Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights
Hashimoto's thyroiditis In April of this year, when I had my cholesterol checked, my doctor also tested my thyroid function. The results showed T4 at 1.15, TSH at 1.554, and anti-TPO at 5.57, indicating the presence of antibodies consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You may consider discontinuing the medication, and at least monitor thyroid function annually. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment Options and Concerns
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about psoriatic arthritis. Thank you? Hello Doctor, last year I experienced pain in my right wrist and consulted a physician at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. The doctor informed me that it might be psoriatic arthritis. I have been t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I researched online and feel that my symptoms are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but during my initial consultation, the anti-citrullinated protein antibody test came back normal. The doctor said it is not rhe...[Read More] Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment Options and Concerns
High Cholesterol and Heart Murmurs: Which Specialist to See First?
High cholesterol levels in the heart, heart murmurs? Hello, doctor. My mother recently had a blood test arranged by the rheumatology and immunology department, followed by a scheduled echocardiogram and CT scan (which has not yet been completed). After the echocardiogram, it was ...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
If possible, you may consult your original physician to review the report earlier. You can also consider an outpatient consultation with a cardiologist to evaluate whether treatment or further testing is necessary. If you experience any discomfort, please return to the hospital f...[Read More] High Cholesterol and Heart Murmurs: Which Specialist to See First?
Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Autoimmune diseases Doctor, I am currently 30 years old, have not given birth, HLA-B27 negative, with inflammatory markers CRP: 0.02 and ESR: 3. Since June, I have been experiencing pain in my buttocks, and an MRI report shows sacroiliac joint sclerosis. The doctor prescribed Cel...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes imaging studies, blood tests, clinical symptoms, and physical examination findings, and it heavily relies on the experience of the treating physician. The inform...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Your MRI Report: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
I would like to inquire about the MRI report of the sacroiliac joint? Since June, the patient has been experiencing lower back pain and has taken Celecoxib and Sulfasalazine for two weeks without improvement. Blood tests showed: SER: 3, CRP: 0.02. The MRI report dated September 8...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The MRI findings are not typical for ankylosing spondylitis, and given that your inflammatory markers are not significantly elevated and your symptoms have not responded well to anti-inflammatory medications, I recommend discussing this further ...[Read More] Understanding Your MRI Report: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Could My Blood Test Results Indicate Thalassemia?
Am I experiencing Mediterranean anemia? Hello doctor, I recently tested for anemia and my results are as follows: MCHC 30.5, MCH 19.8, MCV 65.0, RBC 6.71, RDW 16.8, TIBC 356, HbA 97.4%, HbA2 2.6%, HGB H (Positive). Does this indicate thalassemia?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the data above, it is possible. Therefore, it is best to seek medical attention at a hospital. Thank you for your message![Read More] Could My Blood Test Results Indicate Thalassemia?
Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Antinuclear antibodies and abnormalities in complement levels C3 and C4? Hello Doctor, my wife has had abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels in her blood tests over the past few years (both AC-1 and AC-4 are affected), with titers fluctuating between a maximum of 1:320 and a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of abnormal ANA along with decreased C3 and C4 levels suggests a higher likelihood of an autoimmune disease. C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and generally, they increase in response to stress or infection. However, in cases of...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Medication Resistance in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I have been controlling my condition well with the medication Sulfasalazine, taking one pill a day. My blood tests showed CRP levels around 0.3 mg/dL and ESR around 5. However, in the past month, I started experiencing pain, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The condition of ankylosing spondylitis can fluctuate. If other causes of elevated CRP have been ruled out, it is important to suspect a worsening of ankylosing spondylitis, and immunomodulatory medications may be necessary. I recommend having ...[Read More] Understanding Medication Resistance in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Understanding Low Sodium Levels: Causes and Connections to Heart Rate
Causes of Hyponatremia Hello Doctor, my 87-year-old grandmother has a long history of hypertension (she is on diuretics) and bradycardia. Over the past two months, she has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cervical cancer. In her weekly blood tests, we have observed ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Grandma's condition requires a comprehensive and thorough evaluation. It is advisable to consult her attending physician during the routine follow-up visit. If Grandma experiences symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, headache, or drowsiness, she should seek medical at...[Read More] Understanding Low Sodium Levels: Causes and Connections to Heart Rate
Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Treatment and Implications for Newborns
Congenital Syphilis in Newborns Hello doctor, I had a syphilis infection during my pregnancy, so I brought my baby in for a blood test after she was born. The results showed an RPR of 1:4, and the hospital wants us to be admitted. Can my baby recover after treatment? Will there b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases, and I recommend that you consult with an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Treatment and Implications for Newborns
Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Discontinuation of diuretics can lead to edema? Hello, Doctor. About a month ago, I visited a clinic due to lower limb edema, and the doctor prescribed Rasitol 40 mg, one tablet daily. After taking it, the diuretic effect was quite good, and the edema improved. However, once I st...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
There are many causes of edema. Please visit the relevant specialty clinic to identify the underlying cause. Self-medicating with diuretics will not address the root issue. There are various types of diuretics; for example, thiazide diuretics can lead to elevated uric acid levels...[Read More] Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Understanding Congenital Syphilis: What to Expect for Your Newborn
Congenital syphilis in newborns? Hello Doctor, I had a syphilis infection during my pregnancy, so I brought my baby in for a blood test after birth. The results showed RPR 1:4, and the hospital wants us to be admitted. Can my baby recover after treatment? Will there be any effect...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases, and I recommend that you consult with an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Syphilis: What to Expect for Your Newborn
Can You Get Blood Tests at Different Hospitals for Chronic Conditions?
