Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some soreness in my lower back lately, along with tightness and occasional pain in my left thigh, left knee, and even discomfort in my calf muscles and the soles of my feet. These symptoms seem to come and go. I have ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe it is less likely to be ankylosing spondylitis and more indicative of symptoms related to a herniated disc. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon for confirmation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Eosinophil count is low? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test at the hospital, and one of the items was the eosinophil count, which was <18, while the standard range is 40-350. Could this be related to my oral Prednisolone treatment (1 tablet BID) for skin vasculitis 10...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your low eosinophil count is indeed a change in your test results due to your previous use of corticosteroids. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Understanding Thyroid Issues During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Thyroid issues Two years ago, during pregnancy, I had a special blood test for thyroid function. The results showed that my TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) was <0.005 and my Free T4 was normal at 1.570. Could you tell me if this is caused by the pregnancy? My mother had a hi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please visit the Metabolism Department for further examination to confirm whether there are any thyroid function abnormalities. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism has transitioned to hypothyroidism: Free T4 0.884 / TSH 27.07? Hello, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at the end of last year during a health check-up (T4 2.91/TSH 0.005). I have been taking medication in several phases: Carbimazole 10 mg/tab, one tablet each...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist to determine whether there are positive TSH receptor antibodies. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism
Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Vasculitis issues I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. On June 26, I visited a dermatologist who ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. The urine test results were all normal. A...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The ANCA test performed at a general laboratory can initially determine the presence of ANCA, and there is usually no need to specifically test for c-ANCA and p-ANCA unless the ANCA result is positive, at which point differentiation is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Scleroderma and Urinary Microalbumin Hello, in April of this year, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department due to hand pain and found the following abnormalities: ANA 1:160 (AC-10) Nucleolar punctate, Anti-Scl-70 16 (-) reference value (120 au/ml), Anti-Sm 9 (-), Ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The results from your rheumatology examination are mostly negative, with some results falling into a gray area, making it indeed difficult to draw conclusions based on the current test results. The diagnosis of scleroderma can sometimes be confi...[Read More] Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Understanding the Risk of HIV: Should You Get Tested After Years?
Is there a chance of contracting HIV? Hello doctor, I recently went to the hospital for a check-up in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to weight loss and pain in the upper right abdomen. After a blood test, my Neutrophil count was 75.4 and Lymphocyte count wa...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV: Should You Get Tested After Years?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor! Last year, I visited the hospital due to a urinary tract infection. After reviewing my urinalysis report, the urologist indicated that my proteinuria was elevated and recommended follow-up with a nephrologist. Since then, I have had five urinalysis ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Question 1: With normal urine and blood reports but abnormal ultrasound indicating bilateral parenchymal kidney disease, does this indicate Stage 1 CKD or has kidney function already been gradually impaired? (The physician only mentioned to return in six months for urine testing ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Subcutaneous ecchymosis of the calf? Hello, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. I visited a dermatologist on June 26, where the doctor ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, Creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. Th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have researched that one type of vasculitis is classified as ANCA-associated, which can present with symptoms such as sinusitis. I have been diagnosed recently and occasionally experience yellow nasal discharge tha...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Finger joint pain This year, I suddenly experienced pain in the second joint of my right middle finger, so I went to the hospital to see an orthopedic doctor. After an X-ray, the doctor said there was no issue and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but there was no improvem...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to follow up with the rheumatology outpatient clinic. Some types of arthritis cannot be diagnosed with just one visit; they require observation over a period of time, and blood tests may need to be repeated if necessary. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the buccal mucosa? Hello doctor, in early April, I experienced pain in the left buccal mucosa, which has persisted with some discomfort until now. Over the past two months, I have seen 7 to 8 doctors, including specialists in otolaryngology and oral surgery, but none have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Monocytes are a type of white blood cell, and their levels can fluctuate naturally, which should not be related to your oral mucosa pain. If you have already consulted with an otolaryngologist and an oral surgeon without reaching a conclusion, ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Screening Questions in Internal Medicine: Key Insights
Screening-related issues? Hello, doctor! Thank you for your patient response. I am #197315. I would like to ask about the response in this article https://adoctor.tw/article/183997. I'm not sure if it applies to me... or if it's different because I took PEP for a longer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It is possible for the virus to be suppressed by antiviral medication. It is recommended that you focus on completing the PEP regimen, and then follow up with blood tests at the sixth week and the third month as scheduled. If you are really concerned, you can consider getting a P...[Read More] Understanding Screening Questions in Internal Medicine: Key Insights
Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
HIV testing issues? Hello doctor, if the blood test is negative three months after the window period, and remains negative after a year, is there still a possibility of a latent period?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, referring to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the window period is the time after infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during which the virus's antigens or antibodies are not yet detectable in the blood or bodily fluids. ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
Can Needle Sticks at the Beach Lead to HIV Infection?
Needle puncture issues Doctor, I would like to inquire about something. With summer approaching, we sometimes see syringes and needles at the beach or shore. If I accidentally get pricked or step on one, could this lead to HIV infection? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus is difficult to survive in general environments, but it is still necessary to seek medical attention for blood tests to check for diseases transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.[Read More] Can Needle Sticks at the Beach Lead to HIV Infection?
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Fatigue Symptoms
Previously measured elevated postprandial blood glucose levels using a glucometer? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. Last August, during a hot weather, I had a sweet smoothie, and shortly after, I experienced dizziness and fatigue, feeling sleepy. This fatig...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, there are many conditions that could cause the situation you described. Regarding blood sugar levels, since they can sometimes be elevated, it is advisable to consult a physician for an evaluation and to have a blood test to check your hemoglobin A1c levels.[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Fatigue Symptoms
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
HIV testing issues? On June 5th, I had blood tests done at the provincial hospital, and the health record showed the following urine general examination and syphilis test items: - Treponema pallidum antibody test - Bacterial culture identification test (including general bacteri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
For HIV-related inquiries, please contact the Infectious Diseases Department. If this is regarding health check-up items, please call the Health Management Center or the Laboratory Department.[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Leukemia?
White blood cell count is approaching abnormal levels? Hello, doctor. Recently, my lab report showed a white blood cell count of approximately 4250. The neutrophil and lymphocyte classifications are normal, but other types show fluctuations of 1-2%. I have recently experienced fo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This white blood cell count is not a concern. The white blood cell count can fluctuate based on the body's condition, and this value is still within an acceptable range, so there is no need for you to worry. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rhe...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Leukemia?
Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Consultation I have been suffering from skin allergies for over six months, with daily recurrences upon waking up. I believe it is dyshidrotic eczema, but it is very deep and extremely itchy. The outer layer has scabbed over while the inside contin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. We often use chloroquine in patients with early immune dysfunction or rheumatic diseases. Although you only have allergic symptoms, the elevated ANA antibody levels may lead your physician to be concerned that the cause of your dyshidrosis is n...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Alternatives to Carvedilol for Managing Hypertension and Gum Issues
Antihypertensive medication If you are currently taking carvedilol (a beta-blocker) for hypertension but are experiencing issues with gum swelling and abscesses, there are alternative classes of antihypertensive medications that you could consider. For example, you might discuss ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question about antihypertensive medications, if there are adverse drug reactions that require adjustments, we will need your past medical history, medication history, and responses to the medications. Additionally, we will need to consider your physical exam...[Read More] Alternatives to Carvedilol for Managing Hypertension and Gum Issues