Understanding Elevated IgG4 Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Elevated IgG4 levels? Hello, doctor. For over a year, I have been experiencing unexplained dull pain in my back, and rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I have undergone X-rays and tests related to ankylosing spondylitis, all of which returned normal results. Oc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the IgG4-related disease can cause lymphadenopathy and pancreatitis. It is generally not possible to diagnose solely based on IgG4 levels; lymph node or organ biopsies can provide further assistance in diagnosing the disease. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist f...[Read More] Understanding Elevated IgG4 Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Sacroiliac Joint Pain During Cold Weather: A Patient's Guide
The cold wave has caused a recurrence of pain in the sacroiliac joint? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (21 years old), and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, under the treatment of a rheumatologist, I have achieved good control...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Some online users have noted that patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases may experience joint pain during changes in weather. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation to assess the condition of the disease. Physicians will provide treatment recommendations or adjustm...[Read More] Managing Sacroiliac Joint Pain During Cold Weather: A Patient's Guide
Effective Pain Relief Strategies for Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Cold Weather
When a cold front arrives, the sacroiliac joint may experience pain. Are there effective pain relief methods? Hello Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (21 years old), and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, under treatment from the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I have observed that the pain in my sacroiliac joint does not improve with either Voltaren or Celebrex; it only worsens when a cold front arrives. It takes more than two weeks of taking Voltaren or Celebrex for any r...[Read More] Effective Pain Relief Strategies for Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Cold Weather
Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Will the ESR test values vary significantly between different hospitals? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since I need to have ESR and CRP tests done periodically, I would like to ask you: Can the results of the ESR test vary significantly due to diffe...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The same individual may have varying ESR values on different days due to different physical conditions. However, if the same blood sample is tested using the same testing equipment at different hospitals, the values should be similar. Unless different testing tools are used or th...[Read More] Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Preventing HLA-B27 Gene Transmission: Options for Future Generations
How to prevent the inheritance of the HLA-B27 gene to the next generation? Hello Doctor, I am a 26-year-old male who has been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis since I was 17. I am concerned about the HLA-B27 gene being passed on to my future children, which could cause them ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Currently, there is no method to prevent the inheritance of the B27 gene to the next generation. 2. Techniques such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, along with PGS and Ultra PGD, may be able to address the presence of a baby with the HLA-B27 gene. This involves t...[Read More] Preventing HLA-B27 Gene Transmission: Options for Future Generations
Preventing Hereditary Ankylosing Spondylitis: Genetic Testing Options
Preventing the transmission of ankylosing spondylitis to the next generation? Hello Doctor, I am a 25-year-old male. I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis since I was 17, and I am concerned about passing on this genetic condition to my future children. I have heard ab...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Can chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis performed after pregnancy determine with nearly 100% accuracy whether the fetus is a carrier of ankylosing spondylitis? --> I am not sure about this. 2. Is it truly...[Read More] Preventing Hereditary Ankylosing Spondylitis: Genetic Testing Options
Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Is it possible for the ESR values to vary significantly when the same blood sample is tested at different hospitals? Hello, Dr. Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since I need to have ESR and CRP tests done periodically, I would like to ask you: Can the results of t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Each hospital has slightly different testing methods and standard values, so the results may indeed vary. Please pay attention to the normal reference ranges for the tests; if your results fall within the normal range, there is no need for exces...[Read More] Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Can You Take Fish Oil and B Vitamins with Salazopyrin?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and I am currently taking Celebrex and Voltaren. Recently, I want to buy fish oil and B vitamins. Can I take B vitamins and fish oil together with Celebrex, or should I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Vitamin B complex and fish oil can be taken together with Salazopyrin. If you have concerns, you may also separate them by an hour. This is a message from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of He...[Read More] Can You Take Fish Oil and B Vitamins with Salazopyrin?
Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Autoimmune diseases Doctor, I am currently 30 years old, have not given birth, HLA-B27 negative, with inflammatory markers CRP: 0.02 and ESR: 3. Since June, I have been experiencing pain in my buttocks, and an MRI report shows sacroiliac joint sclerosis. The doctor prescribed Cel...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes imaging studies, blood tests, clinical symptoms, and physical examination findings, and it heavily relies on the experience of the treating physician. The inform...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Your MRI Report: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
I would like to inquire about the MRI report of the sacroiliac joint? Since June, the patient has been experiencing lower back pain and has taken Celecoxib and Sulfasalazine for two weeks without improvement. Blood tests showed: SER: 3, CRP: 0.02. The MRI report dated September 8...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The MRI findings are not typical for ankylosing spondylitis, and given that your inflammatory markers are not significantly elevated and your symptoms have not responded well to anti-inflammatory medications, I recommend discussing this further ...[Read More] Understanding Your MRI Report: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Medication Resistance in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I have been controlling my condition well with the medication Sulfasalazine, taking one pill a day. My blood tests showed CRP levels around 0.3 mg/dL and ESR around 5. However, in the past month, I started experiencing pain, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The condition of ankylosing spondylitis can fluctuate. If other causes of elevated CRP have been ruled out, it is important to suspect a worsening of ankylosing spondylitis, and immunomodulatory medications may be necessary. I recommend having ...[Read More] Understanding Medication Resistance in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Severity and Progression in Young Adults
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: 1. Will the degree of spinal and cervical stiffness in patients with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis be more severe compared to those who develop the condition in adulthood? (Since the onset occurs earlier.) 2. Will every patient experience sp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Will the stiffness of the spine and cervical spine in patients with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis be more severe compared to adults who develop the condition later? (Since the duration of the disease is longer.) --&...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Severity and Progression in Young Adults
Can I Pause My Salazopyrin Treatment for 2 Months? Expert Advice Needed
Regarding the issue of Seroquel medication? Hello Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask about the continuity of the medication Salazopyrin. I have been taking 2 tablets of Salazopyrin daily to manage my condition for a year and a half. In the fi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The decision to discontinue medication should be discussed with your attending physician, as they are most familiar with your condition and the changes in your CRP/ESR levels, making their decision more objective. In principle, if your conditio...[Read More] Can I Pause My Salazopyrin Treatment for 2 Months? Expert Advice Needed
Ankylosing Spondylitis or Spinal Degeneration: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Ankylosing spondylitis or spinal degeneration? Hello Doctor: I am the one who previously asked about my case in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/200623">#200623</a>. My blood test and MRI reports have come back. The blood test report (as mentioned by the ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I previously had an X-ray in the immunology department that showed a slight inflammation in the right sacroiliac joint (there was a bit of whiteness, but it was not obvious). However, the MRI report from the rehabili...[Read More] Ankylosing Spondylitis or Spinal Degeneration: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, doctor. I am 42 years old and have been experiencing occasional dull pain in my sacroiliac joint for the past six months. I have seen both orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists without any improvement. One day, I woke up at 4 AM due ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Am I certain that I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> Currently, the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis requires not only blood tests but also clinical symptoms. The absence of nighttime back pain is somewhat unusu...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Should My Son Continue Taking Fish Oil for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can I continue taking fish oil? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 21 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for nearly four years. Initially, he was only taking Celebrex (he tried Voltaren but it was ineffective). Over the past year, he has added two capsules of Sa...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The normal range for platelet count is approximately 150,000 to 400,000. Your son's platelet count of 210,000 to 290,000 is actually within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. 1) In healthy individuals who are not taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications,...[Read More] Should My Son Continue Taking Fish Oil for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Suspected ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old. Initially, six months ago, after a full-body adjustment, I started experiencing stiffness and pain in my back upon waking up, particularly in the upper back (with no issues in the lower back). After stretching in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Do I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> It would be helpful to check for HLA-B27. Your symptoms have persisted for a while, and chronic lower back pain in young individuals warrants caution regarding ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Should I Continue Taking Celebrex After 25 Days with No Improvement?
I have been taking Silhouette for 25 days with no results. Should I continue taking Silhouette? Hello Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I am currently undergoing treatment with 2 tablets of Celebrex daily, and my inflammation markers are within the normal range...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend that you take the medication for a full 28 days. If you still do not see any improvement, please consult your physician for a medication adjustment. This approach not only allows for a longer evaluation period of the anti-inflammato...[Read More] Should I Continue Taking Celebrex After 25 Days with No Improvement?
Should My Son Continue Taking Fish Oil with His Condition?
In this situation, is it safe to continue taking fish oil? Hello Dr. Gao, my son is 21 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for nearly 4 years. Initially, he was only taking Celebrex (he tried Voltaren but it was ineffective). Over the past year, he has ad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) After taking fish oil for one month, my son's platelet count (PLT) is 225 (previously fluctuating between 210 and 250 without fish oil). Should I be concerned that continuing fish oil could lead to internal bleedi...[Read More] Should My Son Continue Taking Fish Oil with His Condition?
Should I Continue Taking Celebrex for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Should I continue taking Xarelto? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I am currently undergoing stable treatment with two tablets of Celebrex daily, and my inflammatory markers are within the normal range. My current symptoms only include about one hour o...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user has been taking the medication continuously for 26 days, but feels that there has been no improvement in morning stiffness and back pain. It is recommended to return for an evaluation to determine if the medication is ineffective, in which case a change in medication may...[Read More] Should I Continue Taking Celebrex for Ankylosing Spondylitis?