Managing Thyroid Medication: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism Concerns
The treatment for hyperthyroidism has been reduced, but the medication is still being taken? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a rapid heartbeat, and blood tests revealed hyperthyroidism with TSH < 0.005 and Free T4 > 7.7. The doctor prescribed: for the first and secon...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
During the treatment process for hyperthyroidism, fluctuations may occur. Please ensure regular blood tests are conducted to facilitate dosage adjustments. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Medication: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Insights from Continuous Glucose Monitoring
I have some questions regarding the use of continuous glucose monitoring devices? Hello Doctor, I am 42 years old. Last August, my health check revealed a fasting blood glucose level of 115 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 5.8%. Since then, my fasting blood glucose has remained elev...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, your question falls within the specialty of endocrinology, and the physician may need to ask you additional questions related to your diet and exercise in order to have a discussion. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit the hospital to consult with the endocrinology...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Insights from Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can X-rays or CT scans differentiate the causes of sacroiliac joint arthritis? What are the treatment options for enthesitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain that alleviates with activity. X-rays from last year show bilateral grade II sacroiliitis, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: (1) I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my right ankle since last year, as if it is being bitten, with the pain intensifying at night. Additionally, I have long-term soreness on the outer side of my right...[Read More] Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Infection issues Hello, I apologize for the previous question. I would like to ask again: on March 24, I got a haircut and was accidentally cut on the neck, causing a small piece of skin to bleed. There is dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the perso...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
It can be said yes, but it can also be said no; to transmit bloodborne diseases (including HIV and hepatitis B/C), aside from direct contact like sharing needles among drug users, the risk of transmission through other wound exposure is relatively low. If you are concerned, you m...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Autoimmune disease issues Hello, doctor. I am a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have been taking thyroid medication for over 30 years. In recent years, I have been troubled by dry eye syndrome, which has affected my daily life. I underwent blood tests for rheumatic ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Pilocarpine is a medication commonly used by patients with Sjögren's syndrome. If you have dry eyes, normal blood test results, and a good response to eye drops or ointments, along with experiencing side effects from the medication, it may...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Impact of Thirdhand Smoke on Hyperthyroidism: Concerns and Insights
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, Doctor. I have hyperthyroidism and have been undergoing treatment for about 6 years. Currently, my treatment involves taking one Methimazole (5 mg) tablet every night before bed. I would like to ask you about a situation regarding my rental housing....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
There are no clear reports on the effects of thirdhand smoke on thyroid function. Please cooperate with your outpatient physician and undergo regular blood tests for monitoring. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Impact of Thirdhand Smoke on Hyperthyroidism: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Weight Changes After Knee Surgery: What to Know
Weight issues Hello Doctor, my mother is about 60 years old and had knee replacement surgery earlier this year. She is currently recovering well and can climb stairs. The only medication she is taking now is one pill in the morning and one in the evening for blood pressure and he...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you are unsure about how to exercise appropriately, you can consult a rehabilitation specialist for therapy to prevent muscle atrophy. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Weight Changes After Knee Surgery: What to Know
Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Regarding contact with another person's blood? Hello Dr. Lin, my family member needs to check their blood sugar, but they cannot operate the device and cannot see, so I assist them. Today, my family member bled more than usual, and when I was about to discard the test strip,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there are many diseases that can be transmitted through exposure to blood and bodily fluids. The ones that are usually of particular concern are HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It would be advisable to first check if any of your family members have a history o...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Sashimi rice bowl delivered on a hot summer day? Hello Doctor, due to my internship, I am currently in Shanghai. On May 17, 2024, during a hot day, I had delivery of chopped sashimi, which included fresh Norwegian salmon, Arctic sweet shrimp, and Arctic surf clams. In the afterno...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, leaving raw food at higher temperatures significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to gastroenteritis. In contrast, the relationship between parasites and temperature is minimal (if food contains parasites, they do not proliferate within the food)...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Understanding Mild Mitral Valve Prolapse and Heart Failure Symptoms
