Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
Do all patients with ankylosing spondylitis experience morning stiffness? Hello Doctor: I would like to confirm something with you regarding a question I asked yesterday (<a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/182368">#182368</a>, details below). I am attaching...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Morning stiffness is not related to the condition of the L4-5 vertebrae. Morning stiffness is associated with inflammation of the joints, tendons, and ligaments. The reason some individuals experience morning stiffne...[Read More] Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis always experience morning stiffness? Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old, HLA-B27 positive, and MRI of the sacroiliac joints shows inflammation (the following is an excerpt from my MRI report: R/I chronic sacroiliitis; axial spondyloarthropathy...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis always experience morning stiffness? Does the pain in the sacroiliac joints of ankylosing spondylitis patients always improve after activity? --> The likelihood of experienc...[Read More] Do All Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Experience Morning Stiffness?
Vaccines and Inflammation: Understanding Symptoms in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Vaccines and Inflammatory Markers Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, after receiving the vaccine, I have developed new symptoms of chest pain, which has lasted for six months. Both cardiology and pulmonology have stated that it is not a heart or l...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the vaccine can indeed trigger the activation of autoimmune diseases. First, it's important to determine whether the nature and location of the chest pain are related to ankylosing spondylitis; you may want to consult a rheumatologist. If that is ruled out, you should...[Read More] Vaccines and Inflammation: Understanding Symptoms in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
The relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and vaccines? Hello Doctor, I am a 51-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine in October last year and the second dose in January this year. I would like to ask if the symptoms ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Is my chest pain more likely caused by the vaccine or by smoking? --> Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause chest pain, and the likelihood may be higher than the side effects from the vaccine, so it is unlikely to...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Does the immunomodulatory function of Salvia miltiorrhiza reduce the likelihood of developing moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Hello Doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and I am currently 20 years old. I am taking two Salazopyrin (500 mg each) and one Met...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) From a theoretical standpoint, could it be that because I am taking Salazopyrin, I am less likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19 compared to others of the same age and condition who ...[Read More] Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, I experienced joint stiffness and pain? Doctor: Hello, I received my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on July 30, 2021; the second and third doses of Moderna on October 3, 2021, and March 14, 2022. I am approximately 50 years old. About 1 to 2...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Currently, among your series of rheumatic disease test results, only the ESR is slightly elevated, and I recommend continuing to monitor it. After receiving this type of new vaccine, there is indeed a higher chance of...[Read More] Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Ankylosing spondylitis Dear Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed for 2.5 years, and I am currently 18.8 years old. I have been managing my condition with NSAIDs and have been unable to discontinue them. I would like to ask the following questions: 1) Gen...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) Biological agents tend to be more effective and are easier to achieve stable drug withdrawal. 2) For a 19-year-old, there are no specific recommendations; a general chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are sufficient. 3) It does not necessarily increase. 4) A temporary paus...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Should I Stop My Medications Before Getting the Second BNT Shot?
Should I stop taking muscle relaxants before getting the BNT vaccine? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. A month ago, I was experiencing pain in my sacroiliac joint, and my CRP was 0.57 and ESR was 20. At that time, I switched to a different medication, tak...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it would be better to administer the BNT vaccine after the symptoms improve or the inflammatory markers decrease. Some patients with rheumatic diseases who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before their condition stabilizes often experienc...[Read More] Should I Stop My Medications Before Getting the Second BNT Shot?
Does Acne Affect ESR Levels in Young Patients?
Can acne cause an increase in ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I am 19 years old. Although I take my medication regularly, during my follow-up blood tests, I notice that my CRP levels are relatively stable and wel...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. ESR and CRP are different; they are indirect markers of inflammation and can be influenced by many factors. In principle, your physician will evaluate whether an elevated ESR is truly related to disease activity. Severe acne can also be complic...[Read More] Does Acne Affect ESR Levels in Young Patients?
Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I have had an allergic constitution since childhood and have been receiving treatment in the rheumatology and immunology department for long-term issues related to my nose and urticaria. During my last visi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the test results mentioned above are all the examinations you have undergone, I believe there are additional tests that can be arranged. If you are very concerned and unsure about whether to take quinine, I suggest you consult another rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Does allergies affect inflammation levels? Hello Doctor: My son is 19 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over a year ago, he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently being treated with Wankesit and Celebrex. In his most recent follow-up appointment...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can allergies cause an increase in CRP and ESR? --> Not necessarily. Most of the time, they do not, but severe allergies may cause an increase. 2) My child currently has a CRP of 0.5 and an ESR of 20. Could part ...[Read More] Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Should I go to a rehabilitation department for stiffness? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celebrex, the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celecoxib, the pain subsided. However, after stopping the medication for 1.5 months, I began to experience pain only in my ri...[Read More] Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication, Exercise, and Inflammation Concerns
Medication usage and exercise? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. 1) I have been taking Secukinumab for six months, and it has been effective in controlling my condition. However, recently, despite unchanged medication, my pain and inflammation levels have ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online friend. 1) Autoimmune diseases have a characteristic of fluctuating symptoms, which may not always be related to medication issues. 2) Vaccines can activate autoimmune diseases or trigger immune abnormalities in approximately 5%-10% of cases. 3) The impact of food i...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication, Exercise, and Inflammation Concerns
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity
Ankylosing spondylitis and immunity? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18.7 years old. I have already received the first dose of the BNT vaccine and am considering self-paying for the first dose of a biologic agent and the second dose of the BNT vaccine. I would like to ask you: 1) Ho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) Some biologic agents have effects, while others do not; please consult the attending physician. 2) Autoimmune diseases can have fluctuating conditions, and vaccines may also have an impact, so it is important to consider the actual situation. 3) Generally, in ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity
Understanding Side Effects of Celecoxib: Gastrointestinal Concerns and More
Side effects of Xeljanz? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 20 years old. I started taking Celebrex a year ago, and recently, four days ago, I began experiencing bloody stools. The colorectal surgeon diagnosed it as hemorrhoids and has prescribed ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen. 1) Yes, but Celecoxib is one of the anti-inflammatory pain medications with relatively low bleeding side effects. 2) An ALT level of 34 is within the normal range, so there is no need to worry as long as it is within normal limits. 3) Generally, the CRP test can d...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Celecoxib: Gastrointestinal Concerns and More
Understanding Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Questions Answered
Biologics Hello, doctor. My son is 18.7 years old and is a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask some questions regarding biologic agents: To save the doctor's time, I would like to define the following conditions as "Condition A" (the prescripti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. There are many inquiries, so I can only provide brief responses as follows: 1) If you apply for public funding to receive biologic therapy and it is approved, after a period of treatment, if the inflammatory markers normalize and there is no...[Read More] Understanding Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Biologics Hello Doctor, I am currently 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine on September 27, 2021, and I am planning to get the second dose (the delay in receiving the second dose is due to my serious suspicion that the first d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Is there a regulation on how long one should wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before or after receiving a biologic agent? --> Only certain biologic agents require a pause in administration when receiving the C...[Read More] Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Understanding Side Effects of Medication in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Side effects of medication? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 20 years old. I started taking Celebrex a year ago. Recently, four days ago, I began experiencing blood in my stool (bright red, present with every bowel movement), without any blood c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Based on the described situation, is the likelihood of lower gastrointestinal bleeding high? --> I believe the probability of lower gastrointestinal bleeding is higher, especially due to hemorrhoids. 2) In the pa...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Medication in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Evaluating the Efficacy and Risks of Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Biologics (additional inquiries) The questions below, starting with an asterisk, were previously asked to Dr. Tseng, and I appreciate Dr. Tseng's response on January 25: "It is effective, and I recommend continuing the medication and adjusting the dosage after some time...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the medical guidelines suggest a sequence of medications for treatment, taking into account their side effects and benefits. The principle is to use anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications as the first line of treatment. The consideration of biologics should be discuss...[Read More] Evaluating the Efficacy and Risks of Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Assessing Long-Term Risks of Biologics vs. Traditional Treatments
Biologics (Follow-up Question) Dear Dr. Gao, Below the asterisks is the question I raised on January 17. I appreciate your detailed response, and I would like to ask a few more questions: 1) I want to focus on the long-term severe (or life-threatening) side effects. The long-te...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my consolidated response: 1) I would like to focus on the long-term severe (or fatal) side effects. The long-term severe (or fatal) side effects of Celebrex (celecoxib) include cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal issues. The lon...[Read More] Assessing Long-Term Risks of Biologics vs. Traditional Treatments