How to Properly Take Baraclude and Trexan for Arthritis Management
The administration methods for Baraclude and Trexan? Arthritis, Baraclude, and Trexan administration method, with folic acid supplementation, follow-up visit, received 7 tablets of Baraclude and 6 tablets of Trexan. Baraclude is taken every other day, and Trexan is taken three ti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I have a few suggestions: 1. I recommend discussing with your physician to confirm the administration method for Trexan. I would suggest taking Trexan on an empty stomach. 2. Baraclude can be taken two hours after a meal, so while Baraclude may ...[Read More] How to Properly Take Baraclude and Trexan for Arthritis Management
Understanding Swollen Left Foot: Causes and Treatment Options
Swelling of the left foot? Arthritis, swelling and pain in the palms, swelling in the soles of the feet. I was prescribed Celebrex (celecoxib) 200 mg, taking one capsule in the morning and one in the evening, but it did not alleviate the swelling and pain in my palms. After a mon...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Please evaluate in the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Swollen Left Foot: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis
Sjögren's syndrome and sialography? Hello Doctor, (I forgot to attach the data and there were some missing words, so I am asking again.) My immunologist diagnosed me with possible reactive arthritis. Recently, after hearing that I have dry eye syndrome, the doctor arranged f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. My doctor told me that my salivary gland function is impaired, likely due to arthritis-related xerostomia, which is different from typical dry mouth. Can reactive arthritis also lead to symptoms of dry mouth? Is it po...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Antinuclear Antibodies Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but there is no redness or swelling). It hurts when I am at rest, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but without redness or swelling). It hurts when I am not moving, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am unsure if this is an early sy...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, I have normal blood test results, but my symptoms have led my physician to suspect reactive arthritis. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. My first symptom was pain in the Achilles tendon at the heel, which appears normal externally. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. My first symptom is pain in the Achilles tendon at the calcaneus, which appears normal externally. However, after sitting for a long time, I experience brief pain when I stand up and walk, which subsides after walking ...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
How to Optimize the Use of Meloxicam for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
How should Wan Ke Shi be taken for optimal results? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. For the past six months, I have been taking two Salazopyrin (Salsalate) tablets and one Voltaren (Diclofenac) tablet daily for treatment. My CRP levels have been bet...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can I just take Meloxicam when I have pain (and continue taking Celecoxib daily)? I'm worried that not taking Meloxicam every day and only taking Celecoxib might cause my previously well-controlled CRP levels to ...[Read More] How to Optimize the Use of Meloxicam for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Rheumatoid arthritis blood test values I have had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for three years and have been on biologic therapy for about two years. Since the onset of the disease, my blood test results have shown an ESR between 15-40. Recently, during a follow-up visit, my blood r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your abnormal blood test results seem to be more related to the biologic therapy, but generally, they are not a major concern. However, if you are still experiencing multiple joint pains despite receiving biologic treatment, it is important to d...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, after a cold, I experienced pain at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon, which gradually developed into pain in the soles of my feet and in the joints of my hands. There is no redness or swelling in the joints. After an examination by the immun...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Many of my painful areas are symmetrical, but isn't reactive arthritis primarily asymmetrical? --> Yes, it is. However, whether arthritis is symmetrical or not is not a necessary criterion for diagnosing reac...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Post-Surgery Complications: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Immunologist?
Please specify the medical specialty and medication you would like to inquire about? Two months ago, I underwent electrosurgical treatment for colon swelling, measuring 8 cm. The postoperative recovery was normal; however, one month after the surgery, I experienced intestinal dam...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended that you first consult a gastroenterologist. If necessary, the gastroenterologist will advise whether to see a rheumatologist for further evaluation. Please do not self-medicate. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Immunologist?
Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Body pain Hello Doctor, I am the one who asked you last time about taking Aceclofenac 100mg (I wonder if you remember me). For the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing pain in my upper back, finger joints, fingertips, soles of my feet, toes, knees, elbows, arms, lower bac...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is the lack of improvement due to me taking the medication too late? After all, I have had this symptom for 1 to 2 months, so the effect is not significant. --> This is likely unrelated to the timing of taking the...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Pain in the limbs and back? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain, pain in the finger joints and fingertips, pain in the toes, knee pain, and occasional elbow pain for the past 1 to 2 months. This past month, I went to a large hospital for examinations. The docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Some young individuals do experience intermittent joint effusion, with symptoms that come and go, often lasting no more than three days. In such cases, we generally first check for any serious rheumatic diseases behind these symptoms, as your p...[Read More] Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether my symptoms could be diagnosed as arthritis. At the end of October: I felt an unusual sensation when bending my hands. At the beginning of November: I experienced an unusual sensation in my big toe, and my knees h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe further monitoring is appropriate. Although the RF value is abnormal, it is not significantly elevated, and with normal CCP levels, I think tracking is sufficient. If ANA, CRP, and ESR are also normal, the likelihood of severe rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Arthritis or gout issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize in advance for the lengthy message. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing pain in the tips of my fingers and toes (specifically, the soft tissue at the very ends). This week, the frequency of the episodes has incre...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis typically involve pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints, particularly in the small joints. However, redness is less common. If you are experiencing pain without swelling or red...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Pain and discomfort in the limbs? Hello, Doctor. For the past few weeks, I have been experiencing alternating pain in my hands and feet (most commonly in my fingers and toes). I'm wondering if this could be caused by excessive humidity or a lack of exercise (I recently start...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your symptoms have been present for a relatively short time. If you do not have any other chronic illnesses, it is recommended to start with anti-inflammatory pain relievers and increase your water intake to manage your symptoms. If there is no ...[Read More] Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
System for Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Erythematosus / Major Illness / Specific Illness / Special Program Hello, Dr. Gao. I would like to inquire whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for major illness or specific illness certification to receive h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for catastrophic illness or specific illness certification to receive medication subsidies from health insurance? Or can they apply for a heal...[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe disease? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. I have some questions to ask you. 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (such ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, use of ste...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Complement C3 & C4 Every morning when I wake up, my hands are swollen and stiff, and I experience pain in the joints when bending my fingers. Blood tests showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 16, rheumatoid arthritis factor tests (immunoturbidimetry) were less than 20, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your C3 level is slightly low, but this may just be a variation due to your constitution, so there is no need to worry too much. Other tests are normal. I believe that if your morning stiffness lasts for a short duration, such as less than half ...[Read More] Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Immune system diseases Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. This past March, I experienced a persistent low-grade fever for a month and had blood tests done, which indicated elevated immune system markers suggesting rheumatoid arthritis. I was then referred to a r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should taking quinine prevent fever? I informed you that I had a fever for a while that day! But if I haven't been examined, which department should I consult to find out where the inflammation is? --> Fever ...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect CEA Levels in Blood Tests?
Does rheumatoid arthritis affect CEA? Hello, my mother experienced lower back pain and underwent an ultrasound in the nephrology department, which revealed a shadow on her liver. A blood test was then arranged, and her CEA level was found to be 1119, which is extremely high. Howe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Psoriatic arthritis should not affect CEA levels. It is recommended to investigate the reasons for the elevated levels, particularly concerning the gastrointestinal tract. This is from the Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology at C...[Read More] Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect CEA Levels in Blood Tests?
Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
I am not sure if it is truly ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for over two years. Initially, he only experienced pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks, ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The symptoms described by the user, such as experiencing pain in the lower back when leaning backward (but not when bending forward), are not typical of ankylosing spondylitis. There is no morning stiffness, no increased pain upon waking, and no relief after daytime activities, w...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults