Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Should I go to a rehabilitation department for stiffness? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celebrex, the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celecoxib, the pain subsided. However, after stopping the medication for 1.5 months, I began to experience pain only in my ri...[Read More] Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Understanding eGFR and Creatinine Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
eGFR, creatinine Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. In September 2021, my blood test showed an eGFR of 67.06 and a creatinine level of 1. After seeing these values outside the normal range, I consulted my doctor, who suggested that if I was concerned, I could h...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Chi, you mentioned that you have had two blood creatinine tests in the past six months, with results of 1 and 1.1, and eGFR values of 67.06 and 60.08, respectively. The urine test report indicated no issues. Here is some information for your reference: 1. eGFR stands f...[Read More] Understanding eGFR and Creatinine Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
The possible causes of swelling and pain in the first joint of the right hand's ring finger may include: 1. **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints. 2. **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: An autoimmune condition that leads to infl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I suspect you may have trigger finger, and I recommend having another physician take a look. The occurrence of trigger finger is related to overuse of the fingers, but in some cases, the cause remains unclear. Additionall...[Read More] Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer 1:80 inquiry? Hello, Director. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a few questions. In October of last year, I had a blood test at Taichung Veterans General Hospital that revealed an ANA titer of 1:80 (the hospital considers...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is it possible that the abnormal ANA antibodies in October are caused by thyroid antibodies? --> Yes, it is possible. Since ANA is a comprehensive screening antibody, when weakly positive or positive, it should be...[Read More] Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Understanding Side Effects of Celecoxib: Gastrointestinal Concerns and More
Side effects of Xeljanz? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 20 years old. I started taking Celebrex a year ago, and recently, four days ago, I began experiencing bloody stools. The colorectal surgeon diagnosed it as hemorrhoids and has prescribed ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen. 1) Yes, but Celecoxib is one of the anti-inflammatory pain medications with relatively low bleeding side effects. 2) An ALT level of 34 is within the normal range, so there is no need to worry as long as it is within normal limits. 3) Generally, the CRP test can d...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Celecoxib: Gastrointestinal Concerns and More
Understanding High ANA Levels: Implications for Fertility and Immune Health
Unexplained elevated immune issues? Hello, doctor. I am planning for pregnancy and underwent preconception screening, which revealed an ANA of 160+. I do not have any related symptoms (except for occasional knee pain, which the doctor said is not related to immunity). I later had...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Elevated levels of ANA and RF are not significantly related to difficulties in conception. It is recommended to first examine structural issues, including both male and female reproductive systems and sperm count. If no abnormalities are found,...[Read More] Understanding High ANA Levels: Implications for Fertility and Immune Health
Monitoring Acute Kidney Injury: When to Seek Specialist Care
Observation period for acute kidney injury? Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has been hospitalized for two months due to a bacterial infection. Initially, her kidney function was not very good, but prior to this hospitalization, her kidney function was normal. After more than a month, h...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, you only mentioned a bacterial infection that required hospitalization for two months, without mentioning whether you have any underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. If you do have these conditions, they should be managed fir...[Read More] Monitoring Acute Kidney Injury: When to Seek Specialist Care
Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Is it harmful for my mom to drink licorice root juice as if it were water? Hello Dr. Wu, my mother was born in 1938 and underwent thyroid surgery thirty years ago. She received chemotherapy and radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer over twenty years ago, which resulted in i...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, excessive consumption of licorice juice may lead to hypokalemia. Additionally, considering the issue of edema, it is recommended to consult a nephrologist to clarify your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Understanding Side Effects of Medication in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Side effects of medication? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 20 years old. I started taking Celebrex a year ago. Recently, four days ago, I began experiencing blood in my stool (bright red, present with every bowel movement), without any blood c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Based on the described situation, is the likelihood of lower gastrointestinal bleeding high? --> I believe the probability of lower gastrointestinal bleeding is higher, especially due to hemorrhoids. 2) In the pa...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Medication in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Kidney problems? Hello Doctor, I recently had a blood test and my kidney function indicators were slightly elevated: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) was 17 (normal range is within 20), Creatinine was 1.16 (normal range is within 1.20), and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was 83 (norma...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the slight changes in your blood test results, particularly in creatinine levels, it is suggested that this may be due to mild dehydration. It is recommended to maintain a regular habit of drinking water, engage in consistent exercise, and follow a regular daily r...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Causes and Treatments
