Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
The issue of experiencing anxiety and discomfort for an entire year? Hello, doctor. After many years of using Google for medical inquiries, this is my first time asking a question on this platform. I am HIV positive and have been on medication for five years, with my viral load c...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. If your HIV is well-controlled with medication (which should be the case, as your viral load remains undetectable), having a CD4 count of 500-700 means your immune system is not significantly worse than that of the general population. It is reasonable to seek medical ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
Understanding Blood Test Results After Organic Solvent Poisoning
Blood tests after organic solvent poisoning? Recently, I experienced poisoning due to organic solvents and felt unwell the next day, so I went to the hospital for an examination. Blood and urine samples were taken, and the report showed several abnormal values highlighted in red:...
Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
Excessive exposure to organic solvents may lead to liver damage, but this blood test report shows that the levels of AST and ALT have not increased more than twofold. It is recommended to first consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation to rule out other causes of liver ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results After Organic Solvent Poisoning
Understanding Low TSH Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Low TSH levels? Hello, doctor! A few years ago, I had a cold and visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic. After taking my pulse, the practitioner suggested that I might have hyperthyroidism. I then went to a large hospital to see an endocrinologist, and my blood test result...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can retest in three months. If both TSH levels are low, it may indicate thyroid autoimmunity. Additionally, you can test for TSH receptor antibodies; if abnormal, it may suggest Graves' disease.[Read More] Understanding Low TSH Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Thyroid Test Report I had a thyroid blood test two days ago, and the results are as follows: Serum T3: 195.9 (70-170), Serum T4: 11.17 (4.9-12.0), TSH: 3.447 (0.34-5.60). This is the first time I have encountered such a situation. Compared to previous results, all three values ha...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, there are no significant abnormalities in thyroid function, and treatment is not necessary at this time. Follow-up in three months is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission from Scratches: What You Should Know
Scratched by a patient with hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, thank you very much for your previous response, and I apologize for bothering you again. I have another question I would like to ask you: If I get scratched by my mother who has hepatitis B (because her nails are quite long a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Scratches do not transmit Hepatitis B, so there is no need to worry. 2. Living normally with a Hepatitis B patient will not lead to infection. If you are still concerned, you can visit a family medicine or infectious disease clinic to receive the vaccine. Thank you f...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission from Scratches: What You Should Know
Understanding Liver Enzymes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know
Liver enzymes and the eyes? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about my health. Last year, after returning to Taiwan, I had a health check-up with my family at a hospital six months later. During my first blood test, my AST was 22 and ALT was 45. My family physician advised me...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, the sclera of your eyes appears to be a normal color without any signs of jaundice. Jaundice in the sclera is characterized by a distinct yellowing. Additionally, your liver function tests are currently normal, so regular monitoring should suffice. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Liver Enzymes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know
Can Thyroid Issues Cause Gray Hair? Nutritional Solutions Explored
Gray hair issue? Hello, doctor! Since my thyroidectomy, my hair has been turning white. I have searched a lot of information online, but none of it mentions what nutrients I can take to restore my hair color. It only states that people with hypothyroidism experience this. I would...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
There are many factors that can cause hair to turn white, with thyroid issues being just one of them. Other factors also play a role. To determine if thyroid supplementation is adequate, a blood test can be performed. If hair turns white, it is advisable to consult a dermatologis...[Read More] Can Thyroid Issues Cause Gray Hair? Nutritional Solutions Explored
Understanding Elevated Anti-SMD Levels: Implications for Lupus and Other Conditions
ANTI SMD Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a single anti-Smith antibody (anti-Sm) level that was elevated at approximately 13, which later decreased to 8 after a year of medication. What does this signify clinically? Other lupus-related antibodies, such as anti-nuclear anti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I have summarized your inquiries as follows: 1. What does it mean clinically if a single anti-SmD level was elevated at approximately 13 and later decreased to 8 after one year of medication? Anti-SmD is a specific antibody for Systemic Lupus ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Anti-SMD Levels: Implications for Lupus and Other Conditions
Can Using Shared Nail Clippers Lead to Hepatitis B Infection?
Will cutting my nails too deep with a nail clipper cause a hepatitis B infection? Hello Doctor: I am 22 years old, and it has been almost ten years since I received the hepatitis B vaccine in middle school. According to information online, the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vac...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Whether you still have antibodies for Hepatitis B can vary depending on individual physiology, so a blood test is necessary to determine this. However, it is usually assessed based on your occupation and whether you frequently come into contact with Hepatitis B patien...[Read More] Can Using Shared Nail Clippers Lead to Hepatitis B Infection?
Needle Stick Injuries: Risks and What to Do Next
Needlestick injury Hello, I accidentally got a splinter while out and immediately asked the shopkeeper for a sewing needle to remove the wood. I am currently worried about the risk of infection from HIV or Hepatitis B. If I need to get a blood test, which department should I visi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the chances of contracting HIV or Hepatitis B are very low. If you are still very concerned, you can visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic for screening. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Needle Stick Injuries: Risks and What to Do Next
Does Inderal Affect Rheumatology and Immunology Test Results?
Testing issues Hello, doctor. I visited the rheumatology and immunology department yesterday due to some issues. The physician arranged for blood tests related to rheumatology and the immune system, but I forgot to inform the doctor that I took "Inderal" (propranolol) t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Taking this medication will not affect the test results, so there is no need to worry. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.[Read More] Does Inderal Affect Rheumatology and Immunology Test Results?
Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Saliva? Understanding the Risks
HIV infection Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. Today, I had phlegm in my mouth, and when I spat it into a roadside drain, my saliva got pulled back into my mouth. There was an unknown substance on the drain cover, and since I was outdoors...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the chance of contracting HIV is very low, so there is no need to be overly afraid. If you are still concerned or have symptoms, you can get tested. According to current testing methods, the window period is usually around 3 months. Thank you for...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Saliva? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is mucus when passing gas and stool? This morning, as usual, I went to the bathroom and felt a release of gas, which made me feel like something else came out. I thought it was stool, so I wiped with toilet paper and noticed some white, slightly transparent mucus. I looked ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It should be normal colonic mucus. If there are symptoms, you can visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation and a fecal occult blood test.[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Regarding blood sugar and the kidneys? Hello, doctor. At the end of last month, I visited a nearby clinic due to a urinary tract infection. My postprandial blood glucose was measured at 217 (more than one hour after eating). After a blood test, my hemoglobin A1c was found to be 5...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Your situation is complex, and it is difficult to convey through text, which may lead to misunderstandings. It is recommended to seek assistance from a specialist in endocrinology, nephrology, or urology. Thank you. 109.12.24[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Oral sex with mouth sores? On November 1, I had oral sex without any other sexual activity, but I developed a sore in the middle of my tongue, which did not bleed. On November 3, I experienced tonsillitis and saw a doctor. By November 5, I had recovered. On November 9, I had lary...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The risk of contracting HIV from a single oral sex encounter is approximately 1 in 10,000, which is generally a very low probability, but of course, it cannot be guaranteed that it is zero. The symptoms you mentioned can indeed be indicative of acute HIV infection, but sim...[Read More] Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Blood Tests: What You Need to Know
Blood test? Hello, doctor. I am going to the hospital soon for blood tests to check for diseases (such as hepatitis, HIV, syphilis, etc.). Although the hospital said that fasting is not necessary for the blood draw, I would like to know if it is okay to fast before the blood test...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, fasting or not will not affect the test results. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Blood Tests: What You Need to Know
Do Topical Medications Affect Blood Test Results? Common Concerns Addressed
Follow-up on testing issues? Hello Doctor, I have a follow-up question regarding the 163665 test. I understand that, as you mentioned, topical ointments do not affect the results of hepatitis B/C, syphilis, or HIV tests. However, I am still quite anxious and would like to ask if ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two situations you mentioned will not affect the interpretation of the test results, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Topical Medications Affect Blood Test Results? Common Concerns Addressed
Do Topical Ointments or Alcohol Affect Blood Test Results?
Testing issues Hello, doctor. I would like to follow up on the issue regarding test number 163701. I want to confirm whether ointments or alcohol used during blood draw will affect the test results. You mentioned that they would not have an impact. Does this mean that even if the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, it will not affect the test results. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Do Topical Ointments or Alcohol Affect Blood Test Results?