Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
If you have been experiencing lower back pain for more than three months without a clear diagnosis, what should you do? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am here to inquire about a family member who is a 47-year-old male, working as a night shift operator for 25 years (his job does not require...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to see a large hospital's Immunology and Rheumatology department or Orthopedics. Wishing you well.[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...[Read More] Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked for the second time. I am reposting my previous response below; please avoid repeating questions in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for further detailed examinations to conf...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I went to see a family physician for hair loss issues, and all my blood test results were normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for further rheumatology blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked repeatedly. I am reposting my previous response below, and please avoid asking the same question in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to h...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Examination Report Hello Dr. Lee, please help me interpret this blood test report. Thank you. Triglycerides (TG): 52 mg/dL Free Thyroxine (FT4): 1.44 ng/mL Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): 1.0742 µIU/mL Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): 89 mg/dL Total Cholesterol: 172 mg/...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The blood test report shows no significant abnormalities. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to confirm the diagnosis. In principle, if there are no symptoms, we may not necessarily initiate treatment. If the symptoms ar...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a dull sensation in my big toe, which has a history of gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the discomfort significantly decreases? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked before, so I will repost my response. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe it is a gout attack. Previously affected joints from arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to change...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researching ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in the values of two complement components over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may report different values, but I am unsure i...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I have previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in two complement values over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may have varying values, but I am unsure if this drop is signifi...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness in my big toe, which previously had gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the sensation decreases significantly? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe this is a gout attack. Joints that have previously experienced arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to changes in humidity and climate. Y...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Essential Health Tips for Dialysis Patients: Supplements and Care Guidance
Which department should I consult for diseases related to dialysis patients regarding dietary supplements? 1. Is it appropriate for dialysis patients to supplement with free lutein and sphingolipids? My mother is currently 67 years old. Last week, she was discharged from National...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
It is recommended that you take your elder to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Nephrology at National Taiwan University to discuss your concerns and any issues encountered with the original attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Essential Health Tips for Dialysis Patients: Supplements and Care Guidance
Understanding Renal Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Follow-Up Care
Kidney cyst issues? Hello, doctor. I experienced pain in my right upper back at the beginning of September. The pain extended to my right abdomen and groin, prompting me to visit Hospital A for an emergency consultation. An ultrasound of my kidneys revealed a cyst. I was advised ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the nephrology outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Renal Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Follow-Up Care
Can You Get HIV from Blood Tests? Understanding the Risks Involved
Is it possible to contract HIV during the blood draw process? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question despite your busy schedule. Yesterday morning, I went to a nearby medical laboratory to have my blood tested because I was concerned about my blood sug...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main routes of transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into co...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Blood Tests? Understanding the Risks Involved
Understanding Blood Test Results: What High RBC and Basophils Mean
Blood test? Hello, doctor. This time I suddenly experienced dizziness and vomited twice. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the results showed RBC 5.11, Basophils 1.9, total cholesterol 202, and triglycerides 219, all highlighted in red. Both RBC and Basophils are sligh...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
If you still experience discomfort, please return for a follow-up appointment to have your attending physician assess your condition and address your concerns in person. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What High RBC and Basophils Mean
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome and medication issues? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome two years ago, initially experiencing only dry mouth. By June, I developed stiffness in my finger joints (sometimes only in the morning, sometimes lasting half a ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Based on the blood test report and the current symptom of dry mouth, do I need to take quinine? If I do not take it, what potential complications might arise in the future? (I have been hesitant to take medication sinc...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor: I was shocked to find blood in my stool tonight. There was about 2cc of blood mixed with the stool in the water. At first, I thought it might be my menstrual period or that I had eaten dragon fruit, but then I realized my period just ended yesterday ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is blood covering normal stool, and the bleeding is mostly near the anal opening, the most common cause is a rupture of internal hemorrhoids (which are usually painless), possibly due to a harder stool during a bowel movement. It is advisable to observe if it happ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
When is the appropriate time to initiate medication treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Hello, Doctor Gao: Two years ago, a family member was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. At that time, the only symptom was mild dry mouth, so no medication was prescribed. However, in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If there are signs of disease activity in Sjögren's syndrome, including abnormal blood test results and associated clinical symptoms such as skin petechiae and pulmonary symptoms, the risk of developing related complications, including lym...[Read More] When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Repeated mild swelling and subsiding of the ankle in a short period of time? Hello, Doctor. Let me summarize my condition. On the evening of October 18, I experienced pain in the left heel while walking, and my ankle was slightly swollen that night. On October 19, I felt a sharp ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 2. Recently, I have also noticed that after experiencing coldness in my hands and feet, I feel a sharp pain on the inner side of my left ankle. Is this related to gout or other diseases? --> It should not be related....[Read More] Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
A high mean platelet volume (MPV) combined with a low platelet count (PLT) can indicate several underlying conditions. This combination may suggest that the bone marrow is producing platelets in response to a low Hello, doctor. In my recent blood test, my platelet count was 5.8, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. MPV stands for Mean Platelet Volume, and a higher value indicates that your platelets are relatively younger. This is due to your underlying immune disease, which causes faster consumption of platelets, prompting the bone marrow to rapidly prod...[Read More] Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Joint pain after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. I started feeling unwell on November 11th (muscle aches, fever, fatigue, red rashes on limbs, dry eyes, dry mouth). I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 13th. On November 16th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Since the joint discomfort clearly occurred after the blood draw, could it be that the inflammatory markers, ANA, and other indices had not yet shown abnormal trends at that time, and only now can we detect abnormaliti...[Read More] Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis