Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines
Rectal issues Hello Doctor, three years ago I had a colonoscopy, which only showed irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, with no other issues. For the past six months, while showering, I have been using body wash as a lubricant to insert my finger into my rectum to check for ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you are feeling are the folds and mucosa of the rectum, which is a normal finding. As for polyps, they are usually small and cannot be definitively diagnosed by palpation; a colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis. Given your age, unless there is a family history of co...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines
Understanding Rectal Tissue: Polyp or Normal? When to Get a Colonoscopy?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire, if it is not a rectal polyp, what other tissue could it be? Or is it actually normal intestinal tissue? It shouldn't be a tumor, right? Lastly, I would like to ask about having a colonosco...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the normal intestinal wall naturally has some folds and glands, so it is likely that you are feeling the normal intestinal wall. If it were indeed a polyp, it would not be palpable. I recommend that a routine colonoscopy may not be necessary; instead, if you are concerned,...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Tissue: Polyp or Normal? When to Get a Colonoscopy?
Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Does it matter if the test results are obtained more than 24 hours after the needle puncture? During surgery, I was accidentally punctured by a brand new needle, which immediately drew blood. However, my gloves had already come into contact with the patient's blood. Blood wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There is no immunoglobulin available to prevent HIV, but there are oral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications. It is recommended to first inquire verbally or check cloud-based records to see if the patient has any bloodborne infectious diseases. If it is confirmed or...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. I work in the field of microblading, and one day I was accidentally pricked by a microblading needle. I forgot whether there was any bleeding at the time, and later I found out that the client is an AIDS patient, not j...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If the client is an HIV-positive patient and the needle used for the tattooing (which is similar to microblading) accidentally pricks them, there is a certain risk of transmission (approximately 1%). However, if the client is adhering to their medication regimen, the risk ...[Read More] Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered
Is Essential Thrombocythemia a Rare Disease? Understanding Its Classification and Vaccine Eligibility
Is essential (hemorrhagic) thrombocythemia a rare disease? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing issues with elevated platelet counts since the end of 2015, and I am currently undergoing regular check-ups. I would like to ask: 1. Is the disease classification noted on the Nation...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Lin! This is a blood issue, and it is recommended to consult a hematologist for examination![Read More] Is Essential Thrombocythemia a Rare Disease? Understanding Its Classification and Vaccine Eligibility
Understanding Elevated hs-CRP Levels in SLE Patients: What You Need to Know
Regarding the inflammatory marker CRP (C-reactive protein)? Hello doctor, I am a patient with SLE. In the past two to three years, I have noticed that my hs-CRP levels in blood tests seem to be elevated, ranging from 30 to 45. However, my doctor hasn't mentioned anything spe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Was your CRP measured in Taiwan? In Taiwan, the unit for testing is often mg/dL, but the values rarely exceed 30. If it does, it may indicate a more severe inflammation or infection, and physicians typically investigate the cause further. There...[Read More] Understanding Elevated hs-CRP Levels in SLE Patients: What You Need to Know
Possible Causes of Rectal Bleeding Beyond Colon Cancer: A Guide
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about the possible causes of bleeding that are not related to colorectal cancer. I have irritable bowel syndrome, and I experienced diarrhea the day before (with a dark brown color), followed by...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, any inflammation or injury in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to bleeding. Common causes include infections, inflammation, hyperplasia, injuries, and hemorrhoids. It may not be possible to distinguish the source of bleeding solely based on color distribution; actual te...[Read More] Possible Causes of Rectal Bleeding Beyond Colon Cancer: A Guide
Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Stiffness and swelling in the finger joints? Hello Doctor: Last year in late autumn, I noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, but it was mild, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, however, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my fingers...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, experiencing stiffness in the finger joints upon waking, pain in the index finger, swelling in the fingers, positive urine occult blood test, and hair loss should not be ignored, but there is no need to panic. Please seek medical evaluation, as there are many potential cau...[Read More] Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, there is unexplained bruising on the calf? Hello doctor, I have Sjögren's syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. After receiving my first dose of the AZ vaccine on July 29 (Thursday), I noticed seven unexplained bruises on my tibia and knee on J...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the blood test did not show any abnormalities in your platelets. Blood abnormalities related to the AZ vaccine typically occur 10 days to two weeks after vaccination. Currently, your situation cannot be explained, and it is recommended that you consult a hematologist for f...[Read More] Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
Understanding Orange-Red Toilet Water: Causes and Concerns
The toilet water is orange-red? Hello Doctor, I occasionally notice that the toilet water is slightly orange-red after having a bowel movement (the stool itself is not discolored). However, the orange-red color doesn't seem to resemble blood. I would like to ask if this is r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the orange color could be due to bleeding or food coloring. It may not be possible to determine the exact cause solely based on description and observation; it is best to conduct another fecal occult blood test to confirm whether there is bleeding. As for colorectal cancer...[Read More] Understanding Orange-Red Toilet Water: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
After injuring the toenail, a series of symptoms began, primarily persistent low-grade fever and dizziness? Hello, Doctor. At the beginning of last month, while on a business trip and staying at a hotel, I accidentally injured my right big toe by pinching it in the door. There wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Generally, a nail injury is unlikely to cause a systemic infection (unless the local wound condition is very poor). Your initial symptoms resemble those of a systemic inflammatory response or infection, but typical infections do not usually last for a month. It would be ad...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
Understanding Vaccine Side Effects: A Case Study on Moderna
Vaccine side effects On July 8, I received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. On the third day, I experienced some drowsiness but had no other discomfort. However, on August 3, after taking a shower and combing my hair, I suddenly found it difficult to raise both arms, my hea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after taking a shower, vasodilation combined with raising both arms can lead to a decrease in the blood return to the heart, causing an increase in heart rate. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and should not be directly related to the vaccine. As for the soreness ...[Read More] Understanding Vaccine Side Effects: A Case Study on Moderna
Is Foamy Urine Normal for Diabetics? Understanding the Signs
Diabetes and foamy urine? Hello doctor, my dad has bubbles in his urine and he has diabetes. I would like to know if this is normal or if it is a sign of worsening diabetes. Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria. It is recommended to visit a hospital for a urine test to determine this. Additionally, having proteinuria does not necessarily mean that diabetes is worsening. It is advisable to purchase a blood ...[Read More] Is Foamy Urine Normal for Diabetics? Understanding the Signs
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Post-Vaccine Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention After Moderna Shot
After receiving the vaccine Hello, doctor. I recently received my second dose of the Moderna vaccine, and it's been five days. I've been experiencing pain in my arm when making larger movements (like shaking, running, or jumping), but it doesn't hurt much when I&#x...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, these are indeed possible phenomena after vaccination. It is not necessarily required to seek medical attention immediately unless the symptoms become more pronounced or if you experience fever, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or other co...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention After Moderna Shot
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Duration of Hemorrhoids
Rectal bleeding The stool is both coffee-colored and golden yellow, and it can be as thick as a ten or even fifty NT dollar coin. During bowel movements, there is a sharp pain in the anus, and wiping results in bright red blood the size of a ten NT dollar coin. Initially, the blo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the bleeding from the anus or hemorrhoids is likely caused by hard or large stools. This usually resolves on its own after some time. It is recommended to increase your intake of vegetables, exercise regularly, and establish a regul...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and Duration of Hemorrhoids
Post-AZ Vaccine: Mild Thigh Pain and Blood Circulation Concerns
Mild intermittent pain in the front of the left thigh three to four days after receiving the AZ vaccine? Hello, I received the AZ vaccine 3-4 days ago, and since last night, I've been experiencing intermittent pain in the front of my left thigh. The pain does not persist con...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your timeline and symptoms, it is likely that the foot pain is not caused by a thrombus related to the AZ vaccine. However, if the discomfort persists, you may consider consulting an orthopedic or neurology specialist to identify the underlying cause. Thank you fo...[Read More] Post-AZ Vaccine: Mild Thigh Pain and Blood Circulation Concerns
Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Side effects of hyperthyroidism medications? I have Graves' disease and have been taking PTU for 14 years. In March of this year, I was diagnosed with P-ANCA vasculitis. I stopped taking PTU due to concerns about its side effects. I have previously taken methimazole and carb...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Vasculitis caused by methimazole is less common than that caused by PTU. If radioactive iodine treatment is not acceptable, the only option is to try using methimazole in combination with antihistamines.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Vaccine Considerations for Patients
Mediterranean anemia Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about an internal medicine issue. Six years ago, during my pregnancy, I underwent prenatal check-ups, and the report values were as follows: average red blood cell count 75.7 (reference value 79-99) and hemoglobin 11.9 (refer...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, it is possible that you have either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. To determine which type it is, further blood tests are necessary. Regarding vaccines, it does not affect the choice of vaccine brand. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Vaccine Considerations for Patients
Understanding Tonsil Inflammation: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Questions about tonsil issues again? Thank you, Dr. Hong, for your previous response. I later visited an otolaryngologist, but the doctor said they didn't see any stones in the area I mentioned. The white appearance is likely due to inflammation, possibly from an injury I ca...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Inflamed tissue appears white due to relatively fewer blood vessels. 2. Due to inflammation, consuming irritating substances can indeed cause discomfort. 3. Typically, recovery takes about 5 to 7 days, but it depends on each individual's immune response. 4. With ...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Inflammation: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns