Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
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 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
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Menstrual or Gastrointestinal?
Abdominal distension, abdominal pain? Recently, I visited a clinic due to dull pain in my lower abdomen. The doctor diagnosed it as gastroenteritis, but the next day my menstrual period started, so I suspect that the discomfort might have been related to my menstruation. However,...
Dr. Li Yanquan Reply:
This issue involves both obstetrics and gynecology as well as gastroenterology, so it is recommended to consult both specialists. Dr. Li Yanqian.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Menstrual or Gastrointestinal?
Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
The relationship between inflammatory markers and adhesions? Hello, Doctor. I have ankylosing spondylitis. Before treatment, I experienced pain in my buttocks and lower back. For the past year, I have been consistently taking 2 tablets of Celebrex daily, and my CRP levels have be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) My current index is normal, and I hardly feel any pain in my buttocks. However, I do experience some discomfort in my lower back when leaning back, but it is minimal and does not significantly affect my daily life. Can...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding the Efficacy of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
The efficacy of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have ankylosing spondylitis, primarily experiencing pain in my buttocks (sacroiliac joint) and lower back (at the level of my navel). I have been taking Voltaren and Celebrex for three months each. Wh...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Each medication has its own effects and can cause different reactions in individuals. It is not recommended to use different anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications simultaneously, as this may increase the risk of side effects. It is advisable to adjust other pain relievers t...[Read More] Understanding the Efficacy of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
My new lower back pain symptoms could be indicative of ankylosing spondylitis, or could they be a side effect of taking Celebrex? Hello Dr. Zeng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for 2 years. In the first year, I mainly took anti-infl...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Is it true that the side effects of Seroquel need to be differentiated? If back pain is a side effect, it will not cause permanent harm to the body. It is recommended to follow up with the attending physician for evaluation.[Read More] Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
The relationship between inflammatory indices and adhesions? Hello, Doctor. I have ankylosing spondylitis. Before treatment, I experienced pain in my buttocks and lower back. For the past year, I have been taking two tablets of Celebrex daily, and my CRP levels have been maintain...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The likelihood of spinal adhesions is related to various factors, including inflammation levels, smoking, previous adhesions, obesity, and more. Of course, if there is no pain and inflammation levels are normal, the chances of developing adhesions in the lower back are reduced. E...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
My new lower back pain symptoms could be indicative of ankylosing spondylitis, or they might be a side effect of taking Celebrex? Hello, Doctor. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for two years. During the first year, I primarily too...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: 1) Starting from the second month after taking Salazopyrin, I developed new symptoms of back pain. However, I have not experienced any rashes, fever, jaundice, pallor, diarrhea, headaches, vomiting, or any other physical ...[Read More] Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Lower back pain? Lower back pain, numbness in hands, slight pinkish blood when wiping after urination, sometimes present and sometimes absent, generalized abdominal pain without a specific location, occasional decreased urine output which may be due to hot weather and sweating, d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, urinary tract infection should be ruled out first, as it can cause hematuria and abdominal pain. If there is also kidney inflammation, it may lead to lower back pain. It is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist or a urologist for a urine test and further ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the Effectiveness of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Regarding the effects of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have ankylosing spondylitis, primarily experiencing pain in my buttocks (sacroiliac joint) and lower back (at the level of my navel). I have been taking Voltaren and Celebrex for three mont...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can the same anti-inflammatory pain reliever (such as Naproxen) effectively treat sacroiliac joint pain but not lower back pain? Or can Celecoxib effectively treat lower back pain but not sacroiliac joint pain? -->...[Read More] Understanding the Effectiveness of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Medication vs. Biologics: Which is Better for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is it better to take medication or to receive a biologic treatment? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. It took 1.5 years after the onset of symptoms to confirm the diagnosis and begin formal treatment. The overvi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The general principle is that traditional oral medications are the first-line treatment. If the condition is stable, the use of biologics is not recommended. It may be worth considering a reduction in medication and monitoring the situation. Biologics are also a type of medicatio...[Read More] Medication vs. Biologics: Which is Better for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Evaluating Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Should the use of biologic agents be evaluated? Hello, Doctor Gao. My son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. It took 1.5 years after the onset of symptoms to confirm the diagnosis and begin formal treatment. The overview of his treat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Although taking two Salazopyrin and two CellCept daily can effectively manage my child's condition, I am concerned about the potential long-term side effects (such as cardiovascular issues or kidney disease) fro...[Read More] Evaluating Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
When a cold front arrives, the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis tend to flare up? Dear Doctor, Happy New Year! I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, I am managing my condition with two Sulfasalaz...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the acute pain caused by the cold front, can I stop taking Celebrex (but continue with Salazopyrin), and switch to a more immediate but not suitable for long-term use strong analgesic (non-NSAIDs), and then...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain
Urinary tract infection and subsequent lower back pain? Due to a urinary tract infection, I have been undergoing medication treatment for 12 days. The first 10 days included three medications: Paran (Panadol), Ikodin, and Urogen. However, since the treatment effects were limited,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to say that lower back pain is definitely due to a kidney infection, as muscle strains can also cause back pain. This aspect requires a physician's direct assessment for a more accurate diagnosis. If a urinary tract infection is accompanied by bact...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain
Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Body pain Hello Doctor, I am the one who asked you last time about taking Aceclofenac 100mg (I wonder if you remember me). For the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing pain in my upper back, finger joints, fingertips, soles of my feet, toes, knees, elbows, arms, lower bac...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is the lack of improvement due to me taking the medication too late? After all, I have had this symptom for 1 to 2 months, so the effect is not significant. --> This is likely unrelated to the timing of taking the...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Can Low-Frequency Electrotherapy Help Alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, can low-frequency electrical stimulation therapy improve them? Hello, Doctor. I am a 20-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. My main issue is pain in the lower back (not reaching the buttocks). Currently, I am taking Celebrex and ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if the back pain is caused by ankylosing spondylitis, a low-frequency electrotherapy device may be ineffective. However, it might be beneficial for superficial myofascial muscle soreness. You could give it a try. For further use of the low-frequency electrotherapy device, ...[Read More] Can Low-Frequency Electrotherapy Help Alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Can Physical Therapy Help Alleviate Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis be alleviated through rehabilitation? Hello, Doctor. I am a 20-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. My main issue is pain in my lower back (not reaching the buttocks). Currently, I am taking Celebrex and exercising more to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my answers: 1) Can using a heating pad at home on my lower back help alleviate the remaining pain? Would a doctor recommend this? --> Yes, it can be beneficial. 2) Is it okay to occasionally go to a rehabilitation department for gen...[Read More] Can Physical Therapy Help Alleviate Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Back Pain: Do NSAIDs and Exercise Always Help?
Can back pain from ankylosing spondylitis be alleviated by taking NSAIDs? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for three years. He has undergone relevant blood tests and MRI scans, and the rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis. ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
For individuals with ankylosing spondylitis experiencing back pain, simply taking NSAIDs along with appropriate exercise may not completely alleviate the pain. It is important to conduct a differential diagnosis to rule out other possibilities. If it is confirmed that the pain is...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Back Pain: Do NSAIDs and Exercise Always Help?
Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does taking NSAIDs always relieve back pain in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Dr. Gao. My son is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for three years. He has undergone relevant blood tests and MRI scans, and the rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis. I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the back pain from ankylosing spondylitis, is it true that taking NSAIDs combined with appropriate exercise will definitely relieve the pain? Are there cases of more severe ankylosing spondylitis where pain...[Read More] Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?