this year. I discovered an elevated CA19-9 level (64) in 2009. At that time, I underwent various tests, including MRI and endoscopy, which revealed a 9 cm benign focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in the liver, while the pancr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: CA 19-9 levels may be elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, liver cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, elevated CA 19-9 levels can also occur in patients without cancer, such as those with liver cirrhosis, cholangitis, hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
When to Take Silymarin for Liver Health: Timing Tips for B Hepatitis Patients
When should silymarin (liver protection medication) be taken? I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for ten years, not due to vertical transmission from my mother. I currently undergo regular check-ups, and during my latest visit, my liver function tests showed slightly elevated l...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Hepatoprotective medications are intended to assist the liver in metabolism and are generally used twice a day. They may have a beneficial effect on improving symptoms. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospita...[Read More] When to Take Silymarin for Liver Health: Timing Tips for B Hepatitis Patients
Can Liver Cirrhosis Cause Excessive Salivation and Fatigue?
Does cirrhosis cause drooling? I would like to ask the doctor about my father, who has been suffering from chronic liver cirrhosis. Recently, he has noticed that he feels weaker when walking, is more easily fatigued, feels more sleepy, and has been experiencing involuntary drooli...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Moderate to severe liver cirrhosis can sometimes lead to complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, where patients may experience fatigue, drowsiness, or altered consciousness. If there is drooling due to altered consciousness, it is important to return for an evaluatio...[Read More] Can Liver Cirrhosis Cause Excessive Salivation and Fatigue?
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Is It a Sign of Liver Cirrhosis?
Preliminary Signs of Liver Cirrhosis During my last blood donation, the test report showed that my ALT level was elevated at 115, while the normal range is below 40. I'm only 20 years old, so how could it be so high? I don't frequently stay up late or drink alcohol! Is ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of abnormal liver function. Blood donation generally excludes hepatitis B and C, and further tests are needed to determine the cause. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of He...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Is It a Sign of Liver Cirrhosis?
Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Should You Worry About Pancreatic Cancer?
CA19-9 levels have been elevated for four consecutive years? Hello Doctor: In 2009, I was found to have elevated CA 19-9 levels (64). At that time, I underwent numerous tests, including an MRI, which only revealed a benign focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in the liver, while other...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The normal value of CA-199 for Taiwanese individuals is higher compared to those in Europe and the United States. Inflammation or benign tumors can also cause a slight increase. Given your condition, it may be advisable to monitor the levels; if there is indeed a problem, ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA19-9 Levels: Should You Worry About Pancreatic Cancer?
Understanding Cryoglobulinemia in Patients with Hepatitis C
Issues related to cryoglobulinemia? Hello Doctor: My father is 72 years old. He was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome and hepatitis C by a rheumatologist over ten years ago and has been on regular medication. Recently, his liver function test showed an AST level of 53, cryog...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Lin, if the ultrasound shows fibrosis and there are no other significant chronic diseases, and your activity level is still good, it is worth trying. However, be cautious of side effects and reduce or discontinue the medication if necessary. We hope for a chance of a c...[Read More] Understanding Cryoglobulinemia in Patients with Hepatitis C
Understanding Liver Roughness and Hemangiomas: Causes and Concerns
Rough liver parenchyma and hemangioma? Dear Dr. Tsai: During my last visit to the hospital for an ultrasound, the doctor mentioned that I have coarse liver and a vascular tumor issue. There is no hepatitis B, and my alpha-fetoprotein levels are normal. I am unsure about the cause...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The term "coarse liver" typically refers to "hepatic parenchymal disease." On ultrasound, the liver appears coarser than the spleen, indicating hepatic parenchymal disease, which is essentially liver fibrosis. The causes may include chronic inflammation...[Read More] Understanding Liver Roughness and Hemangiomas: Causes and Concerns
Is Colonoscopy Safe During Pregnancy After Positive Stool Test?
Is it appropriate to undergo a colonoscopy during pregnancy if fecal occult blood (not from hemorrhoids) is detected? Hello, doctor. I had a health check-up shortly after becoming pregnant (in mid-August this year) and found that my stool occult blood test was positive. In Novemb...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If routine stool tests show a positive result, it may indicate bleeding from the mouth to the anus. If an Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) is used, it is more focused on detecting lower gastrointestinal bleeding. A digital rectal exam cannot completely rule out internal hemorrhoid...[Read More] Is Colonoscopy Safe During Pregnancy After Positive Stool Test?
Can Patients with Fatty Liver Take Choline Supplements Safely?
Can people with fatty liver consume vitamin choline? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am currently your patient. I am undergoing treatment for elevated liver enzymes, and I do not have hepatitis A or B. An abdominal ultrasound showed moderate fatty liver, and I have been diagnosed with metaboli...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you only take vitamin B complex. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can Patients with Fatty Liver Take Choline Supplements Safely?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Should I Get Additional Blood Tests?
Please inquire about fatty liver disease? Hello Doctor: Last year, due to gastroesophageal reflux issues, I had an ultrasound and adult health screening done. The ultrasound results showed a small cyst on my liver, but everything else was normal, and my blood tests were within st...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: For the diagnosis of fatty liver, blood tests should include GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT), triglycerides, and also cholesterol levels, including LDL and HDL (low-density and high-density lipoproteins). The key is to work on returning to your normal weight, avoid alcohol, mainta...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Should I Get Additional Blood Tests?
Understanding Complications in Liver Cancer Patients: A Case Study
Grandma has liver cancer and was admitted to the intensive care unit due to a urinary tract infection? Hello! My grandmother was diagnosed with stage II liver cancer at the end of June this year (she has a history of hepatitis C, diabetes <controlled with medication>, and h...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: My grandmother has diabetes and chronic hepatitis C, and after undergoing embolization treatment for liver cancer, if the liver function of chronic hepatitis patients deteriorates, possible manifestations include the onset or worsening of jaundice, low serum albumin levels...[Read More] Understanding Complications in Liver Cancer Patients: A Case Study