Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Can Hemoglobin A1c Levels Fluctuate Significantly in One Day?
Is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) really that variable? Hello Dr. Lee, I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for a routine blood test on July 18, and my hemoglobin A1c result was 5.7. Due to other issues, I consulted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where they also tested my...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Different hospitals may have slight variations in their testing equipment. Please follow up in three months. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Hemoglobin A1c Levels Fluctuate Significantly in One Day?
Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Syphilis Issues Hello Doctor: In mid-May of this year, I underwent a rapid screening test that showed a faint line, but it was uncertain whether it was two lines. The physician administered a single dose of treatment, and the subsequent blood test results were RPR: Reactive 1:4, ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, there are two methods for syphilis testing: one is the RPR or VDRL test, which indicates whether there is current infectiousness, and the other is the TPHA or TPPA test, which indicates whether there has been a past infection with syphilis. Both tests should be interpre...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Recurrence after HPV infection? I am a male and about two years ago I contracted genital warts. After undergoing laser treatment, I have had no symptoms until recently when I suspected a new symptom. After laser treatment and testing, it was confirmed that it is not HPV. However,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the question of whether receiving the HPV vaccine affects the ability to conceive: The vaccine is essentially a cultured form of the virus or bacteria, which is then inactivated through heat or chemical agents. To some extent, the HPV vaccine may pose potentia...[Read More] Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Autoimmune diseases and allergic issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, usually once a day, and sometimes twice when my back pain is worse. I would like to kn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, typically once a day, and sometimes twice when your back pain is more severe. You are wondering if it is normal to feel tha...[Read More] Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Is it necessary to get a tetanus shot? Yesterday, on June 14th, I was punctured on the inner side of my foot by a rusty metal object while outside my home. At the time, it didn't penetrate completely; I felt something poke my foot and immediately moved away. There was a smal...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. According to the literature, even if the wound is clean or very minor, if you have never received a tetanus vaccine before or if it has been more than 10 years since your last vaccination, it is advisable to get vaccinated. There is no data avai...[Read More] Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatment, and Risks of Transmission
Oral ulcer Hello, I have a few questions for the doctor. 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. I have undergone blood tests at a major hospital, and everything came back normal. I have been taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, which has improved my ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. Blood tests at a major hospital showed no issues. Taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, has improved my symptoms, but they recur after reducing the dosage...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatment, and Risks of Transmission
Emergency Medications for Allergies: Sneezing and Runny Nose Relief
What are some alternative medications for allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose or sneezing? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my nose. It often runs or I sneeze when there are changes in the environment, such as when I enter or exit the bathroom, my home, or the car, a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is advisable to have backup medications and stable control medications. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Emergency Medications for Allergies: Sneezing and Runny Nose Relief
Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can X-rays or CT scans differentiate the causes of sacroiliac joint arthritis? What are the treatment options for enthesitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain that alleviates with activity. X-rays from last year show bilateral grade II sacroiliitis, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: (1) I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my right ankle since last year, as if it is being bitten, with the pain intensifying at night. Additionally, I have long-term soreness on the outer side of my right...[Read More] Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Questions related to lupus erythematosus and kidney biopsy? Hello Dr. Gao, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2012, and recently underwent a kidney biopsy that confirmed class III lupus nephritis. I have some questions related to lupus and the kidney bio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. If the biopsy results indicate Class III lupus nephritis, is it possible for treatment to reduce it to Class I or II lupus nephritis, or even to have no nephritis at all? --> The classification may change, but the...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Sashimi rice bowl delivered on a hot summer day? Hello Doctor, due to my internship, I am currently in Shanghai. On May 17, 2024, during a hot day, I had delivery of chopped sashimi, which included fresh Norwegian salmon, Arctic sweet shrimp, and Arctic surf clams. In the afterno...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, leaving raw food at higher temperatures significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to gastroenteritis. In contrast, the relationship between parasites and temperature is minimal (if food contains parasites, they do not proliferate within the food)...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Could My Symptoms Indicate Fibromyalgia? A Self-Assessment Guide
