Managing Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Impact on Eye Health
Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease Hello Doctor: I have severe chronic kidney disease and have not yet started dialysis. I also have anemia; previously, I received erythropoietin injections every two weeks, but for the past two months, I have been receiving them weekly. Recently, d...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, it seems you have stage 5 chronic kidney disease complicated by anemia, which is why your physician prescribed erythropoietin (a blood-boosting injection) to help stimulate your own red blood cell production. This erythropoietin injection is intended to...[Read More] Managing Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Impact on Eye Health
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 Syphilis Rash: Treatment, Recovery, and Concerns
Syphilis rash-related issues? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in early October and have been taking Doxycycline for four weeks. Prior to treatment, I had four deep red rashes on my palms. During the second to third week of treatment, I experienced...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The presence of a rash does not indicate the effectiveness of treatment; in some cases, the rash may become more pronounced during treatment. It is recommended to follow up three months later for a more accurate assessment of the indicators. 2. It is advisable to di...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Rash: Treatment, Recovery, and Concerns
Understanding Metformin Dosage and Its Impact on Blood Sugar Control
Effectiveness of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to understand the long-term medication for my retired father, specifically regarding Metformin 500 mg. How does taking one pill compare to the effect of a certain number of units of insulin? It is said that med...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Metformin rarely causes hypoglycemia when used alone, and it is advisable to continue its use as long as there are no contraindications.[Read More] Understanding Metformin Dosage and Its Impact on Blood Sugar Control
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Vaccination Practices
Risk of HIV Infection A few days ago, when I went to get vaccinated, I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new syringe for my injection. If the nurse forgot to change the syringe and administered the injection using an intramuscular method, is there a chance tha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, vaccine injections must use safe needles, and these needles cannot be reused. Additionally, intramuscular injections are not a route for HIV transmission. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Vaccination Practices
Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Is the immune system weakened? How can it be improved? Hello, Doctor Gao: Over the past six months, I have experienced occasional small cuts on my fingers that are difficult to heal, often taking 3-4 weeks (each time a small cut turns into a small area of skin ulceration, but th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your message. Your symptoms are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine if there is an underlying immune dysfunction. I have a few suggestions as follows: 1. "Occasional small cuts on the fingers that are slow to heal, taking 3-4 weeks&qu...[Read More] Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Can Using Shared Nail Clippers Lead to Hepatitis B Infection?
Will cutting my nails too deep with a nail clipper cause a hepatitis B infection? Hello Doctor: I am 22 years old, and it has been almost ten years since I received the hepatitis B vaccine in middle school. According to information online, the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vac...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Whether you still have antibodies for Hepatitis B can vary depending on individual physiology, so a blood test is necessary to determine this. However, it is usually assessed based on your occupation and whether you frequently come into contact with Hepatitis B patien...[Read More] Can Using Shared Nail Clippers Lead to Hepatitis B Infection?
Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Lymphedema caused by dialysis? Hello Doctor: My father has a long history of dialysis due to a family history of hereditary diseases. As a result of the dialysis, he frequently experiences various side effects (such as weight loss, dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea,...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Due to the lack of direct examination of the patient, it is difficult to distinguish what you refer to as "lymphedema" from the "general edema" seen in dialysis patients. If it is general edema in dialysis patients, enhancing dehydration should resolve the iss...[Read More] Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Vomiting: Causes and Solutions
Vomiting Hello doctor, my girlfriend has been vomiting continuously since midnight the day before yesterday. She has vomited everything she ate and has not had a fever or diarrhea. She has vomited to the point of expelling bile. She is afraid to eat because of the vomiting and ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be acute gastroenteritis. Acute gastroenteritis typically presents with persistent vomiting and diarrhea for the first 2-3 days. It is recommended to avoid solid foods initially and to consume clear liquids, such as sports drinks or diluted ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Vomiting: Causes and Solutions
Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
What is happening with my medical process? I am filled with confusion and fear? I am currently on antibiotics and waiting for an MRI examination... Let me recount my medical journey from November 23, 2018, to the present... On the 23rd, I developed a corn on my right big toe, so ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1. When bacterial infection is confirmed, why is it not possible to be hospitalized immediately (waiting for 4 days), and even after hospitalization, immediate testing is not available? After nearly 2 weeks of anti...[Read More] Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
Accidental Needle Stick from Diabetic Insulin: Should I Get Tested?
Accidentally pricked by an insulin needle used by a family member with diabetes? Hello Doctor, my mother has diabetes and needs someone to help her with daily insulin injections. However, I have had an experience where I accidentally pricked myself with a used needle, causing it ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, we are usually mainly concerned about the transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV. If your mother does not have any of these four diseases, there should be no need for concern. However, if you are unable to confirm whether your mother has any of these c...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick from Diabetic Insulin: Should I Get Tested?
Understanding Arm Pain in Diabetic Patients: Injection vs. Medication
Arm pain Your mother has chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gout, and her kidney function is poor. She has recently started insulin therapy. She has been complaining of arm pain and has been requesting injections at the clinic for years wheneve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. With abnormal kidney function, both injections and oral medications need to be approached with caution. The injections administered at hospitals or clinics are generally similar, but it is important to remind the prescribing physician that the ...[Read More] Understanding Arm Pain in Diabetic Patients: Injection vs. Medication
Understanding Gastrointestinal Distress: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery
Gastrointestinal discomfort In the early hours of Saturday, around 2-4 AM, I vomited five times (stomach acid) and had two bowel movements (one normal and one small but somewhat loose). Early Sunday morning, around 8:30 AM, I saw a doctor and received an injection. The doctor adv...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! As you mentioned, the symptoms you are experiencing are indeed common manifestations of gastroenteritis. Typically, discomfort lasts about three days to a week, depending on the severity. If you felt improvement on Saturday along with a reduction in fever, it is likely tha...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Distress: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery
Is Ultracet the Right Medication for My Cold Symptoms?
Ultracet Hello doctor, I have a cold with a sore throat and headache, and today is the 11th day. I visited a general clinic three times with no improvement, so I went to a medical center today. The doctor prescribed Ultracet tablets to be taken four times a day and Naposin 250mg ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Ultracet's main components are acetaminophen and tramadol. Tramadol injections are indeed commonly used for pain relief in cancer patients; however, Ultracet can also be used for pain management in patients with conditions other than cancer. Therefore, it is not exclu...[Read More] Is Ultracet the Right Medication for My Cold Symptoms?
Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Diabetes issues My father, 46 years old, male, has no family history of diabetes. He was recently diagnosed with diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after a hospital visit where his blood glucose level was measured at 486 mg/dl. Due to a lack of available beds in the hospita...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is classified as a hyperglycemic emergency. Key diagnostic points include hyperglycemia, the presence of ketones in urine or blood, and a significant acidotic blood pH. The symptoms can vary widely and may include dehydration, abdominal...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Pneumonia Hello, doctor... My mother is 60 years old! She initially sought treatment at a clinic for a urinary tract infection but only received injections and medication without improvement for about ten days. She then started experiencing high fevers around 39 to 40 degrees Cel...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your mother's condition may have worsened. If she is feeling very unwell, it is advisable to seek emergency care. Regarding her lung condition, it appears to be quite complex and may involve atypical pathogens or inflammation c...[Read More] Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Leigh syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao: About a month ago, I started experiencing pain in all my bones, followed by urinary tract infection and conjunctivitis. I have a history of ankylosing spondylitis, but what's strange is that I had a urinary tract infection about 10 months ago. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Although most cases of Lyme disease occur within a month of infection, there are rare instances where it may be related to infections that happened a long time ago. The longer the duration of the infection,...[Read More] Understanding Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights
Concerns About Dust Contamination During Injections: What You Need to Know
Injection issues? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I visited a nearby clinic due to feeling unwell and received an intravenous injection. However, I noticed that there was dust floating around the injection area, and I'm worried that some of the dust may have contaminated the m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Dust generally does not cause infections through needles; it is droplets or aqueous substances (including blood and bodily fluids) that can lead to infections. Thank you![Read More] Concerns About Dust Contamination During Injections: What You Need to Know
Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment Progress and Concerns
Syphilis infection Hello Doctor: Since being diagnosed with stage 2 syphilis (within one year), I have received three injections of 2.4 million units of penicillin on February 20, February 24, and March 4. However, as of today, March 12, the rash on my hand (which has resolved on...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding issues related to secondary syphilis infection, the following recommendations are provided: 1. You have received three doses of medication on February 20, February 27, and March 4, which should be sufficient; there is no need for a fourth injection. 2. You...[Read More] Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment Progress and Concerns
Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know
Diabetes honeymoon phase Hello Doctor: I was previously diagnosed with prediabetes, and the doctor said that dietary control would suffice. Over the past month, I have been managing my diet and exercising, and my blood sugar levels have gradually returned to normal, which makes m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. The term "diabetes honeymoon phase" refers to a period after the onset of diabetes during which blood sugar levels are well-controlled, often without the need for medication, due to dietary changes, exercise, medication, or insulin therapy. In type 2 d...[Read More] Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know