Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked question 210066. The ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2), the ANA Titer 1 is 1:80, the Anti-RNP Antibody is 0.6 U/ml (reference value [<10.0]), the Anti-La and Anti-Ro are both <0.3 (both reference values: Ne...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My opinion remains the same as before. In the information you provided, the abnormal result is ANA, while other tests such as anti-RNP, anti-LA, anti-Ro, anti-Sm, anti-ds DNA, and anti-Cardiolipin IgG are normal. The latter tests are conducted t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Report for Sjögren's Syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao. My salivary gland biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration, confirming a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. I subsequently underwent salivary gland scintigraphy and would like to ask how this report i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Compensatory parotid function refers to the adaptive response of the salivary glands, resulting in heterogeneous signal distribution on imaging, where some areas show strong signals while others show weak signals. This indicates that the functi...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: My son is 14 years old (in the second year of junior high school). Three months ago, he experienced unexplained swelling in the second joint of his toe, with no other discomfort. At that time, the doctor ordered blood tes...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my thoughts: 1. We will not retest for HLA-B27. 2. If the inflammatory markers are normal (such as CRP and ESR), and there is only swelling in the toes without other symptoms, we might consider using anti-inflammatory pain relief medic...[Read More] Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding the Connection Between Folic Acid and Joint Pain Relief
Right lower arm joint pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my right lower arm and joint pain. I recently discovered that consuming foods high in folate, such as fortified cereals, lotus root tea, and white fungus, has significantly improved my joint condition. I b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. As far as I recall, folate deficiency should not cause joint symptoms; therefore, the improvement of joint symptoms after folate supplementation is likely unrelated to foods high in folate. There are many confounding factors in the correlation ...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Folic Acid and Joint Pain Relief
Understanding Right Arm Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Right lower arm pain and joint pain? On May 9th, I ate a lemon tart containing almond flour, and immediately felt pain in my lower right arm. This pain has now persisted as joint pain in my right arm, making it difficult to open a water bottle cap and my motorcycle key lock. I ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the pain has persisted since May 9, it is advisable to have a physician evaluate the situation. We need to properly assess the condition of the joint pain. Vitamin B12 does not have analgesic effects, and high cholesterol is less likely to ca...[Read More] Understanding Right Arm Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can X-rays or CT scans differentiate the causes of sacroiliac joint arthritis? What are the treatment options for enthesitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain that alleviates with activity. X-rays from last year show bilateral grade II sacroiliitis, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: (1) I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my right ankle since last year, as if it is being bitten, with the pain intensifying at night. Additionally, I have long-term soreness on the outer side of my right...[Read More] Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to develop at the age of 50? I am a 51-year-old female who has been experiencing significant tightness and stiffness in my hip joint for at least three years. I initially thought it was due to natural aging, prolonged sitting at work, or ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: (1) Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to onset at the age of 50? --> The likelihood is low, but it is possible. (2) If both CRP and ESR are normal, does that mean it is unrelated to ankylosing spondylitis? --&...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
First gout attack? Hello Doctor, I visited the clinic at the beginning of April due to ankle pain. At that time, I had been lifting heavy objects for half a day due to work. The next day, my ankle became red, swollen, hot, and painful, so I went back to the clinic where the docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If I understand correctly, both (Probenecid and Allopurinol) are medications used to lower uric acid levels. Generally, we prescribe only one uric acid-lowering medication, and we only consider combining them in patients who are more difficult ...[Read More] Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
What should be noted and considered during the diagnostic process? How long does the diagnostic process typically take? Is it possible that it could be another non-autoimmune disease? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing symptoms of arthritis for the past three weeks, incl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can undergo an anti-CCP test, which you can discuss with your physician, as it relates to prognosis and future changes in your condition. If these tests return normal results, although you still experience joint pain, the severity...[Read More] Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
Understanding Stiffness and Numbness in Limbs: Causes and Treatments
The hands and feet may experience stiffness and numbness? I have been experiencing stiffness and numbness in my hands and feet to the point where I cannot perform tasks. I have undergone surgery that was deemed necessary, and I have also had two nerve conduction studies, both of ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If someone experiences stiffness and numbness in their limbs, it is important to consider joint disorders, neurological issues, circulatory problems, deficiencies in certain nutrients, or other rare conditions. It is advisable to first consult a neurologist or a cardiologist, and...[Read More] Understanding Stiffness and Numbness in Limbs: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Interpretation of Uric Acid Levels Hello, Doctor. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 97 kg. I have had high blood pressure since I was 16 years old. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. On March 15, I sprained my left ankle; at the time, there was no pain or swelling. However, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been losing weight for over a month, with my weight dropping from 104 kg to 97 kg. I would like to know if my lowest uric acid level in my life, which is 5.6 mg/dL, is due to dietary control or because I previ...[Read More] Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Managing Mood Swings and Infections in SLE Patients: A Guide
The SLE patient became manic and developed an abscess on the buttocks after changing medication? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), currently experiencing stage three nephritis and recurrent vasculitis of the skin. My current medications include...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The susceptibility to skin infections is indeed related to the current use of immunosuppressants. You may ask your physician to gradually taper your medication based on your condition. Additionally, it is important to protect your skin from inju...[Read More] Managing Mood Swings and Infections in SLE Patients: A Guide
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed surgically affect inflammation levels? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth removed on February 22, and my cheeks were swollen and painful afterward. It has been 11 days since the proc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After surgery, swelling and pain may affect ESR/CRP levels, but unless it's severe, the impact is limited. Just inform your physician, and they will make the assessment. 2. In the case of sports injuries, such as sprains, muscle strains, or joint injuries, generally, they do...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed through surgery affect inflammation levels? Hello, Director Gao. I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth extracted on February 22. After the extraction, my cheek was swollen and painful. It has been 10 da...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) My appointment on March 8th is for a quarterly follow-up with the rheumatology department, where I will have blood drawn for monitoring. Should I wait until the swelling and pain in my mouth completely subside before ...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Unexplained Inflammatory Pain: A Guide for Young Adults
Unexplained inflammatory pain? I am currently 23 years old. I started experiencing occasional knee pain in middle school, but it wasn't particularly severe. The frequency of inflammation and pain has increased with age. Since high school, I have also had issues with inflamma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that conditions such as "recurrent rheumatic disease" can be monitored in the field of immunology and rheumatology. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Inflammatory Pain: A Guide for Young Adults
Understanding Sudden Decrease in Complement C3 Levels: What to Do?
Decreased complement C3? Last year on October 21, a complement C3 test was performed in the emergency department, with a value of 104.4, C4 at 21.7, and an ANA titer of 1:80, which was negative. Four days later, on October 25, the C3 value was 85.4 and C4 was 19.5. This year, on ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Complement proteins C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and the liver tends to produce more complement in response to various bodily stresses, which is why complement levels often rise. A decrease in complement levels is often associated with ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Decrease in Complement C3 Levels: What to Do?
Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences
Is syphilis invisible? Last February, I suddenly woke up with a fever, a type of fever I had never experienced before. A few days later, I discovered a half-spherical mass the size of a ping pong ball on my cervix. Initially, I thought I had cancer. After a month, the ulcerous sm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. Your description is quite vivid; however, the Treponema pallidum is not that miraculous. It can be cured with a course of penicillin. B. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the modes of transmission are as follows: 1. Close contact during sexual ...[Read More] Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences