Understanding Fluctuating Urine Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you a question. When I was 18 years old, I underwent a health check-up. The urine test (dipstick test) showed an abnormal glucose (Glu) level of ++. However, being young at the time, I did not pay much attention to the resul...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If fasting is not observed before the health check, it may lead to the presence of glucose in the urine. Fasting blood tests are more accurate. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Urine Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
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
Understanding Exercise Fatigue and Heart Issues: A Patient's Journey
Exercise, fatigue, heart problems? Dear Doctor, For the past few months, I have been feeling more fatigued than usual. I feel weak when standing and cannot walk for long periods. Additionally, my exercise capacity has decreased significantly; I often experience an inexplicable ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that the issue may be due to physiological or psychological factors. I recommend starting with a visit to a family medicine specialist to check your basic health status, such as whether you have anemia or if your endocrine system is funct...[Read More] Understanding Exercise Fatigue and Heart Issues: A Patient's Journey
Exploring Combined T4 and T3 Therapy Post-Thyroidectomy in Taiwan
Total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma, with a new medication option combining LT4 (Levothyroxine) and LT3 (Liothyronine)? Hello Doctor, I underwent a thyroidectomy in July 2022 and have been taking Levothyroxine Sodium at a total dosage of 100 mcg per day. I current...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, in Taiwan, only thyroxine supplementation is available, and thyroid function is adjusted by modifying the dosage of thyroxine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Exploring Combined T4 and T3 Therapy Post-Thyroidectomy in Taiwan
Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Could I be experiencing bone marrow suppression as a side effect after taking Salazopyrin? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask you some additional questions. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in my buttocks. Since my blood test on March 2n...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) The package insert for Salazopyrin mentions rare side effects such as bone marrow suppression. My RBC, Hb, and PLT levels seem to have started declining after taking Salazopyrin (all have dropped to the lower limit of...[Read More] Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
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 Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Does eating salad cause fluctuations in hs-CRP levels? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2nd of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (th...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) The activity of ankylosing spondylitis naturally fluctuates and is not ineffective. 2) It is possible that medication was not taken, or the disease itself may be changing. 3) There are reports indicating that COVID-19 infection can lead to increased instability in autoimmune d...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Should You Adjust Your Diet for Slightly Elevated Fasting Glucose?
Pre-meal elevated glucose levels issue? I would like to ask the doctor, during a recent blood test, my fasting glucose level was 96. Although it is still within the normal range of 70-100, should I make adjustments to my diet based on this value, or do glucose levels vary with ea...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The blood sugar levels measured before meals may not always be the same. There can be fluctuations, but as long as they are within the normal range, they can be considered normal values. It is recommended to adjust your diet to avoid abnormalities.[Read More] Should You Adjust Your Diet for Slightly Elevated Fasting Glucose?
Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up Testing After Negative Rapid Combo Tests
Rapid Test Combo Fourth Generation I went to the clinic for a rapid test using the Abbott fourth-generation combo antigen and antibody test. I have been in the window period for one month, and it has been six weeks since the incident. The result came back negative, but the nurse ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The most important factor is whether there has been any unsafe sexual behavior or sharing of needles, rather than focusing on how long one should be monitored. 2. Of course, fourth-generation combination tests are quite accurate, and most results will be negative after six mon...[Read More] Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up Testing After Negative Rapid Combo Tests
Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Infection-related issues? Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: Current situation: 1) During a recent blood test, it was found that my monocyte count was above the normal range (normal is under 10, and my count was around 11; all other blood cell values wer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The total count of monocytes is typically assessed based on the total white blood cell count and the percentage they represent, as looking at the percentage alone may not provide an accurate assessment. 2. If there is only swelling in the groin area, it is important to ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Why has the effect of Salbutamol diminished? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2 of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (the pain ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis, in the absence of special circumstances and without interruption of medication, the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) generally maintains effective control over HSCRP levels....[Read More] Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Thyroid Blood Test Results: TSH, T4, and Autoantibodies Explained
Thyroid blood test report Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my blood test results: TSH 1.480 (normal range 0.27-4.20), T4 1.120 (normal range 0.89-1.8), ATA 53.9 (normal range <115), TPO Ab 247 (normal range <34). The doctor mentioned that I have chronic inflammat...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If antibody positive, monitor thyroid function at least once a year. If there are abnormalities in thyroid function, consider treatment. Avoid iodine-rich foods such as kelp, seaweed, and nori as much as possible.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Blood Test Results: TSH, T4, and Autoantibodies Explained
Understanding the Connection Between Nasal Congestion and Rapid Heart Rate
Tachycardia and nasal congestion? Since I was diagnosed last year, I have been experiencing a profound sense of nasal congestion. There have been several instances where I felt close to suffocating and had to go to the emergency room. I have undergone numerous internal medicine e...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the issue of rapid heartbeat, most nasal decongestants, including some cold medications, can have the side effect of increased heart rate. This is something to be aware of. If drug side effects are ruled out, it may be necessary to check for arrhythmias. If arrhy...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Nasal Congestion and Rapid Heart Rate
Understanding Raynaud's and Scleroderma: Challenges in Major Illness Claims
Raynaud's phenomenon and scleroderma are considered significant illnesses that are not eligible for disability claims? Hello, Doctor Gao. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 this year, I suddenly noticed abnormalities in my fingers. After researching online, I found informat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The treatment for scleroderma is primarily based on the extent of its impact on vital organs. If you only have Raynaud's phenomenon with mild symptoms, you might want to discuss with your physician the necessity of using off-label medicati...[Read More] Understanding Raynaud's and Scleroderma: Challenges in Major Illness Claims
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about something that happened to me yesterday. Before going to bed, I suddenly felt bloated in my stomach. I managed to fall asleep, but I woke up in the middle of the night feeling uncomfortable and had to have a bowel mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be acute gastroenteritis. As for whether it is caused by norovirus, testing may be needed to confirm. However, the management typically involves a bland diet, plenty of rest, and increased fluid intake, which should lead to gradual im...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
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
Understanding the Causes of Painless Red Spots on Skin
Small red spots appear on the skin? Since the beginning of the year, I have been experiencing painless and itchless small red spots under the skin (which disappear when pressed). Blood tests for platelet count and liver function (including tests for sexually transmitted diseases)...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended to visit a dermatologist. If blood tests are normal and there is no diagnosis, a biopsy may be considered for further differential diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Painless Red Spots on Skin
Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Immune system Hello, Director. Recently, a chest CT scan suggested possible pulmonary tuberculosis, leading to blood tests and bronchoscopy: anaerobic bacteria (+), tuberculosis DNA test (-), T Cell (CD3): 93.0, B Cell (CD19): 2.6, T Cell (CD4+): 54.4. Could you please explain wh...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, these questions may need to be directed to the physician who arranged your tests! The interpretation of these data requires a comprehensive evaluation, as the lymphocyte count must be compared with other white blood cell types; looking at the absolute value alone does not ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Is It Possible to Still Be HIV Infected After a Year?
Is it still possible to be infected with HIV? A year ago, I had unprotected oral sex with a woman. Afterward, I was worried about HIV infection, so I went to Cheng Kung University for a blood test at the tenth week. During the follow-up appointment, the doctor said everything was...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the chance of infection is indeed very low. If you are still very concerned, you may consider getting retested. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Is It Possible to Still Be HIV Infected After a Year?