Understanding Persistent Pain After Bruising: Causes and Concerns
The bruise has faded but still hurts? Hello, doctor. When I was in the fifth and sixth grades, I experienced a bruise near my perineum due to an impact. Now I am a senior in high school. Since sixth grade, I have occasionally felt sharp pain in that area, but I didn't pay mu...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you have been experiencing sharp pain for many years after being struck, you should visit a urology department for a thorough examination. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Persistent Pain After Bruising: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Health Examination Report Hello doctor, last month I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist due to an unexplained rash on my skin (similar to petechiae). Initially, the doctor suspected it might be an allergy, but they still conducted blood tests. The results showed abn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Among the antibodies you tested, some are related to Sjögren's syndrome (Ro/La, C3/C4), some are associated with myositis (Jo-1, Ku), and others are more related to lupus erythematosus (ANA, C3/C4). However, we will consider clinical sympto...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding Liver Nodules: CT Scan Insights and Further Evaluation
Computed Tomography (CT) of the Liver 1. Typically, a CT scan can provide an initial assessment of whether a liver nodule is benign or malignant. However, certain characteristics of the nodule may require further evaluation to make a definitive diagnosis. 2. The recommendation f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. A CT scan can indeed provide an initial assessment to suggest whether a lesion may be benign or malignant; however, confirmation requires further testing, such as a biopsy. 2. A CT scan serves as an initial evaluation, and further procedures like a biopsy or MRI are nec...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: CT Scan Insights and Further Evaluation
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Outcomes: RPR Test Results Explained
Issues with test results three months after syphilis treatment? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in mid-October last year. After a month of treatment with Doxycycline, I had a follow-up blood test three months later, and the result was RPR Negative...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the treatment guidelines, after 3-6 months, if the RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test can drop to 1/4, it indicates a good treatment response. Of course, the lower the value, the better. Therefore, your negative result is possible and suggests that the treatm...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Outcomes: RPR Test Results Explained
Is Daily Use of Celecoxib Effective for Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is this considered an effective treatment? My son is currently 18 years old and started showing symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis two years ago, with a diagnosis made one year ago. I have the following questions: 1) For the past six months, my son has been taking two capsules ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1) My son has been taking 2 capsules of Celecoxib (200 mg) daily for the past six months, which has kept his CRP around 0.3 mg/dL and ESR around 12, and he has not experienced any pain (previously he ...[Read More] Is Daily Use of Celecoxib Effective for Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Sacroiliitis Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis
What grade of sacroiliitis does it belong to? Dear Dr. Tseng, My son is 19 years old. A year and a half ago, he started experiencing pain in the sacroiliac joint, and recently, through MRI and other examinations, he has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Below is the te...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I am not Dr. Tseng, so if you are looking for Dr. Tseng, please choose the corresponding hospital and department. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliitis Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis
Understanding Microalbuminuria: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Microalbumin Hello Doctor, During my health check on January 3rd, I found that my "urine microalbumin (UMA)" test result was 41.3 mg/L, with a normal range of 0-20 mg/L. Additionally, I have gallbladder polyps, prostatic calcifications, weakly positive urine ketones, ...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello Mr. Li, Gallbladder polyps should be monitored at least once every six months, and urine protein should be tracked together. There's no need to worry; you can return to Taiwan for follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Microalbuminuria: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Heart Rate Concerns in Teens
Cardiac issues, dizziness, and fainting? I am currently 17 years old and my heart rate reaches 190 to 200 beats per minute after about 5 minutes of exercise. Is this considered normal? I feel very dizzy and short of breath. I went to the hospital for an ECG, which was normal, and...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if your heart rate reaches 190 to 200 beats per minute after about 5 minutes of exercise, it indicates that the intensity is too high for you. It is recommended to adopt a gradual approach to increase your exercise intensity. If no issues are found, consider consulting a s...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Heart Rate Concerns in Teens
Should We Change Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management?
Should the medication be changed? Hello Doctor: My child (born June 2003, currently 18 years and 6 months old) developed ankylosing spondylitis in June 2019 (symptoms only included sacroiliac joint pain, with no morning stiffness). However, he was only diagnosed with ankylosing s...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. At that time, the patient was unable to stabilize their condition with the current medication, so it may be worth trying the new medication recently; if it proves ineffective, we can switch back. 2. It may be worth trying the new medication recently; if it proves ineffective, ...[Read More] Should We Change Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management?
Understanding Lower Body Numbness: Symptoms and Recommended Health Checks
Numbness in the lower half of the body, including the neck and abdomen? In recent months, the symptoms have become more frequent, especially when lying down, which significantly affects sleep quality. There is a tingling sensation from the abdomen down to the legs; it's not ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The tingling sensation in both feet may indicate nerve compression, so it is best to consult a neurologist. As for the abdominal pain and bloating, you may need to see a gastroenterologist to check for peptic ulcers or Helicobacter pylori infection. Additionally, for abnor...[Read More] Understanding Lower Body Numbness: Symptoms and Recommended Health Checks
Managing Rheumatic Pain During Labor: Natural vs. Cesarean Delivery
Please consult the physician again? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the confusion in my previous message. The pain I mentioned refers to the recurrent pain caused by rheumatism, such as swelling and pain in the knee joints, thigh joints, and arms. The pain persists even at rest an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, the previous response still applies to your current question. Even if joint pain worsens as you approach delivery, there are medications available to help manage the symptoms, which you can discuss with your rheumatologist. If you experience joint pain during labor, you ca...[Read More] Managing Rheumatic Pain During Labor: Natural vs. Cesarean Delivery
Managing Chronic Health Issues Before Military Service: A Guide
Pre-enlistment Consultation Hello, doctor. I have been seeing various doctors since middle school. My symptoms include pain around the joints at night, sometimes accompanied by redness and swelling, headaches, dizziness, and low-grade fevers (around 37 to 37.9 degrees Celsius, wh...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I recommend discussing your situation with your attending physician to assess whether you meet the criteria for a change in position. If you do, please ask them to issue a medical certificate, which you can then use to apply for a military re-ex...[Read More] Managing Chronic Health Issues Before Military Service: A Guide
Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention
Accidentally pricked by a needle? I accidentally got pricked by a contaminated needle on the night of January 3rd, and I saw a doctor on January 5th to take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV. I have a few questions: 1. How long should I take the PEP medication? 2. How lon...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been potentially exposed to an infected individual through a needle stick injury, please follow your physician's instructions and complete a one-month course of medication. 2. The previous standard procedure involved blood tests on the same day, at one an...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention
Concerns About Acrylic Adhesive Exposure: Health Risks and Safety Tips
Acrylic adhesive issues? Hello Doctor: I previously used acrylic adhesive specifically designed for acrylic sheets. At the time, I thought it could be used like regular quick-drying glue, so I didn't wear a mask or gloves. When I opened the adhesive, I noticed a smell, and l...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the toxicity of these legally used volatile substances is relatively low, and there are no concerns regarding poisoning or carcinogenicity. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Acrylic Adhesive Exposure: Health Risks and Safety Tips
Understanding Lung Nodules Detected in Routine Chest X-rays
Routine chest X-ray screening revealed pulmonary nodules? Hello Doctor: Recently, my routine chest X-ray examination report showed a nodular lesion in the interstitium of the left upper lobe. I have been undergoing annual chest X-rays for the past few years, and previous results ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if there have been no significant changes for over 6 years, the likelihood of cancer is relatively low. It is advisable to continue monitoring with X-rays. If there are no notable changes, there should be no cause for concern. However, if you are...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules Detected in Routine Chest X-rays
Understanding Long-Term Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Long-term symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello Doctor, I am a 20-year-old male. Last June, I was diagnosed with grade B gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) through an endoscopy, and I am currently undergoing treatment. I have only been prescribed a proton ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most people's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is indeed a long-term condition caused by multiple factors, including relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, overeating, and lying down after meals. Medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are o...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Understanding Shingles in Lupus Patients: What to Expect
Patients with lupus develop shingles? Hello, I would like to ask if a family member has lupus erythematosus and recently developed shingles. After visiting the clinic and starting medication, they noticed that the rash has been spreading more over the past two days. Is this a nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Patients with conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, which compromise the immune system, are indeed more susceptible to developing shingles. Even with pharmacological treatment, shingles can progress through various stages, including an increase in the number of lesions, d...[Read More] Understanding Shingles in Lupus Patients: What to Expect
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Worry and Seek Help
Issues around the abdomen? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. Before going to bed, I suddenly felt a slight pain above my navel, to the right, about three fingers' width. Sometimes, when I change my position or stretch after standing up, the pain seems to lessen. I wou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of pain that varies with posture is higher, suggesting a musculoskeletal issue. The chances of appendicitis or liver and kidney problems, as you mentioned, are relatively low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Worry and Seek Help
Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, I went to see a dermatologist for hair loss and had a blood test, which showed an ANA value of 80, negative. The doctor told me to see a rheumatologist if I experience joint pain or related issues. I would like to ask: 1. Are there any methods to preven...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there any way to prevent ANA levels from rising? --> A positive ANA is part of an individual's constitution and generally does not change significantly. However, slight variations may occur due to differen...[Read More] Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns
Understanding Gout: Duration, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Please ask some questions about gout? Hello, Doctor. My mother suddenly has difficulty walking on her right leg, and her right knee is very swollen, hot, and painful, although there are no visible signs of redness. After being hospitalized, it was found that there were bacteria i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses to your inquiries: 1. Can gout symptoms last this long? I found online that gout usually comes and goes quickly, but my mother's symptoms have persisted for over a month. --> In terms of gout, this duration is ind...[Read More] Understanding Gout: Duration, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights