Understanding Persistent Ankle Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis I have been experiencing burning, pain, and swelling in both ankle joints for over a year. I had blood tests done at a major hospital, which showed elevated rheumatoid factor and inflammatory markers. I have been taking immunomodulatory medications, corticost...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Symmetrical arthritis combined with a positive rheumatoid factor is indeed characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. However, if symptoms do not improve after treatment, even if inflammatory markers are normal, it is advisable to consult your phy...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Ankle Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Swollen Feet: Causes Beyond Normal Test Results
Swollen feet? Why is it that despite normal results from blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasound, my lower limbs are still swollen? I have hypertension and am taking medication; could this be affecting me?
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure about the contents of your blood, urine, and ultrasound tests. There are many causes for leg swelling: medication, salt retention, hormonal imbalance, inflammation, vascular embolism, poor blood flow, lymphedema, etc., which can all lead to edema. If your...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Feet: Causes Beyond Normal Test Results
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
Questions about HIV/AIDS Hello Doctor, about a month ago, I had unprotected oral sex with someone (I don't know if the other person has an STD). During the process, I licked her nipples, and I have a sore in my mouth. Is there a possibility of contracting HIV? Then she perfo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! The primary transmission route for HIV is through "contact with blood or bodily fluids," with the secretions from sexual organs being the most infectious. Therefore, if your hands come into contact with the secretions of your partner's sexual organs and then...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding High Postprandial Insulin Levels: Risks and Recommendations
Postprandial insulin levels are elevated? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my blood test results. On May 1st, after a meal, my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 5.3, which is within the normal range. However, on May 7th, due to a gynecological issue related to a de...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
You can make an appointment to inquire at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding High Postprandial Insulin Levels: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Immune system Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing mouth ulcers, throat pain, and gum pain since last month, and they haven't improved. A doctor suggested that I see an immunologist. Below are my health check reports: the report from April this year [link] and the immunolo...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the two blood test reports you provided, there are no abnormalities indicated, and the symptoms you described do not have any clear association with systemic lupus erythematosus. Generally speaking, different laboratories may have variations in measurement values ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Chronic Kidney Disease and Vitamin B: What You Need to Know
Chronic Kidney Disease and Vitamin B Complex Hello Dr. Wu Chi-Yu: I am a patient with chronic kidney disease. In my recent blood test report, my serum creatinine is 2.73, blood urea nitrogen is 33, glomerular filtration rate is 26.6, phosphorus is 5.4, and uric acid is 8.1. All o...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the current guidelines provided by international journals: Vitamin B1: 1.5 mg/day Vitamin B6: 5 mg/day Vitamin B12: 2-3 µg/day Vitamin E: Additional supplementation is not recommended Niacin: 14-20 mg/day If you are concerned about insufficient dietary i...[Read More] Chronic Kidney Disease and Vitamin B: What You Need to Know
Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
anti-HBc If HBsAg is negative and Anti-HBs antibody is positive, there is generally no need to test for Anti-HBc antibody, as this combination typically indicates that the individual has either been vaccinated against hepatitis B or has cleared a past infection. Therefore, it can...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report shows that HBsAg is negative, while Anti-HBs antibodies are positive. This suggests that you may have previously received the hepatitis B vaccine, or you may have had a recent hepatitis B infection that is currently in the early recovery phase. It wo...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
Understanding Mild Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Tips
Mild anemia? Recently, I suspect that I have mild anemia (experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, etc.). My gums and conjunctiva also appear somewhat pale, but I am not anemic by birth (I believe I have been tested for this). I often drink tea, usually one bottle a day, and so...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: First of all, it is recommended to visit a medical facility for a blood test to confirm whether there is an issue with anemia. The treatment for anemia depends on establishing a diagnosis and identifying the underlying cause before appropriate treatment can be administered...[Read More] Understanding Mild Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
There is a dull pain in the lower right area of the chest, and there is tenderness upon palpation? Hello Dr. Hong, Since May of last year, I have been experiencing a dull pain in the lower right side of my chest (approximately to the right of the xiphoid process) that lasts for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the location you described is indeed at the junction of the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Many diseases need to be considered. According to your description, the chest X-ray is normal, so the most likely issue is gastritis. It is recommended to f...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Low Neutrophil and High Lymphocyte Levels in Blood Tests
Blood Test Report The report indicates that the neutrophil percentage is 35.8%, which is low, and the lymphocyte percentage is 54.6%, which is high. These findings could suggest an underlying issue. A low neutrophil count (neutropenia) may increase the risk of infections, as neut...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: The interpretation of blood test reports requires the complete report, so the physician will still need your white blood cell count report and the complete differential white blood cell count. Although your inquiry lacks sufficient details, generally speaking, a decrease i...[Read More] Understanding Low Neutrophil and High Lymphocyte Levels in Blood Tests
Managing Low Calcium Levels After Kidney Transplant: Alternatives and Solutions
I would like to inquire about the issue of low calcium levels after kidney transplantation? Hello, I have been on dialysis for many years and underwent parathyroidectomy, with part of the parathyroid gland buried under my shoulder. After my kidney transplant, I have consistently ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: First, it is recommended to consult your physician regarding the values of parathyroid hormone and serum phosphorus in your routine blood test report, as these two values determine the difficulty of subsequent calcium supplementation and influence the physician's choi...[Read More] Managing Low Calcium Levels After Kidney Transplant: Alternatives and Solutions
Do I Need Another STD Test After Safe Sex with a Stranger?
Regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)..? Hello, Doctor Liao. I would like to ask you about an incident that occurred on November 20 of last year, where I had sexual relations with a stranger. I used a condom during intercourse, but did not use one during oral sex. I regr...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding concerns about sexually transmitted infections, here is the response: 1. The incubation period should refer to the window period; for HIV, the longest is three to six months, so if you were tested a year ago, you should be fine. 2. However, there may st...[Read More] Do I Need Another STD Test After Safe Sex with a Stranger?
Does Masturbation Before a Health Check Affect Urine and Blood Tests?
Masturbation the day before a routine health check-up? I would like to ask if masturbation the day before a routine physical examination for workers will affect the accuracy of urine tests and blood tests. Recently, I have been under a lot of stress and have been masturbating mor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if ejaculation occurs during masturbation, there may be some residual semen in the urethra the next day. Since semen contains proteins, sperm may be detected in a urine test or protein may be found in the urine. However, if the semen has been flushed out by urine, the urin...[Read More] Does Masturbation Before a Health Check Affect Urine and Blood Tests?
Understanding Kidney Health: Long-Term Effects of Medications and Monitoring
Kidney problems Hello, I would like to ask about my health history. When I was young, I had poor health and took a lot of medications, including both Western and traditional Chinese medicines, as well as some unknown herbal powders intermittently until I was around 18 years old. ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, it seems you are concerned about the potential kidney damage caused by aristolochic acid. If you took unknown herbal powders during childhood but had a normal kidney function test during your last routine blood check as an adult, there is likely no cause fo...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Long-Term Effects of Medications and Monitoring
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in Acupuncture Practices
Hepatitis B/C, HIV, syphilis, bloodborne infections from acupuncture? Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding an incident at an acupuncture clinic. After the acupuncture needles were removed, there was some bleeding. The physician mistakenly used a cotton ball that had been us...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: First, if your wound has come into contact with another person's blood, there is indeed a risk of bloodborne infection. Second, if the other person is confirmed to be negative for Hepatitis B/C and HIV, then you would not be at risk of in...[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in Acupuncture Practices
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Kidney and Liver Concerns Explained
Medical Examination Report Today I received my health check report, which indicates that I have vasculitis. My blood test shows a white blood cell count of 10.4, with the rest being normal. My liver and gallbladder function tests show GGT at 104 and triglycerides at 205, with the...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Please make an appointment for an outpatient consultation.[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Kidney and Liver Concerns Explained
Risk of HIV Infection from Condom Slippage During Intercourse
If a condom slips off during intercourse and remains inside, and the penis comes into contact with vaginal secretions, is there a risk of HIV infection? Hello doctor, I just had a sexual encounter where there was no oral sex, and I used a condom for vaginal intercourse. However, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is a certain risk of infection with any contact, so it is recommended to continue regular blood tests for monitoring. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Condom Slippage During Intercourse
Understanding HIV Risks: Key Insights for Gay Men After Unprotected Sex
HIV Risk Hello doctor, I am a gay man. In early February, I had unprotected intercourse with someone, and I immediately withdrew after ejaculation. Does this reduce the risk of HIV infection, or is it still the same? I've been feeling a bit unwell these past few days; my gum...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, any unsafe sexual behavior carries a risk of HIV infection, and testing is necessary to confirm whether an infection has occurred. The symptoms you described are common manifestations of various infections, making it difficult to determine if HIV is present based solely on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Key Insights for Gay Men After Unprotected Sex
Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Health check-up: Proteinuria I have vasculitis and mild arrhythmia, and I am taking immunosuppressive medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-arrhythmic medication. I recently had a check-up, but I couldn't understand the report as the doctor was in a hurry and told me...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
If there are concerns about liver function, please consult a gastroenterologist. Urine protein is 1+, and it is recommended to visit a nephrologist for further testing. Wishing you good health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Understanding Anti-HIV Testing: Key Insights and Recommendations
Anti-HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, Due to certain needs, I recently went to the municipal hospital to have my blood tested for Anti-HIV after an HIV window period of 84 days. I understand that the Anti-HIV test is an HIV antibody test, and the final test result was <0....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the ELISA test is used for initial screening for HIV. If the result is positive, a confirmatory Western blot test is performed. If the result is negative, regular follow-up is recommended. Currently, the predominant strains in most countries are HIV-1 and HIV-2, with HIV-2...[Read More] Understanding Anti-HIV Testing: Key Insights and Recommendations