Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Post-accident condition and vaccine issues? I would like to ask about the injuries I sustained from a car accident two years ago, which resulted in liver and spleen lacerations. I did not undergo invasive treatment, but I fractured five ribs and my sternum. Occasionally, I still ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the process of healing at the fracture site and the wound around the knee may lead to fibrosis, which could result in the pulling sensation or pain you mentioned. Theoretically, this should gradually diminish. However, if the pain increases, it is advisable to consult your...[Read More] Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
I would like to inquire if steroids can affect the results of blood tests in immunology and rheumatology? Hello Doctor: In recent months, the joints in my fingers have started to swell and hurt gradually, making it difficult to bend or extend them, and I cannot apply force. The b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The administration of steroids may only affect certain laboratory results, including white blood cell counts, but it should have minimal impact on the indicators for rheumatic diseases or allergic conditions. I believe your symptoms include bot...[Read More] Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Unexplained low-grade fever Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent elevated body temperature above 37.3°C since the end of May, but it does not exceed 37.8°C (most often occurring in the evening). Although my temperature is not very high, when it rises to this range,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of low-grade fever, including underlying infections, autoimmune diseases, tumors, and endocrine issues. It is recommended that you visit an infectious disease clinic and bring your recent test reports to arrange for further relevant examinations (ther...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes, Concerns, and Kidney Health
Foamy urine? Hello Doctor, I am 32 years old. Recently, I noticed that my urine has bubbles, which dissipate within 5-10 minutes, but there are small persistent bubbles at the edge of the toilet, especially noticeable during the first urination in the morning, where the bubbles d...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. I would like to ask if my situation is considered abnormal. Is a normal eGFR value ideally around 100? The eGFR is an estimate and is related to factors such as gender, muscle mass, and age; a value above 60 is generally acceptable. To diagnose kidney disease, it must be accom...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes, Concerns, and Kidney Health
Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with anti-microsomal antibodies at a titer of 1:1600 in 2009, and my T4 and TSH levels were normal, indicating Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism). From 2009 to June 2021, I took Eltroxin 50 mcg daily, but ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Since everyone's situation is different, some people resume medication after stopping or reduce the dosage. It depends on individual circumstances for adjustments. Regarding the other issue, it requires an in-person evaluation to provide a response, so I cannot addres...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Recurrent arthritis (migratory arthritis) Hello, Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my shoulders and limbs. Initially, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who performed an X-ray but found no issues. The doctor prescribed pain relievers ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is recurrent arthritis considered an autoimmune disease? The joint pain and swelling that I experience intermittently—are they caused by my immune system attacking itself, or are there other factors involved? (The doc...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Your Glucose Tolerance Test Results: Are You Prediabetic?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL, and the oral glucose tolerance test (75g) results are: fasting blood glucose 92 mg/dL, 2-hour blood glucose 89 mg/dL? On March 25, my fasting blood glucose was 105. On April 10, I went to a large hospital for an oral glucose tolerance test (75g...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
An oral glucose tolerance test is normal; however, if one is in a high-risk group, such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes, it is recommended to follow up annually.[Read More] Understanding Your Glucose Tolerance Test Results: Are You Prediabetic?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Red spots on the feet? Hello Doctor: I have multiple sclerosis (MS), and for the past two months, I have been experiencing red spots on the inner sides of my ankles. They are not painful or itchy, but they recur and tend to spread upward. Sometimes, red spots also appear on the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The small red spots on your skin may also be due to ruptured blood vessels or vasculitis. A dermatologist should provide you with their preliminary suspected diagnosis. As for the ANA of 160 and RF of 32.8, these are just initial screening indic...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Persistent Fever for Four Weeks: Unraveling the Mystery of Undiagnosed Infection
Fever has persisted for nearly four weeks, and no definitive source of infection has been identified? In the first week, there was a persistent elevated body temperature at night, with an ear temperature above 37.5°C. In the second week, after four to five days, the body temperat...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms and test results you described, the most likely diagnosis is infectious mononucleosis caused by CMV infection. To confirm the diagnosis, a measurement of the viral load of CMV in the blood can be performed. Generally, the condition tends to resolve on...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Four Weeks: Unraveling the Mystery of Undiagnosed Infection
Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is 5.3%? Hello Doctor, I measured my fasting blood sugar at 105 today. Although many sources say that a level below 100 is considered normal, the laboratory report states that the standard range is 70-110. Should...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your test results, your fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.3%. Currently, these values do not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to follow up later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry?
Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Do 105 and HbA1c 5.3 Mean?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and HbA1c is 5.3%? I apologize for the inconvenience. Your fasting blood glucose level is 105 mg/dL, while the laboratory standard range is 70-110 mg/dL. This means that your result falls within the laboratory's normal range, so there is no...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your test results, your fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.3%. Currently, these values do not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to follow up later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Do 105 and HbA1c 5.3 Mean?
Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 105 Mean?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and HbA1c is 5.3%? I apologize for the inconvenience. Your fasting blood glucose level of 105 mg/dL falls within the laboratory's reference range of 70-110 mg/dL, which indicates that it is considered normal according to their standards. Wh...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your test results, your fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.3%. Currently, these values do not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to follow up later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 105 Mean?
Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Positive result on COVID-19 rapid test? Hello Dr. Hong, I hope you are well. I am currently in Indonesia and am using online consultation services, so I hope to gain a deeper understanding. I apologize for the lengthy description. Starting on the evening of June 12, I experienc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, they do resemble a COVID-19 infection; however, we still need to wait for the PCR test for confirmation. The medications you mentioned are all for relieving cold symptoms. If you have cold symptoms, they can be taken to alleviate discom...[Read More] Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Negative rapid test for COVID-19 and normal test results, yet persistent illness? Hello Dr. Hong, First of all, I do not have any chronic illnesses, a travel history, or overlapping exposure to confirmed cases. I live in Taichung City, which is not a hot zone, and I was in good ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if the two tests you received were rapid antigen tests (ELISA) or PCR tests. If they were antigen tests, there is indeed a high chance of false negatives, and you may need to consider getting an RT-PCR test for confirmation. If both tests were PCR, the ch...[Read More] Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocyte Levels and Health
Blood Test Report I would like to consult a doctor about my recent blood test results. I found some information online that sounds quite alarming, and I'm worried I might have leukemia. My monocyte count is 41%, and I also have eosinophils at 3%. Could this be related to my ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your monocyte count is indeed abnormal. Common reasons for this include hematologic disorders or some atypical infections. However, you have previously been evaluated for hematologic disorders in the hematology department. As for atypical infections, they typically recover...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocyte Levels and Health
Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Follow-up on blood test results? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I'm not quite clear on what atypical infections are. Could it be related to my late sleeping habits after the New Year, or the fact that I had a wound when I had my blood drawn? Should I mention this to th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, atypical infections refer to infections caused by less common bacteria, with the most notable examples being Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rickettsia. Regarding the wound, you can discuss it with a hematologist, although it may not necessarily be related to your report. A...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Easy bruising, petechiae, and nosebleeds? Dear Director Gao, My daughter is currently 7 years old. Over a year ago, we noticed that she easily develops bruises on her body, although we are unsure if she has bumped into something. These bruises mostly occur around her knees and t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my thoughts: 1. The pediatric immunologist mentioned the possibility of thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Since many family members on my mother's side have thalassemia trait, does that mean my daughter is likely to have this...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Regarding finger and wrist pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Dr. Gao, Hello. Last June, during a routine check-up, I unexpectedly found out that my RF factor was positive. Subsequently, I visited the hospital, where the doctor arranged for additional blood tests. T...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Regarding the fluctuations in your Anti-CCP test results: On March 7, the hospital test was normal; on April 20, your self-test showed a significantly elevated level; however, on April 24, another fa...[Read More] Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?