Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Complications of Hypothyroidism Dear Dr. Li, My mother is 73 years old. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which caused severe allergic rashes and itching due to medication. After a year of changing medications without success, she was evaluated by a metaboli...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Skin rashes and itching can also be evaluated by a rheumatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Foods to Combat Dizziness and Fatigue from Blood Test Results
Blood Test Report Red blood cells: 5.81 Hemoglobin: 8.0 Hematocrit: 28.3 Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): 48.8 Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): 13.7 Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): 28.2 To alleviate symptoms of dizziness and fatigue, it is advisable...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, a blood test is just one indicator for assessing overall health. It is recommended that you return for a follow-up or consult with a physician in internal medicine or family medicine. Thank you.[Read More] Foods to Combat Dizziness and Fatigue from Blood Test Results
Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
HIV Antibody Testing Issues Hello Doctor, I apologize if I am repeating a question as I forgot whether I successfully asked it last time! I had unprotected sexual intercourse in June of last year, and a month later I took a rapid blood test which was negative. In January of this ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it has been more than six months, the possibility of HIV can be ruled out. 2. If you are still concerned, you can visit a nearby medical facility for further consultation and testing.[Read More] Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding Syphilis Infection: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Issues related to syphilis infection? Hello Doctor, I was recently screened and found to have a syphilis infection (I have never been infected before). I usually do rapid tests, and my last rapid test was negative over six months ago. Since then, I have not experienced any sympto...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, you need to confirm whether it is a first-time infection, and if treatment was received within a year, only then is it possible to achieve a dual negative result, i.e., RPR/TPHA (-/-); otherwise, it often remains positive. 2. The level of the index indicates the strength o...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Infection: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Understanding HIV Testing: Can I Trust My Negative Results?
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor: I engaged in high-risk behavior on October 16. On April 1 of the following year, I used the Orasure saliva rapid test, which was negative. Then, on April 25, I conducted the Bayer blood rapid test, which was also negative. During this period, I di...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, a period of six months has surpassed the window period for HIV, so if one is infected, it is usually detectable. However, all tests carry the possibility of false negatives, especially rapid tests, which have a slightly higher chance of false negatives ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can I Trust My Negative Results?
Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
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
Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: My son is 14 years old (in the second year of junior high school). Three months ago, he experienced unexplained swelling in the second joint of his toe, with no other discomfort. At that time, the doctor ordered blood tes...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my thoughts: 1. We will not retest for HLA-B27. 2. If the inflammatory markers are normal (such as CRP and ESR), and there is only swelling in the toes without other symptoms, we might consider using anti-inflammatory pain relief medic...[Read More] Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Managing Thyroid Medication: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism Concerns
The treatment for hyperthyroidism has been reduced, but the medication is still being taken? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a rapid heartbeat, and blood tests revealed hyperthyroidism with TSH < 0.005 and Free T4 > 7.7. The doctor prescribed: for the first and secon...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
During the treatment process for hyperthyroidism, fluctuations may occur. Please ensure regular blood tests are conducted to facilitate dosage adjustments. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Medication: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism Concerns
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?
Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Autoimmune disease issues Hello, doctor. I am a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have been taking thyroid medication for over 30 years. In recent years, I have been troubled by dry eye syndrome, which has affected my daily life. I underwent blood tests for rheumatic ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Pilocarpine is a medication commonly used by patients with Sjögren's syndrome. If you have dry eyes, normal blood test results, and a good response to eye drops or ointments, along with experiencing side effects from the medication, it may...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Impact of Thirdhand Smoke on Hyperthyroidism: Concerns and Insights
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, Doctor. I have hyperthyroidism and have been undergoing treatment for about 6 years. Currently, my treatment involves taking one Methimazole (5 mg) tablet every night before bed. I would like to ask you about a situation regarding my rental housing....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
There are no clear reports on the effects of thirdhand smoke on thyroid function. Please cooperate with your outpatient physician and undergo regular blood tests for monitoring. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Impact of Thirdhand Smoke on Hyperthyroidism: Concerns and Insights
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
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
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
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
Essential Care Tips for Living with One Kidney
Precautions for Having One Kidney Hello Dr. Huang, I was born with only one kidney on the left side (the right kidney was absent at birth). Recently, my routine blood tests have been normal, but an ultrasound revealed that my remaining kidney has enlarged slightly due to compen...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Lun: "Having only one kidney" means that you need to pay attention to certain aspects of daily life, which are similar to those of individuals with two kidneys. However, the situation may differ in cases of acute kidney injury, such as acute pyelonephritis, wh...[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Living with One Kidney
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Do You Need Further Testing?
Blood test report issues? Hello, doctor! My blood test report shows low hemoglobin at 12.9, hematocrit at 39.3, MCH at 26.2, MCHC at 32.8, and MCV at 79.7. Do I need to undergo any further tests? Thank you!
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The blood test report should be normal and not low; it can be monitored further. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Do You Need Further Testing?