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Doctor, I have a question. Recently, I went to see a doctor due to abdominal pain and changes in my bowel habits. The doctor only performed an X-ray, which showed significant gas in my stomach and severe gas in the right side of my intestines,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this X-ray shows a higher amount of fecal matter, but no other abnormalities are noted. Regarding concerns about tumors, X-rays cannot detect them. It is recommended to first perform a fecal occult blood test. If the results are abnormal, a colonoscopy will be necessary to...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test, and my blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was 21.2, creatinine was 0.9, with the BUN highlighted in red (two months ago, it was 18.4 and creatinine was 0.95). About a week ago, I underwent dental i...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c of 5.9 is consistent with a diagnosis of prediabetes, requiring regular follow-up every three months. Currently, kidney function is considered normal, but ongoing monitoring of future changes is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Causes and Treatment Options
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Doctor, I have a question. Recently, I went to see a doctor due to abdominal pain and changes in my bowel habits. The doctor only performed an X-ray, which indicated severe gas in my stomach and right intestine, as well as fecal impaction in t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this X-ray shows a higher amount of fecal matter, but no other abnormalities are noted. Regarding concerns about tumors, X-rays cannot detect them. It is recommended to first perform a fecal occult blood test. If the results are abnormal, a colonoscopy will be necessary to...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Confusion Regarding Blood Test Report for Serum Creatinine Hello Doctor, I am 37 years old, weigh 75 kg, and am 167 cm tall. I have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, for which I have been taking proton pump inhibitors (such as Pantoprazole)...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. According to your inquiry, first, it is important to understand the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It can be classified as stage 1 or stage 2 when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and there are abnormalities in urine or imagin...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Understanding HIV Testing: Detection Limits and Measurement Units Explained
HIV Testing Hello, I would like to ask about my HIV PCT blood test results, which show no infection. However, the report states "HIV detection limit: 33 IU/mL, Roche Cobas 6800 System. (1 copy = 1.67 IU)." I want to know that the current medical detection limit is 20 co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, "copy" and "copies" have the same meaning and refer to the PCR test index. The equivalence of one copy to IU can vary depending on the instruments or reagents used, so it is necessary to consult the physician at the hospital to understand that the minim...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Detection Limits and Measurement Units Explained
Thyroid Medication for Pregnant Women: Concerns and Considerations
Pregnant women with thyroid conditions taking Antithyroid medication? Hello Doctor, I would like to briefly summarize my medical history. During middle school, I developed benign thyroid nodules and underwent a partial thyroidectomy, removing three-quarters of my thyroid. My th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The nutritional benefits of seafood can be obtained from other food sources, so it is advisable to temporarily avoid seafood. This should not significantly impact fetal development. 2. All seafood contains different components, so it is quite common to suddenly disc...[Read More] Thyroid Medication for Pregnant Women: Concerns and Considerations
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Health Examination Report Hello doctor, last month I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist due to an unexplained rash on my skin (similar to petechiae). Initially, the doctor suspected it might be an allergy, but they still conducted blood tests. The results showed abn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Among the antibodies you tested, some are related to Sjögren's syndrome (Ro/La, C3/C4), some are associated with myositis (Jo-1, Ku), and others are more related to lupus erythematosus (ANA, C3/C4). However, we will consider clinical sympto...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Outcomes: RPR Test Results Explained
Issues with test results three months after syphilis treatment? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in mid-October last year. After a month of treatment with Doxycycline, I had a follow-up blood test three months later, and the result was RPR Negative...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the treatment guidelines, after 3-6 months, if the RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test can drop to 1/4, it indicates a good treatment response. Of course, the lower the value, the better. Therefore, your negative result is possible and suggests that the treatm...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Outcomes: RPR Test Results Explained
Understanding Low Lipase Levels: What Does a Result of 8 Mean?
Low lipase levels in blood? I just saw that in my previous blood test, the lipase level was marked in red, showing only 8. Could you tell me if there is a problem with this result?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, elevated lipase levels may indicate possible pancreatitis. Conversely, low lipase levels do not necessarily indicate a specific disease; for example, the use of certain medications or being underweight can also lead to low lipase levels. As long as there are no discomforti...[Read More] Understanding Low Lipase Levels: What Does a Result of 8 Mean?
Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention
Accidentally pricked by a needle? I accidentally got pricked by a contaminated needle on the night of January 3rd, and I saw a doctor on January 5th to take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV. I have a few questions: 1. How long should I take the PEP medication? 2. How lon...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been potentially exposed to an infected individual through a needle stick injury, please follow your physician's instructions and complete a one-month course of medication. 2. The previous standard procedure involved blood tests on the same day, at one an...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention