Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Interpret X-rays Differently?
Is there a difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon when interpreting bone X-rays? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, I have developed pain in my lower back when leaning backward, but I do not experience pain when bending for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can a general rheumatologist identify signs of a mild spinal arch fracture on an X-ray? (Isn't it more likely for an orthopedic surgeon to interpret bone X-rays?) --> I believe both specialties can, as well a...[Read More] Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Interpret X-rays Differently?
Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Experiencing pain when extending the lower back but not when bending forward is a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. Initially, I only had pain in my buttocks...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are my symptoms (pain in the lower back when arching, no pain when bending forward) typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis? --> No. 2) If it is not a typical symptom, would Dr. Gao recommend that I see a reh...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Is Your Back Pain After Surgery a Side Effect of Spinal Anesthesia?
Which department should I see? Hello doctor, I underwent a bunion surgery on my fifth toe in January and July, both under spinal anesthesia. Several months have passed, and I often feel lower back soreness and pain. Could this be a side effect of the spinal anesthesia? Thank you,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of the issue being caused by anesthesia is low. It is more likely related to spinal or muscular problems. I recommend that you schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is Your Back Pain After Surgery a Side Effect of Spinal Anesthesia?
Sudden Back Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help?
Sudden lower back pain accompanied by nausea? Hello doctor, I urgently need advice. My girlfriend woke up that morning with lower back pain and discomfort. When she got to work, she started vomiting and even vomited blood. Later, she felt like she had a fever. At that moment, she...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you have symptoms such as fever, lower back pain, and vomiting blood, you should go to the emergency room immediately to determine the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Sudden Back Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help?
Understanding Cloudy Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice
Urinary issues Hello, I would like to ask if it is normal for my morning urine to be cloudy for a period of time. A few days ago, I had a routine check-up (with a morning urine sample), and the results showed yellow, cloudy urine with a pH of 8.5. I went for further urine testing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when you mention cloudy urine, are you referring to a darker color or the presence of suspended particles and sediment? If it's a darker color, along with your urine test report, it suggests that you may be dehydrated, leading to concentrated urine. I recommend increa...[Read More] Understanding Cloudy Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice
Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect CEA Levels in Blood Tests?
Does rheumatoid arthritis affect CEA? Hello, my mother experienced lower back pain and underwent an ultrasound in the nephrology department, which revealed a shadow on her liver. A blood test was then arranged, and her CEA level was found to be 1119, which is extremely high. Howe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Psoriatic arthritis should not affect CEA levels. It is recommended to investigate the reasons for the elevated levels, particularly concerning the gastrointestinal tract. This is from the Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology at C...[Read More] Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect CEA Levels in Blood Tests?
Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
I am not sure if it is truly ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for over two years. Initially, he only experienced pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks, ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The symptoms described by the user, such as experiencing pain in the lower back when leaning backward (but not when bending forward), are not typical of ankylosing spondylitis. There is no morning stiffness, no increased pain upon waking, and no relief after daytime activities, w...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
I'm not sure whether to continue taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for over two years. His only symptom has been pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks. At the onse...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) If ESR/CRP levels are normal and symptoms are stable, pain medication may not be necessary, but regular monitoring of ESR/CRP and X-rays is required. 2) Ankylosing spondylitis typically begins by affecting the sacroiliac joints, and approximately half of the patients will expe...[Read More] Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Managing Medication Changes for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
How to switch medications? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 2 years. His only symptom is pain in the sacroiliac joint. At the onset of the disease, he took one tablet of Voltaren (60 mg) daily for a month, but i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Since my child started taking 2 Salazopyrin and 1 Methotrexate daily, his CRP has significantly decreased to 0.2 mg/dL, which was previously unattainable even with 2 Sulfasalazine daily (although his ESR occasionally...[Read More] Managing Medication Changes for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
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
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Hand Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain with hand numbness? Hello, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my left lower back since Tuesday. At night, whether I sleep on my side or on my back, I feel pain, but it is less when I lie on my right side. Additionally, I have mild numbness in my left hand. Wh...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello, please go to the internal medicine department for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Hand Numbness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Allergies, Dizziness, and More
Allergy / Dizziness / Lower back pain / Difficulty urinating Hello Doctor, I received the AZ vaccine at the beginning of August, and I did not experience significant side effects during the process. However, in mid-September, I developed an allergic reaction on my palms and the t...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, since your discomfort occurred at least 4-5 weeks after the vaccination, it is less likely to be a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. The symptoms that began in October are more likely related to a urinary tract infection, so it is re...[Read More] Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Allergies, Dizziness, and More
Understanding Cushing's Syndrome: Symptoms and Diagnosis Insights
Cushing's syndrome endocrine disorder Hello, doctor. For the past month, I have not had my period. My face appears round, and I have what seems to be "buffalo hump" at my collarbone. My mood has become depressed and irritable. My hands have become dry and even crac...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit a hospital for evaluation and examination by a physician. A diagnosis can only be made after a thorough consultation and examination; one should not rely solely on personal subjective feelings to make a diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Cushing's Syndrome: Symptoms and Diagnosis Insights
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies and Lupus: A Patient's Guide
Antinuclear antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus? ANA: Speckled 1:640 HLA-B27: Negative E.S.R: 61 Basophils: 1.0 Eosinophils: 1.0 Hemoglobin (Hb): 11.9 Hematocrit (Hct): 36.1 Lymphocytes: 28.2 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 25.3 Mean Corpuscular Hemogl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question regarding elevated ANA and ESR levels indicates that it is essential to further investigate the cause of the elevated ANA. Additional tests may be necessary to confirm your diagnosis, and I recommend consulting a rheumatologist for...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies and Lupus: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Kidney Health: Do You Need Dialysis?
