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?
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
Can I Pause My Salazopyrin Treatment for 2 Months? Expert Advice Needed
Regarding the issue of Seroquel medication? Hello Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask about the continuity of the medication Salazopyrin. I have been taking 2 tablets of Salazopyrin daily to manage my condition for a year and a half. In the fi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The decision to discontinue medication should be discussed with your attending physician, as they are most familiar with your condition and the changes in your CRP/ESR levels, making their decision more objective. In principle, if your conditio...[Read More] Can I Pause My Salazopyrin Treatment for 2 Months? Expert Advice Needed
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
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, doctor. I am 42 years old and have been experiencing occasional dull pain in my sacroiliac joint for the past six months. I have seen both orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists without any improvement. One day, I woke up at 4 AM due ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Am I certain that I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> Currently, the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis requires not only blood tests but also clinical symptoms. The absence of nighttime back pain is somewhat unusu...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Blood Tests and Symptoms Explained
Rheumatoid-related inquiries? Hello, Dr. Gao. I previously asked you about rheumatoid-related issues (pain in both wrists) on September 11. The blood test results are out, and I also had an X-ray of my hands. The rheumatologist said there were no issues. I would like to ask you a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: Question 1: In the case of early rheumatoid arthritis, is it possible for blood test results to be normal and X-rays to show no signs? --> Yes, that can happen. Question 2: What does the quantitative result in the b...[Read More] Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Blood Tests and Symptoms Explained
Should My Son Continue Taking Fish Oil for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can I continue taking fish oil? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 21 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for nearly four years. Initially, he was only taking Celebrex (he tried Voltaren but it was ineffective). Over the past year, he has added two capsules of Sa...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The normal range for platelet count is approximately 150,000 to 400,000. Your son's platelet count of 210,000 to 290,000 is actually within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. 1) In healthy individuals who are not taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications,...[Read More] Should My Son Continue Taking Fish Oil for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Suspected ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old. Initially, six months ago, after a full-body adjustment, I started experiencing stiffness and pain in my back upon waking up, particularly in the upper back (with no issues in the lower back). After stretching in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Do I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> It would be helpful to check for HLA-B27. Your symptoms have persisted for a while, and chronic lower back pain in young individuals warrants caution regarding ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Should My Son Continue Taking Fish Oil with His Condition?
In this situation, is it safe to continue taking fish oil? Hello Dr. Gao, my son is 21 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for nearly 4 years. Initially, he was only taking Celebrex (he tried Voltaren but it was ineffective). Over the past year, he has ad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) After taking fish oil for one month, my son's platelet count (PLT) is 225 (previously fluctuating between 210 and 250 without fish oil). Should I be concerned that continuing fish oil could lead to internal bleedi...[Read More] Should My Son Continue Taking Fish Oil with His Condition?
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Is It Always an Autoimmune Disease?
Ankylosing spondylitis 1. The patient recently underwent an X-ray examination due to lower back pain, which revealed structural damage to the sacroiliac joint. The doctor suspects ankylosing spondylitis, but blood tests returned negative for the associated gene, with inflammatory...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Issues with the sacroiliac joint are not solely caused by autoimmune diseases; differential diagnosis is necessary. 2. Generally, back pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis responds well to treatment; if the response is poor, other causes of back pain should be consider...[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Is It Always an Autoimmune Disease?
Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can allergies affect the symptoms of stiffness? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking two tablets of Celebrex daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffness for about an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person has severe allergies that lead to irregular daily routines, it may affect the stability of autoimmune diseases. Mild symptoms typically do not have such an impact. Based on your description (morning stiffness lasting about 1 hour and an ESR frequently elevated to 40-5...[Read More] Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
The relationship between allergies and stiffness symptoms? Hello, Doctor Gao. My son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking four Sulfasalazine tablets daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that allergy symptoms are unrelated to stiffness symptoms. An elevated ESR may be associated with inadequate control of ankylosing spondylitis. If you are already taking four Salazopyrin tablets daily and continuously using anti-infla...[Read More] The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. I have a tendency towards anxiety and hypochondria. Last October, I visited a doctor because my fingers would stiffen when I was nervous, and I often experienced joint pain. Initially, I consulted a neurosurgeon who examined me and suggested th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Can the test results change from normal to abnormal after six months? --> Yes, changes may occur. 2. Does the doctor think it's necessary for me to see a rheumatologist again? --> Your symptoms are mild, s...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
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
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
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 Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 18, and until this year, I was taking two quinine tablets a day. However, this year my doctor informed me that my urine protein UPCR increased from below 200 to 500, and my CRP was 0.19. As ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Most immune system issues, including lupus, often present with joint symptoms, which is why patients are monitored in rheumatology. For mild joint symptoms, we manage them with anti-inflammatory pain relievers, including Celecoxib. Celecoxib is...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
Does Weather Influence CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Does weather affect CRP levels? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. He has been undergoing regular medication treatment for the past 2.5 years and is currently stable. However, I have noticed a peculiar phenomenon...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Patients with rheumatic diseases often experience more discomfort during damp and cold seasons, but weather does not affect the CRP (C-reactive protein) levels reported. Medication adjustments can only be made based on symptoms and the levels of CRP. Thank you.[Read More] Does Weather Influence CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Unexplained High CRP Levels: Seeking Answers for Persistent Pain
Elevated CRP levels with no identifiable cause? Hello, doctor. Since the end of March, I have been experiencing generalized stiffness and pain. I have seen specialists in family medicine, rehabilitation, orthopedics, rheumatology and immunology, infectious diseases, pain manageme...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The unit for CRP can be either mg/dL or mg/L in our country, so the significance of the number 9 will differ accordingly. Additionally, I recommend that you continue to follow up with the rheumatology department, as your physician will monitor ...[Read More] Unexplained High CRP Levels: Seeking Answers for Persistent Pain