Understanding Rectal Tissue: Polyp or Normal? When to Get a Colonoscopy?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire, if it is not a rectal polyp, what other tissue could it be? Or is it actually normal intestinal tissue? It shouldn't be a tumor, right? Lastly, I would like to ask about having a colonosco...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the normal intestinal wall naturally has some folds and glands, so it is likely that you are feeling the normal intestinal wall. If it were indeed a polyp, it would not be palpable. I recommend that a routine colonoscopy may not be necessary; instead, if you are concerned,...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Tissue: Polyp or Normal? When to Get a Colonoscopy?
Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Does it matter if the test results are obtained more than 24 hours after the needle puncture? During surgery, I was accidentally punctured by a brand new needle, which immediately drew blood. However, my gloves had already come into contact with the patient's blood. Blood wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There is no immunoglobulin available to prevent HIV, but there are oral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications. It is recommended to first inquire verbally or check cloud-based records to see if the patient has any bloodborne infectious diseases. If it is confirmed or...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Understanding Elevated hs-CRP Levels in SLE Patients: What You Need to Know
Regarding the inflammatory marker CRP (C-reactive protein)? Hello doctor, I am a patient with SLE. In the past two to three years, I have noticed that my hs-CRP levels in blood tests seem to be elevated, ranging from 30 to 45. However, my doctor hasn't mentioned anything spe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Was your CRP measured in Taiwan? In Taiwan, the unit for testing is often mg/dL, but the values rarely exceed 30. If it does, it may indicate a more severe inflammation or infection, and physicians typically investigate the cause further. There...[Read More] Understanding Elevated hs-CRP Levels in SLE Patients: What You Need to Know
Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Stiffness and swelling in the finger joints? Hello Doctor: Last year in late autumn, I noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, but it was mild, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, however, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my fingers...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, experiencing stiffness in the finger joints upon waking, pain in the index finger, swelling in the fingers, positive urine occult blood test, and hair loss should not be ignored, but there is no need to panic. Please seek medical evaluation, as there are many potential cau...[Read More] Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, there is unexplained bruising on the calf? Hello doctor, I have Sjögren's syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. After receiving my first dose of the AZ vaccine on July 29 (Thursday), I noticed seven unexplained bruises on my tibia and knee on J...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the blood test did not show any abnormalities in your platelets. Blood abnormalities related to the AZ vaccine typically occur 10 days to two weeks after vaccination. Currently, your situation cannot be explained, and it is recommended that you consult a hematologist for f...[Read More] Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
Understanding Orange-Red Toilet Water: Causes and Concerns
The toilet water is orange-red? Hello Doctor, I occasionally notice that the toilet water is slightly orange-red after having a bowel movement (the stool itself is not discolored). However, the orange-red color doesn't seem to resemble blood. I would like to ask if this is r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the orange color could be due to bleeding or food coloring. It may not be possible to determine the exact cause solely based on description and observation; it is best to conduct another fecal occult blood test to confirm whether there is bleeding. As for colorectal cancer...[Read More] Understanding Orange-Red Toilet Water: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
After injuring the toenail, a series of symptoms began, primarily persistent low-grade fever and dizziness? Hello, Doctor. At the beginning of last month, while on a business trip and staying at a hotel, I accidentally injured my right big toe by pinching it in the door. There wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Generally, a nail injury is unlikely to cause a systemic infection (unless the local wound condition is very poor). Your initial symptoms resemble those of a systemic inflammatory response or infection, but typical infections do not usually last for a month. It would be ad...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Side effects of hyperthyroidism medications? I have Graves' disease and have been taking PTU for 14 years. In March of this year, I was diagnosed with P-ANCA vasculitis. I stopped taking PTU due to concerns about its side effects. I have previously taken methimazole and carb...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Vasculitis caused by methimazole is less common than that caused by PTU. If radioactive iodine treatment is not acceptable, the only option is to try using methimazole in combination with antihistamines.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Vaccine Considerations for Patients
Mediterranean anemia Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about an internal medicine issue. Six years ago, during my pregnancy, I underwent prenatal check-ups, and the report values were as follows: average red blood cell count 75.7 (reference value 79-99) and hemoglobin 11.9 (refer...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, it is possible that you have either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. To determine which type it is, further blood tests are necessary. Regarding vaccines, it does not affect the choice of vaccine brand. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Vaccine Considerations for Patients
Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Post-accident condition and vaccine issues? I would like to ask about the injuries I sustained from a car accident two years ago, which resulted in liver and spleen lacerations. I did not undergo invasive treatment, but I fractured five ribs and my sternum. Occasionally, I still ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the process of healing at the fracture site and the wound around the knee may lead to fibrosis, which could result in the pulling sensation or pain you mentioned. Theoretically, this should gradually diminish. However, if the pain increases, it is advisable to consult your...[Read More] Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello Doctor: I had a blood test on July 6, and my creatinine level was 1.2. Prior to the blood draw, I was experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gastroesophageal reflux, and irregular bowel movements. I had been taking medicati...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
A single creatinine report does not indicate chronic kidney dysfunction; it is recommended to drink more water and maintain a normal routine for a period of time before retesting. It is advisable to avoid any illnesses or discomfort before the test, as these factors may interfere...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
I would like to inquire if steroids can affect the results of blood tests in immunology and rheumatology? Hello Doctor: In recent months, the joints in my fingers have started to swell and hurt gradually, making it difficult to bend or extend them, and I cannot apply force. The b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The administration of steroids may only affect certain laboratory results, including white blood cell counts, but it should have minimal impact on the indicators for rheumatic diseases or allergic conditions. I believe your symptoms include bot...[Read More] Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Unexplained low-grade fever Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent elevated body temperature above 37.3°C since the end of May, but it does not exceed 37.8°C (most often occurring in the evening). Although my temperature is not very high, when it rises to this range,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of low-grade fever, including underlying infections, autoimmune diseases, tumors, and endocrine issues. It is recommended that you visit an infectious disease clinic and bring your recent test reports to arrange for further relevant examinations (ther...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Hello, doctor? Hello Doctor, about four months ago, I started experiencing a feeling of discomfort and pain in my upper abdomen, and sometimes my stomach would suddenly spasm. I visited a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed only mild gastritis. I also ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I noticed that you have experienced symptoms of dysphagia along with multiple areas of muscle pain, which may be related to rheumatology. If you have seen many specialists without a clear diagnosis, I recommend that you visit a rheumatologist fo...[Read More] Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Should Patients with Congenital Hypothyroidism Get the AZ Vaccine?
It is recommended to administer vaccines for individuals with congenital hypothyroidism? Hello, doctor. I have congenital hypothyroidism and have been on medication for control. My blood tests have consistently shown normal results. Aside from gastritis and slightly elevated body...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, online user: For patients with well-controlled hypothyroidism, if there are no contraindications or precautions regarding the administration of the AZ vaccine, it is recommended that they receive the vaccine.[Read More] Should Patients with Congenital Hypothyroidism Get the AZ Vaccine?
Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Immune system dysfunction in adults with Still's disease? Hello Doctor: I have an immune system disorder (the doctor has diagnosed me with suspected "Adult Still's Disease" on the medical certificate). Due to the recent pandemic, I haven't been able to at...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The inflammation index you mentioned, which is over ten thousand, could possibly refer to the ferritin level, which is an indicator of adult Still's disease and also serves as a reference for disease stability. Given that your levels were o...[Read More] Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Testing Accuracy
Regarding proteinuria? Hello Doctor: I have recently noticed that my urine has bubbles that slowly dissipate within 5-10 minutes, leaving a small amount that does not disperse. This condition is most pronounced in the first morning urine (the bubbles dissipate slowly, and there i...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding the causes of foamy urine, in addition to proteinuria, the presence of glucose in the urine and inflammatory conditions can also lead to the production of foamy urine. If proteinuria is negative and other parameters in the routine urinalysis are within normal ran...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Testing Accuracy
Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with anti-microsomal antibodies at a titer of 1:1600 in 2009, and my T4 and TSH levels were normal, indicating Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism). From 2009 to June 2021, I took Eltroxin 50 mcg daily, but ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Since everyone's situation is different, some people resume medication after stopping or reduce the dosage. It depends on individual circumstances for adjustments. Regarding the other issue, it requires an in-person evaluation to provide a response, so I cannot addres...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Recurrent arthritis (migratory arthritis) Hello, Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my shoulders and limbs. Initially, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who performed an X-ray but found no issues. The doctor prescribed pain relievers ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is recurrent arthritis considered an autoimmune disease? The joint pain and swelling that I experience intermittently—are they caused by my immune system attacking itself, or are there other factors involved? (The doc...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management