Sought medical attention due to rapid heartbeat? Due to experiencing a rapid heartbeat and occasional lower back pain, a series of tests were conducted. Initially, it was thought to be a heart issue, but later it was found that the blood CR(B) level is 1.04, uric acid is 7.8, cho...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, a serum creatinine level of 1.04 corresponds to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60, which falls within the normal range, and there is no need to worry about dialysis. As for your elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Kidney Health: Do You Need Dialysis?
Concerns About STDs After Potential Exposure: What You Need to Know
Concerned about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Hello, Doctor: About four months ago, I met a male friend online and during our encounter, he inserted his finger into my anus while he masturbated and ejaculated (he was wearing a condom; I asked him afterward, and he said ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, acne is usually caused by hot and humid weather leading to folliculitis, which should not be related to sexually transmitted infections. However, the process you described may indeed indicate unsafe sexual behavior. It would be advisable to consi...[Read More] Concerns About STDs After Potential Exposure: What You Need to Know
Understanding Vaccine Side Effects: Is Your Discomfort Normal After AZ Shot?
Vaccine side effects Hello Doctor, this morning my family took me to get the AZ vaccine, and there happened to be some leftover doses. After noon, I suddenly felt very cold and then developed a fever. I took a pill and slept until around 5 PM, waking up sweating. My body temperat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a low-grade fever and back pain are very common side effects of the AZ vaccine, so there is no need to worry unless the fever or pain becomes unbearable. In that case, you may consider taking acetaminophen. The vitamin supplements will not have any impact, so you can conti...[Read More] Understanding Vaccine Side Effects: Is Your Discomfort Normal After AZ Shot?
Understanding Systemic Heat: Symptoms and Causes in Asthma Patients
Generalized heat sensation? The patient is a young girl with asthma and a history of frequent bronchitis. Her normal body temperature typically ranges from 36 to 36.7 degrees Celsius, not exceeding 37 degrees. However, since early last year, her temperature has been between 37.2 ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely cause seems to be related to your menstrual cycle. I recommend observing whether you experience this reaction during each menstrual period. If so, you may consider consulting a gynecologist. Another possibility is that recent significa...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Heat: Symptoms and Causes in Asthma Patients
Managing Lower Back Pain: Tips Beyond Exercise for Relief
Back problems I have been experiencing soreness in my lower back, which I believe is related to not exercising my back muscles and spending long periods lying in bed. 1. Could it be that the prolonged bed rest and lack of back exercises have led to muscle weakening, resulting in ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for back pain. It's important to identify the underlying issue before addressing it. I recommend visiting a rehabilitation or orthopedic specialist for an evaluation. After the assessment, further steps can be determined. Thank you for your ques...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain: Tips Beyond Exercise for Relief
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Abdominal issues? Your question: Hello Doctor, in early January, one night I suddenly experienced pain in my side and back. Since I had been in contact with a chickenpox patient, I suspected it might be due to shingles. However, after receiving a shot in the emergency room, it se...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is more likely that you have a muscle strain in your lower back. I recommend applying heat therapy and using topical anti-inflammatory ointments, which should help improve your condition. The golf activities you mentioned could be one of the contribu...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine