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
Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later
Bitten by a monkey over 20 years ago? Hello, doctor. When I was about 8 years old (over 20 years ago), I was bitten by a monkey in Southeast Asia. However, since it has been such a long time, I can't remember if I received pre-exposure or post-exposure rabies vaccinations, o...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The incubation period for rabies is not that long, so there's no need to worry![Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later
Understanding Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide
Vasculitis symptoms issues? Doctor, I am the previous patient who inquired about vasculitis. It has been confirmed that my skin condition is not ANCA-related and has improved. However, I am unsure why this afternoon I experienced some abdominal discomfort and lower back pain. Aft...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe the symptoms you described are not specific, but if you are concerned, you can schedule an earlier follow-up appointment for tests. A simple urine test can help determine if there are any issues with your kidneys. The Allergy, Immunolo...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Causes and Next Steps
Eosinophilia Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up in April 2022, which showed that my eosinophil count was elevated at 11.1%, while other white blood cell counts were normal. At that time, I also had a high bacterial count in my urinary tract, and I was thinking that this infect...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. The assessment of whether eosinophils are elevated should primarily focus on the total count rather than just the percentage (%). 2. If eosinophils are indeed elevated, potential causes include alle...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Causes and Next Steps
Chronic Nasopharyngeal Inflammation: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?
Chronic nasopharyngitis Hello, Doctor Gao: For a long time (10 years), I have occasionally noticed blood in my saliva. In early June, I visited an ENT specialist, and the biopsy results indicated benign chronic nasopharyngitis. However, the doctor did not recommend any further tr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Chronic nasal bleeding indeed requires regular follow-up appointments. As for whether you need to see a rheumatologist, I believe it could be beneficial. Some rheumatic conditions can affect the nasopharynx, leading to bleeding and inflammation....[Read More] Chronic Nasopharyngeal Inflammation: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Hello, I would like to inquire about the rapid test results? Last Tuesday, I went to the hospital for anonymous HIV testing. My situation is that it has been one month since the high-risk behaviors (unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse). Although the result at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is possible, so it is generally recommended to follow up 3-4 months after engaging in risky behavior, and only if the test remains negative can one be completely assured that there is no issue. 2. Similarly, it is advised to retest for antibodies 3-4 months after engaging...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, doctor. I am the person asking the following question: "I have a wound on my calf that looks like it was scratched from itching or possibly a mosquito bite. I didn't examine the wound closely, but a few d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
You're welcome![Read More] Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials
Eating Undercooked Pork Chops: Risks and What to Do Next
Eating undercooked pork chops? Hello Dr. Lin, on the evening of June 28, I ate a pork chop (rib) that my family cooked. I only realized that the meat near the bone was undercooked and still red when I bit into it. I wasn't paying attention while using my phone, so I'm n...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Parasites are killed by freezing! Therefore, meat that has been frozen is less likely to carry the risk of transmitting parasites. Undercooked meat usually has a higher bacterial load, but if you don't experience diarrhea within a day or two, there is typically no significan...[Read More] Eating Undercooked Pork Chops: Risks and What to Do Next
Are Blood Draw Assist Devices Safe for Reuse? Understanding Infection Risks
Questions about blood collection assistive devices? Hello, doctor! Today I took my wife for a prenatal check-up and noticed that the staff used a blood draw assist device. Upon inquiry, I learned that the device is reusable. Although the needle and the tubing are new, I am concer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, assistive devices should not come into contact with the needle and should not have any blood residue on them. Therefore, the infection risk they pose should be similar to that of the rubber band tied above the injection site. If there is noticeable blood contamination, the...[Read More] Are Blood Draw Assist Devices Safe for Reuse? Understanding Infection Risks
Is Febuxostat a Better Alternative to Allopurinol for High Uric Acid?
Consultation on Uric Acid Lowering Medications Hello Doctor, I have been taking allopurinol for a long time due to high uric acid levels. Recently, during a company-mandated health check at a designated clinic, the physician there mentioned that allopurinol places a greater burde...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
As long as it can lower uric acid and has no side effects, it's considered a good medication. Currently, there is no research indicating that Febuxostat is better than Allopurinol. If uric acid levels are stable, it is advisable to continue the current medication without swi...[Read More] Is Febuxostat a Better Alternative to Allopurinol for High Uric Acid?
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lower abdominal pain? I have been experiencing a dull ache and some bloating in my lower abdomen since last night. I vomited once around noon, which provided some temporary relief, but the discomfort returned shortly after. Is it normal to feel a heartbeat around my navel area?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many causes of abdominal pain, and it requires a specialist for differential diagnosis. If the situation is urgent, please go to the emergency room; otherwise, you can visit a gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
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?
Could Thyroid Issues Be Behind Your Ongoing Health Problems?
Is it possible to have a thyroid problem? Hello, doctor. I am a recent college graduate, and I have been troubled by various issues since middle school, such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, rapid heartbeat, frequent muscle cramps, and occasional swelling of my eyes. Additionally, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you first consult with a family medicine specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could Thyroid Issues Be Behind Your Ongoing Health Problems?
Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
Second diagnosis of kidney issues (proteinuria)? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed for the second time about two weeks ago (one year after my first diagnosis). Although I tested negative by the fifth day, I noticed that I have been experiencing foamy urine since then. I found some a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased from 108 to 112, both within the normal range, showing no signs of sudden impairment. Vaccination and infections can trigger the production of antibodies to protect against foreign viral invasions. Antibodies are a type of protein, and i...[Read More] Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
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 Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. At the beginning of this year, I started experiencing pain in my knee joint and consulted a rheumatologist who performed a physical examination and said everything was fine. La...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that after the onset of joint symptoms followed by neurological symptoms, it is advisable to: 1. Return to the rheumatology department for a reevaluation by the physician. Rheumatic diseases can present with both joint and neurologica...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
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
Unexplained Bruising on Legs: Possible Causes and Concerns
Suddenly developing many small bruises that are not very painful? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I noticed several small bruises on my right leg, all near the knee and the shin bone. Today, I suddenly saw that my left leg has also started to show unexplained bruises, about five or six ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you bruise easily, you can consult a hematologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Bruising on Legs: Possible Causes and Concerns