Different hospitals perform blood tests for the same specialty? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am a patient with a chronic prescription. I would like to ask: If I had blood drawn for the same specialty at Hospital A in Department A a month ago, can I not get a blood draw order from Departme...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
To prevent waste, the National Health Insurance system has established a cloud-based medication and medical history inquiry system for examination and testing items. Unless there are special needs or reasons, duplicate items will be subject to deletion based on medical conditions...[Read More] Can You Get Blood Tests at Different Hospitals for Chronic Conditions?
Understanding Allergy Blood Test Results: Is Your Condition Serious?
Allergy blood test report I have been coughing for six months, and recently my nasal allergies have been almost daily, so I had blood tests done, but my lung function tests are normal. The doctor prescribed me an asthma inhaler, and I am hesitant to use it because it contains ste...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In Eastern populations, asthma often presents primarily as a chronic cough, with typical wheezing being less common. This may be why your physician prescribed this medication. Currently, inhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay of asthma treatm...[Read More] Understanding Allergy Blood Test Results: Is Your Condition Serious?
Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?
The medical examination report indicates urine ketones at 3+? Hello doctor, in April of this year, I experienced redness, swelling, and pain in my left foot, and a doctor at a clinic diagnosed it as gout (without blood tests). I have a history of gout and usually manage my diet, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The production of urine ketones is usually related to prolonged fasting. Please consult a metabolic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Pemphigus Antibody Levels and Their Clinical Significance
Pemphigus blood test values Recently diagnosed with pemphigus with intercellular antibody titer of 1:1280. There are no skin blisters and no biopsy performed. Currently, the symptoms are concentrated in the oral mucosa with redness and ulceration. What is the clinical significanc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Intercellular matrix antibodies are one of the blood tests used to diagnose pemphigus. A higher value indicates a greater amount of antibodies and is related to disease activity. However, the values can change with treatment and can serve as an...[Read More] Understanding Pemphigus Antibody Levels and Their Clinical Significance
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
The glomerulus and occult blood? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 64.6, with the standard being greater than 60. Two years ago, it was 84. Does this indicate a decline in kidney function? Additionally, the urine occult blood test has ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Occult blood testing is different from hematuria; it may be caused by recent infections, kidney stones, medications, or excessive exercise. The filtration rate can vary with fluid intake, renal function deterioration, and increased body weight. It is advisable to assess the prese...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention
Consumption of undercooked pork? Hello: During dinner, I pan-fried some frozen pork collar, and since the meat was cut a bit thick and possibly not fully thawed, I cooked it for about 10 minutes before eating. After consuming some, I noticed the meat was pink, indicating it might...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
1. If there have been no symptoms of diarrhea in the past few days, can we rule out concerns, or is there still a possibility of parasitic infection even without diarrhea? 2. How long should one observe symptoms to determine if an infection has occurred? Generally, if there are...[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention
Do I Need Surgery for Gallstones? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Is surgery necessary for gallstones? Hello Doctor, I often experience abdominal bloating and discomfort after meals, and this year it has been particularly bothersome. I have been taking medications for my stomach and to relieve bloating. A few months ago, I had severe bloating t...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
This should be considered symptomatic, and it is advisable to discuss the feasibility of surgery or endoscopic stone removal with your gastroenterologist.[Read More] Do I Need Surgery for Gallstones? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Ankylosing Spondylitis or Spinal Degeneration: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Ankylosing spondylitis or spinal degeneration? Hello Doctor: I am the one who previously asked about my case in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/200623">#200623</a>. My blood test and MRI reports have come back. The blood test report (as mentioned by the ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I previously had an X-ray in the immunology department that showed a slight inflammation in the right sacroiliac joint (there was a bit of whiteness, but it was not obvious). However, the MRI report from the rehabili...[Read More] Ankylosing Spondylitis or Spinal Degeneration: Understanding Your Diagnosis