Suspected heart failure with mitral valve issues? Hello Doctor, thank you for your response. To provide some background, last year I experienced several months of sleep deprivation. I usually do not drink alcohol, but one night while out with friends, I was forced to drink a cock...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: MVP is a common condition characterized by the prolapse of one or both leaflets of the mitral valve into the left atrium during systole due to mitral valve insufficiency. The pathological mechanism is not fully understood. Pro-BNP testing can assist in the diagnosis of con...[Read More] Understanding Mild Mitral Valve Prolapse and Heart Failure Symptoms
Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Issues related to bleeding during injections in the hospital? Hello Dr. Liao, today I went to the hospital for an MRI examination. The nurse placed an intravenous catheter in the inner side of my wrist, and halfway through the MRI, she administered a contrast agent. After the MRI...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's take a look at the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchang...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to develop at the age of 50? I am a 51-year-old female who has been experiencing significant tightness and stiffness in my hip joint for at least three years. I initially thought it was due to natural aging, prolonged sitting at work, or ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: (1) Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to onset at the age of 50? --> The likelihood is low, but it is possible. (2) If both CRP and ESR are normal, does that mean it is unrelated to ankylosing spondylitis? --&...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions related to HIV. If you can help me with my concerns, I would greatly appreciate it. I purchased a depilatory cream online, and when I picked it up and opened it, I didn't pay special attention to whether it ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV 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 ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
Understanding Oral Discomfort and Hygiene Risks: A Doctor's Insight
Please ask your question? I have two questions for the doctor. First, when I drink cold water from a convenience store at the airport with my family, I feel a tingling sensation in my oral mucosa. I remember seeing news about someone adding something to the water, so my family is...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Before drinking cold water next time, you can wash your hands with some water or rinse your mouth to avoid excessive stimulation to the oral cavity. 2. Indeed, in public places, utensils may sometimes have unexpected contaminants if not properly maintained. To prevent such sit...[Read More] Understanding Oral Discomfort and Hygiene Risks: A Doctor's Insight
Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Cutting hair to the point of bleeding? Hello, on March 24, I got a haircut and accidentally got cut on my neck by the scissors, causing a small piece of skin to come off and some dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the person who used the scissors bef...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or e...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail
Severe hypokalemia that cannot be corrected? My mother suffers from severe hypokalemia, with potassium levels ranging from about 1.7 to 1.9 when stable, and dropping to as low as 1.4 during severe episodes. She takes potassium tablets daily, with the hospital prescribing up to 60...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed assessment and examination.[Read More] Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail
Understanding Insulin Resistance: Should You Worry About Your Levels?
Assessment of Insulin Resistance Issues Hello Doctor, I recently received my health check report, and my blood sugar values are as follows: *Fasting blood sugar: 90 mg/dL* *Fasting insulin: 11.9 μIU/mL* *Insulin resistance assessment: 2.6* The report indicates that the normal val...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can undergo a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Insulin Resistance: Should You Worry About Your Levels?
Risks of Discontinuing Hypertension Medication for Natural Remedies
Drug interactions Doctor, my father has high blood pressure and has been taking medication regularly. He has a condition that causes him to need to urinate every 20-30 minutes, so he started taking pumpkin seed supplements. He mentioned that taking both together might lower his b...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Chronic disease patients are advised not to arbitrarily adjust their medication dosage, frequency, or discontinue their medication. If there is a need to take dietary supplements or adjust medications, please discuss it with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Risks of Discontinuing Hypertension Medication for Natural Remedies
Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
The lips came into contact with what appeared to be dried blood or other substances on the glove? During work, if you accidentally touched your lower lip with fingers that had dried red blood or other substances on your gloves, and you immediately wiped it with alcohol upon reali...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses a ri...[Read More] Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Blood-stained toilet paper in public restrooms? Hello doctor, after using the restroom in a public toilet, I noticed that the nearby roll of toilet paper had quite a bit of fresh blood on it, which appeared to be bright red and likely not dried yet. When I removed the toilet pape...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know