Understanding Lumbar Osteophytes: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Lumbar osteophytes Dear Dr. Ding, Recently, I accompanied my wife for a follow-up appointment. According to the neurologist's X-ray diagnosis, there is normally a space between each lumbar vertebra, but no such space was observed between L4 and L5, indicating that the L4 an...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the incomplete nature of your information, it is not possible to provide recommendations regarding surgery or whether it may be necessary. It is advised that you bring all previous examination results to a neurosurgery consultation for further evaluation. Let the neurosurg...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Osteophytes: Symptoms, Risks, and Management
Understanding the Differences Between Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Neurosurgery
The difference between National Health Insurance and out-of-pocket expenses? My mother has a lumbar spine slip at the L4 and L5 levels and needs surgery. The doctor recommends using a self-funded option (due to better materials). Is this necessary? By the way, my mother is 73 yea...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the lack of clinical data, it is not possible to make a determination. I recommend seeking a second opinion from a nearby healthcare provider.[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Neurosurgery
Understanding Compression Socks: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Needs
Could you please provide more context or specify what you would like to know about socks? Doctor: Excuse me! I have noticed that the blood vessels in my ankle are slightly protruding, and there seems to be an increasing tendency for small vascular branches. I do not have diabetes...
Dr. Lin Zhiguang Reply:
Hello, if your blood vessels are slightly prominent, with an increasing number of small vascular branches and instances of thigh vessel rupture, it does not necessarily indicate varicose veins, especially if there is no significant pain or swelling. Compression stockings are prim...[Read More] Understanding Compression Socks: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Needs
Choosing the Best Compression Socks for Work: A Guide to Paul Hart Products
Purchase compression stockings? I heard that Paul Hartmann's products are good, and I'm interested in buying their compression stockings for work. Which type would be better? Are toe-covered stockings more effective than those without toe coverage? Are they less likely ...
Dr. Lin Zhiguang Reply:
Hello, I am not familiar with the products of that brand, so I cannot comment. If compression stockings are intended for varicose veins, they primarily focus on the calves. However, if the concern is due to diabetes and there is a need to avoid toe injuries, then toe-covered opti...[Read More] Choosing the Best Compression Socks for Work: A Guide to Paul Hart Products
Urgent Concerns: Family's Struggle with Father's Neurological Condition
A family member's inquiry about a patient with an urgent medical condition? Dear Dr. Ding, I am a family member of a patient. My surname is Lai, and I live in Miaoli. I would like to ask some questions regarding my father's condition. Two weeks ago, my father fell at h...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the lack of clarity in your description, it would be helpful if you could bring all imaging data, a list of medications previously taken, and a summary of the medical case directly to my clinic. This would assist in making further decisions. Since the information is incomp...[Read More] Urgent Concerns: Family's Struggle with Father's Neurological Condition
Understanding Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Risks for Seniors
Regarding herniated discs? My father has been experiencing pain from his lower back, buttocks, thighs, and down to his calves. The pain has been so severe at night that he can't sleep. He went to the hospital for an MRI, which confirmed that he has a herniated disc pressing ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Since I have not personally reviewed your information, the following suggestions are for reference only. The best approach is to avoid sitting for too long, standing for too long, and lifting heavy objects. By adhering to these practices and maintaining proper posture—whether sta...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Risks for Seniors
Diabetes and Cellulitis: Risks of Inadequate Care for Injuries
Diabetes and cellulitis? Hello, the injured person is my aunt, who raised me since I was little, and I care about her very much. My aunt has diabetes, and on a rainy day, she accidentally slipped while riding her scooter. At that time, she only had a bruise on her thigh. After re...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to poor peripheral blood circulation over time. Therefore, if there are wounds present, these wounds may be difficult to heal due to inadequate blood flow. If an infection occurs, the situation can deteriorate rapidly. Consequently, it ...[Read More] Diabetes and Cellulitis: Risks of Inadequate Care for Injuries
Managing Wound Care in Diabetic Patients: Understanding Cellulitis Risks
Diabetes and cellulitis? Hello, my family member has a wound and I want to take good care of it, but they have diabetes. I've heard that people with diabetes need to be careful when handling wounds. Is this true? It seems like two different conditions, so why are they relate...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to peripheral circulatory issues over time. Consequently, if there are wounds present, these wounds may be difficult to heal due to poor blood circulation. If an infection occurs, the situation can deteriorate rapidly. Therefore, it is ...[Read More] Managing Wound Care in Diabetic Patients: Understanding Cellulitis Risks
Understanding Breast Abscess: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Mastitis Thank you, Dr. Lin, for carefully reviewing my description. It was indeed a single surgery; the rest were just procedures done in the consultation room involving drainage and medication application. No tests for diabetes or other conditions were performed. On January 3...
Dr. Lin Zhiguang Reply:
Please provide the content you would like[Read More] Understanding Breast Abscess: Treatment and Recovery Insights
Understanding Neurogenic Bladder After L4-L5 Disc Surgery: What to Do?
I have been unable to urinate on my own since my surgery for L4 and L5 disc herniation? In September 2010, I went to a hospital in Changhua due to foot pain. After examination, the doctor diagnosed me with a herniated disc at the L4 and L5 vertebrae and recommended surgery. The p...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the incomplete nature of your information, I can only provide suggestions based on past experiences and theoretical knowledge. Generally speaking, if you have a herniated disc, internal fixation surgery is not typically required, so your condition may not solely be a herni...[Read More] Understanding Neurogenic Bladder After L4-L5 Disc Surgery: What to Do?
Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery: Costs, Insurance, and Recommendations
Gastric bypass surgery Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my height of 183 cm and weight of 140 kg. I am considering gastric bypass surgery and would like to know your recommendations. Is this covered by health insurance? What is the approximate cost? I am struggling to lose...
Dr. Lin Zhiguang Reply:
Hello, your BMI (kg/m²) is approximately 41.8, which indicates that you are classified as severely obese since it exceeds 40. Weight loss surgery may be considered, especially if you have comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension. There are two main types of weight loss surg...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery: Costs, Insurance, and Recommendations
Understanding Recurrent Mastitis: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Mastitis with redness, swelling, and purulence occurs on average once a month? Hello, I have been suffering from mastitis multiple times and feel helpless. I am unmarried and have a weak immune system, often catching colds. My hygiene habits are good, but I have a rare condition ...
Dr. Lin Zhiguang Reply:
Hello, after reviewing your description, it seems that a debridement surgery is needed once, and the other procedures will be for dressing changes. If there is a recurrence, a more thorough debridement may be necessary. If you have time, please come in for an examination. We also...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Mastitis: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps
Post-Surgery Memory Confusion in Craniopharyngioma Patients: Seeking Help
Memory disturbances after craniopharyngioma surgery? Dear Dr. Ding, My wife underwent a craniopharyngioma resection surgery in March of this year, and since then, her memory has been in a state of confusion. She cannot distinguish between day and night, and she forgets what she ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Craniopharyngiomas are tumors that primarily grow near the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, and as a result, many patients experience complications related to hormonal deficiencies after surgery. However, symptoms of psychiatric disorders are relatively rare. Currently, the s...[Read More] Post-Surgery Memory Confusion in Craniopharyngioma Patients: Seeking Help
Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: When to Seek Specialist Help
Soreness and numbness in the soles of the feet? Dear Doctor: My feet experience numbness followed by a burning sensation, then soreness, and finally pain whether I am sitting or standing. I have seen an orthopedic specialist, had X-rays of my spine which showed no issues, and tri...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear SEN: Hello, issues with the cervical and lumbar spine can both potentially cause similar symptoms. Additionally, individuals with a history of diabetes may experience this condition due to peripheral neuropathy. It is recommended to visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain and Numbness: When to Seek Specialist Help
Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Fever and Infection After Gastric Surgery
Worsening condition after gastric surgery with recurrent fever? On April 22, my mother was admitted to the hospital after experiencing abdominal pain for several days. The doctor explained that she had a perforated stomach and needed surgery. She is 72 years old and has diabetes ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, I hope that you can trust that your mother's attending physician is doing everything possible to treat her. From your letter, it seems that her condition is quite complex, and it is difficult to determine the exact issue based on the prov...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Fever and Infection After Gastric Surgery
Understanding the Risks and Outcomes of Bypass Surgery for Seniors
Coronary bypass surgery My father is 71 years old and has previously undergone coronary catheterization and stent placement. However, the hospital doctor mentioned that the original coronary artery catheter and stent are no longer usable. What are the risks associated with this s...
Dr. Hou Shouxian Reply:
Factors influencing the risk of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) include advanced age, poor cardiac function, other comorbidities (such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, immune dysfunction, etc.), and prior cardiac surgeries. Generally, the in-hospital mortality ra...[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Outcomes of Bypass Surgery for Seniors
Understanding Cellulitis: Treatment Options and Care for Your Loved Ones
-My father Dear Doctor, My father has been hospitalized today due to cellulitis in his left leg. The surgeon examined his swollen leg and said they would first try antibiotic treatment. If that doesn’t work, they may need to surgically remove the "bad tissue" inside. I...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: Individuals who have experienced significant trauma, especially those involving the skeletal system, often develop recurrent cellulitis after wound healing, which is one of the common sequelae. Based on your description, your father seems to fit this situation. The timing ...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Treatment Options and Care for Your Loved Ones
Understanding Cellulitis and Blood Sugar Concerns After Surgery
Medical issues Hello Doctor: My father has a lump on his back below the cervical spine. The doctor diagnosed it as cellulitis, and after surgery, he mentioned that it was several pimples clustered together. The hospital tested his blood sugar after meals (my father has no history...
Dr. Lu Shangbin Reply:
Typically, when there is inflammation in the body, blood glucose levels may be slightly elevated, which is a normal physiological response. Once the inflammation is controlled, blood glucose levels usually return to normal. If there is potential diabetes, measuring HbA1c can prov...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis and Blood Sugar Concerns After Surgery
Neck Injury from Car Accident: Surgery Risks for 63-Year-Old Patient
Cervical vertebrae C3 and C4 injured in a car accident? In a car accident, the cervical vertebrae C3 and C4 have been damaged, causing nerve compression (Taichung). I am unsure which physician to consult. The patient is 63 years old, has diabetes, and fatty liver. Is surgery an o...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear James, 1. You can consult any neurosurgeon. 2. Whether surgery is necessary depends on the severity of the compression and the presence of related symptoms. 3. There are always risks associated with surgery. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Zhang Yuan-yi ...[Read More] Neck Injury from Car Accident: Surgery Risks for 63-Year-Old Patient
Exploring Maggot Therapy for Wound Healing in Diabetic Patients
Maggot therapy Hello Doctor, my father is 64 years old. Seven years ago, he had to amputate his right leg below the knee due to diabetes and an injury. Last September, he underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. This Lunar New Year, after a long flight, he started experiencing n...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
This issue will be addressed by Dr. Chou Hong-Chang from the Department of Plastic Surgery: The treatment options listed seem to be inconsistent with your father's condition. I have not encountered any of the three treatment methods mentioned. I recommend consulting with the...[Read More] Exploring Maggot Therapy for Wound Healing in Diabetic Patients