Muscle, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...

Understanding Blood Sugar Spikes After Pain Management in Diabetics

Factors Affecting Blood Glucose Levels I would like to consult a doctor. My mother has been experiencing lower back pain and has seen an orthopedic doctor. She received an injection and is taking muscle relaxants. Since my mother has diabetes, her blood sugar levels are regularly...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Pain can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, and certain injections, such as steroids, can also raise blood sugar levels. Thank you for your inquiry.

Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis

Joint pain after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. I started feeling unwell on November 11th (muscle aches, fever, fatigue, red rashes on limbs, dry eyes, dry mouth). I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 13th. On November 16th...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Since the joint discomfort clearly occurred after the blood draw, could it be that the inflammatory markers, ANA, and other indices had not yet shown abnormal trends at that time, and only now can we detect abnormaliti...

Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insulin Resistance Connection

Gastrointestinal discomfort Hello doctor, I have been experiencing issues with gas and belching for the past few months. I recently underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor prescribed medication, but it hasn't been very effective. Today, I received my company's health che...

Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
Intestinal gas can be caused by gastrointestinal diseases, dietary issues, or other problems. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's muscles and fat respond poorly to insulin, which may lead to hyperglycemia. Individuals with diabetes often experience gastrointestinal iss...

Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy

Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet associated with cryoglobulinemia? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the first time in early June this year and recovered. At the end of June, I noticed similar bleeding spots on both feet and visited the hospital, where t...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. To determine whether it is a neurological issue, including polyneuropathy, you can consult a neurologist. They will assess whether further nerve conduction studies are necessary. This test can help initially differentiate between polyneuropathy,...

Stepping on Glass: Understanding Tetanus Risks and Symptoms

Stepping on glass? On Saturday, September 16, I stepped on a small piece of broken glass at home. The wound was very small, about 2-3 millimeters, so I didn't get a tetanus shot. However, by September 21, the muscle near my right zygomatic bone became a bit tense (the left s...

Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If there are any changes in the wound, please visit a hospital for diagnosis. Thank you for your message!

Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps

Suspected ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old. Initially, six months ago, after a full-body adjustment, I started experiencing stiffness and pain in my back upon waking up, particularly in the upper back (with no issues in the lower back). After stretching in...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Do I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> It would be helpful to check for HLA-B27. Your symptoms have persisted for a while, and chronic lower back pain in young individuals warrants caution regarding ankylosing spondy...

Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Is It Always an Autoimmune Disease?

Ankylosing spondylitis 1. The patient recently underwent an X-ray examination due to lower back pain, which revealed structural damage to the sacroiliac joint. The doctor suspects ankylosing spondylitis, but blood tests returned negative for the associated gene, with inflammatory...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Issues with the sacroiliac joint are not solely caused by autoimmune diseases; differential diagnosis is necessary. 2. Generally, back pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis responds well to treatment; if the response is poor, other causes of back pain should be consider...

Understanding Antibody Results in Dermatomyositis: Implications for Disease Progression

Antibody Issues in Dermatomyositis I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis on November 20, 2023, with a positive result for PL-7 (++) and negative results for all others. At that time, I only experienced muscle weakness, mechanic's hands, and joint rashes, with no other symptom...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The blood test results you received are qualitative tests, which do not provide actual numerical values, so they are not very precise and do not necessarily indicate changes in disease status or worsening of your condition. I suggest not to worr...

Distinguishing Between Immune Issues and Menopause Symptoms at 50

How to distinguish between immune issues and menopausal symptoms? Hello, Doctor. I am 50 years and 6 months old. My menstrual cycle was regular until December of last year when it suddenly stopped. Before March of this year, I experienced insomnia, excessive sweating, frequent co...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: (1) What tests should be done to confirm if there is inflammation or adhesion in the spine? --> X-rays and blood tests are sufficient. If necessary, an MRI may also be arranged. Your physician may have started treatm...

Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some soreness in my lower back lately, along with tightness and occasional pain in my left thigh, left knee, and even discomfort in my calf muscles and the soles of my feet. These symptoms seem to come and go. I have ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe it is less likely to be ankylosing spondylitis and more indicative of symptoms related to a herniated disc. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon for confirmation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospit...

Post-Drinking Concerns: Muscle Sensations and Recovery Tips

Issues After Drinking Alcohol Hello Doctor, I had dinner with my colleagues tonight and drank about three bottles of beer, approximately 1800ml. Although I only feel slightly intoxicated, after taking a shower at home, I noticed a strange sensation in my right calf muscle. It fee...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
You may rest more and observe your condition, or visit the internal medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation. Thank you.

Could Thyroid Issues Be Behind Your Ongoing Health Problems?

Is it possible to have a thyroid problem? Hello, doctor. I am a recent college graduate, and I have been troubled by various issues since middle school, such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, rapid heartbeat, frequent muscle cramps, and occasional swelling of my eyes. Additionally, ...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you first consult with a family medicine specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Just Muscle Strain?

Please ask your question? Hello, Doctor. I am currently studying high school abroad and would like to ask you a question. After eating today, I lay on my bed and suddenly felt a sharp pain on the right side of my abdomen near the navel. I don't feel it anymore, but I recentl...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. What is appendicitis? Appendicitis, medically referred to as acute appendicitis, is an inflammation of the appendix, located in the lower right abdomen. When appendicitis occurs, patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. Common caus...

Understanding Parasite Risks and Health Concerns in Contaminated Water

Regarding parasitic issues? Hello Doctor, my name is Yang, and I am a female. I would like to ask about a parasitic issue. Around 2014, about eight years ago, I operated a clothing store in a wet market, which had a rather dirty environment. I used water that was offered to the E...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It has been too long since 2014, and even if there was a single exposure to bacteria or parasites at that time, it cannot explain the subsequent symptoms you mentioned. I recommend seeing a nephrologist to investigate the cause of the proteinuria. If you are experiencing recurren...

Understanding Leg Swelling and Muscle Twitches: When to Seek Medical Help

Twitching and pain in the thigh area? The doctor would like to ask you: Last year, after injuring the bottom of my left foot, I experienced swelling in both legs up to my thighs. A subsequent CT scan revealed that I have narrowing of the lymphatic vessels in my legs, but the doct...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurology department for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry.

Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need Medical Attention?

Eating undercooked pork in barbecue? When eating barbecue, I thought it was beef and consumed it medium-rare, only to later discover it was pork! Doctor, I have two questions: 1. Is it necessary to see an infectious disease specialist for this situation? 2. Is the prevalence of t...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan, a member of the indigenous community in Hualien County, Peng Zhao-xi, frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month ago, he developed a hard lump on the inner side of his left thigh. After exam...

Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need to See an Infectious Disease Specialist?

Eating undercooked pork in barbecue? When eating barbecue, I thought it was beef and consumed it medium-rare, only to later find out it was pork! Doctor, I have two questions: 1. Is it necessary to see an infectious disease specialist for this situation? 2. Is the prevalence of t...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan, a member of the indigenous community in Hualien County, Peng Zhaoxi, frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month ago, he developed a hard lump on the inner side of his left thigh. After exami...

Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork

Pork tapeworm parasite This morning, I went to the market to buy pork (ground pork). The vendor said the pork was freshly slaughtered. After I brought it home and handled it, I forgot to wash my hands, but I did use alcohol to disinfect them before eating. Is there a risk of para...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
No; you can refer to the CDC's information: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListContent/AHwuigegBBBmuDcbWkzoGQ?uaid=T0MRJj8KVycdb4ZS6EGu_g. In Hualien County, an indigenous man named Peng Zhaoxi frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month ago, he developed a hard lu...

Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
No; you can refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListContent/AHwuigegBBBmuDcbWkzoGQ?uaid=T0MRJj8KVycdb4ZS6EGu_g. In Hualien County, an indigenous man named Peng Zhaoxi frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month a...

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