Could these symptoms be "fibromyalgia"? I'm sorry, Doctor: I would like to self-assess whether I have "fibromyalgia." Q1: I usually experience persistent pain (around 5 to 7 out of 10), and sometimes it suddenly escalates to 10 out of 10, lasting for seve...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please consult a rheumatologist regarding fibromyalgia. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Fibromyalgia? A Self-Assessment Guide
Understanding Mild Mitral Valve Prolapse and Heart Failure Symptoms
Suspected heart failure with mitral valve issues? Hello Doctor, thank you for your response. To provide some background, last year I experienced several months of sleep deprivation. I usually do not drink alcohol, but one night while out with friends, I was forced to drink a cock...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: MVP is a common condition characterized by the prolapse of one or both leaflets of the mitral valve into the left atrium during systole due to mitral valve insufficiency. The pathological mechanism is not fully understood. Pro-BNP testing can assist in the diagnosis of con...[Read More] Understanding Mild Mitral Valve Prolapse and Heart Failure Symptoms
Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Issues related to bleeding during injections in the hospital? Hello Dr. Liao, today I went to the hospital for an MRI examination. The nurse placed an intravenous catheter in the inner side of my wrist, and halfway through the MRI, she administered a contrast agent. After the MRI...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's take a look at the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchang...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to develop at the age of 50? I am a 51-year-old female who has been experiencing significant tightness and stiffness in my hip joint for at least three years. I initially thought it was due to natural aging, prolonged sitting at work, or ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: (1) Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to onset at the age of 50? --> The likelihood is low, but it is possible. (2) If both CRP and ESR are normal, does that mean it is unrelated to ankylosing spondylitis? --&...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail
Severe hypokalemia that cannot be corrected? My mother suffers from severe hypokalemia, with potassium levels ranging from about 1.7 to 1.9 when stable, and dropping to as low as 1.4 during severe episodes. She takes potassium tablets daily, with the hospital prescribing up to 60...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed assessment and examination.[Read More] Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail
How to Properly Take Euthyrox for Hypothyroidism Management?
How should Sotalol be taken correctly? Hello Dr. Lin, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): 6.6 T3 (Triiodothyronine): 101 Free T4 (Free Thyroxine): 1.03 Thyroglobulin Antibody (Anti-Thyroglobulin Ab) level: 145 [<40.00] Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (Anti-TPO) level: 710 ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Dizziness caused by Staletrex is not common. Other potential causes should be ruled out first. 2. You can give it a try and then follow up.[Read More] How to Properly Take Euthyrox for Hypothyroidism Management?
Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Blood-stained toilet paper in public restrooms? Hello doctor, after using the restroom in a public toilet, I noticed that the nearby roll of toilet paper had quite a bit of fresh blood on it, which appeared to be bright red and likely not dried yet. When I removed the toilet pape...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Understanding CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
The CRP test results may indicate the following meanings? Hello: Recently, due to the need for spinal surgery, a blood test was conducted, revealing a CRP level of 10.62 mg/L. The doctor recommended resting for two weeks and then rechecking the CRP, which remained elevated at 8.9...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding whether these numbers indicate a serious infection: I believe they do not. 2. Concerning the pain in the dental root due to the presence of a screw in the denture, could this cause the CRP to rise to 10.62 ...[Read More] Understanding CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
First gout attack? Hello Doctor, I visited the clinic at the beginning of April due to ankle pain. At that time, I had been lifting heavy objects for half a day due to work. The next day, my ankle became red, swollen, hot, and painful, so I went back to the clinic where the docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If I understand correctly, both (Probenecid and Allopurinol) are medications used to lower uric acid levels. Generally, we prescribe only one uric acid-lowering medication, and we only consider combining them in patients who are more difficult ...[Read More] Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management