Understanding Puborectal Muscle Spasm Syndrome: Symptoms and Management
Regarding "levator ani syndrome." Hello, Dr. Yu. I have a daily bowel movement habit, but I suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, which often leaves me feeling incomplete after a bowel movement. As a result, I sometimes try to fully empty my bowels in one go, causing my...
Dr. Yu Mingchang Reply:
Hello! Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not a problem with the colon itself, but rather a psychosomatic disorder, classified as a lifestyle disease. I suggest you don't put too much pressure on yourself; if one bowel movement isn't enough, just go multiple times![Read More] Understanding Puborectal Muscle Spasm Syndrome: Symptoms and Management
Can Appendicitis Recur After Appendectomy? Understanding Post-Surgery Pain
Are there complications associated with appendectomy? I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing discomfort. After an appendectomy, it is uncommon for the appendix to become inflamed again, as it is typically removed during the surgery. However, it is possible to experi...
Dr. Lin Zhiguang Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of appendicitis recurring 2 to 3 years after an appendectomy is low, with only a small number of cases resulting in localized abscesses. If there is a fever, you may ask your doctor to arrange a CT scan for confirmation. The most common cause of pain after s...[Read More] Can Appendicitis Recur After Appendectomy? Understanding Post-Surgery Pain
Chronic Abdominal Pain and Constipation: Seeking Solutions
Frequent abdominal cramps and constipation? Hello Doctor: Since April 2009, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my left abdomen (around the area near the navel), occasionally close to the lower left abdomen; I also often have unexplained cramping in my abdomen, followed...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, abdominal pain in young people is often caused by two main reasons. One is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), where the pain is usually not localized, and bowel habits may alternate between constipation and diarrhea. The stool often lacks form an...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain and Constipation: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Bladder or Colon Issues?
Lower abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Ke: I apologize for bothering you again for clarification. The first question: A few days ago, while I was sleeping, I felt bloating and pain in my lower abdomen and had the urge to urinate. After urinating, the bloating and pain went away. Tonig...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello, Mouse: 1. In males, the bladder is located directly in front of the rectum. Sometimes, bladder inflammation can also affect the rectum, causing abnormal sensations and a persistent feeling of urgency. It is recommended that you undergo a urinalysis. In females, the uteru...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Bladder or Colon Issues?
Understanding a Lump Between the Ribs After Pregnancy: What to Know
There is a lump in the middle of the ribcage? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you. After giving birth, I noticed a lump in the middle of my ribcage. It doesn't hurt if I don't touch it, but sometimes if I press on it for too long, it causes a little pain. I also feel...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Surgery, Executive Yuan Health Department, Based on the description you provided, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made. It is recommended that you visit the surgical outpatient clinic for further examination. Wishing yo...[Read More] Understanding a Lump Between the Ribs After Pregnancy: What to Know
Understanding Rectal Symptoms: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
Anus Hello, I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements for quite some time. Sometimes I have normal bowel movements once a day or multiple times, while other times I only go once a week. I occasionally feel abdominal pain, but the stool is normal. I initially thought it w...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Based on your description, a precise diagnosis cannot be made. Typically, conditions related to the rectum and anus cannot be diagnosed remotely; the evaluation must include a thorough medical history, visual examination, digital rectal examination, and possibly endoscopy or X-ra...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Symptoms: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
Managing Pectus Excavatum After Surgery: Rehabilitation or Revision?
Sternal deviation Hello Doctor: My husband underwent a sternum flip surgery at the end of October last year, but the section of the sternum that was cut did not heal properly. Can rehabilitation help alleviate his symptoms? The risk of undergoing another surgery is extremely high...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Dear Ms. Tai Ping Lai, Is your husband undergoing surgery for pectus excavatum (sunken chest) or pectus carinatum (pigeon chest)? Typically, chest surgeries are categorized into these two types, with pectus excavatum surgery being more common. Adults usually seek this surgery du...[Read More] Managing Pectus Excavatum After Surgery: Rehabilitation or Revision?
Exploring Stellate Ganglion Block for IBS Relief: A Patient's Journey
Stellate ganglion block Hello, doctor. I am a 28-year-old male who has been suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for many years. I am really in pain; I have been experiencing chronic diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Because of this, I have had to quit my job and I am afrai...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Our hospital does not perform this surgery. We recommend that you consult with medical centers such as Veterans General Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, or Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.[Read More] Exploring Stellate Ganglion Block for IBS Relief: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Ventral Hernia: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Time
Ventral Hernia Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and have been experiencing upper abdominal pain for the past two months. Initially, the doctor diagnosed it as gastritis, but the pain has worsened day by day, accompanied by loss of appetite and severe constipation (having a bow...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Selina, Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi from the Tainan Hospital, Department of Surgery, would like to inform you that the surgical approach for a ventral hernia is determined by its size. Larger ventral hernias typically require the use of a prosthetic mesh for repair, which can be perfor...[Read More] Understanding Ventral Hernia: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Time
Post-Surgery Challenges in Stage 4 Breast Cancer Recovery
Post-operative issues after breast cancer surgery? Dear Doctor, My mother has stage 4 breast cancer. She underwent surgery to remove her left breast a year ago, but the wound has not healed and continues to ulcerate. Recently, we have noticed signs of the wound expanding, and w...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
In clinical practice, breast cancer is typically classified into four stages for convenience. Stage I: The tumor within the breast has a diameter of less than 2 centimeters. These tumors are mostly painless and can be movable upon palpation. The cancer is localized within the b...[Read More] Post-Surgery Challenges in Stage 4 Breast Cancer Recovery
How to Correct Pectus Carinatum After Surgery: Solutions and Options
How can pectus carinatum be corrected? Hello, doctor. I have previously undergone surgery for intestinal volvulus, and six months post-operation, I am still experiencing bloating. I am unsure if this is related to the surgery. The abdominal bloating has become quite pronounced, m...
Dr. Shang Dongfu Reply:
Hello: If the shape of the thorax is asymmetrical and presents a condition similar to "pectoralis muscle," further evaluation is usually needed to determine the specific thoracic issue and the degree of abnormality to decide if correction is necessary. If correction is ...[Read More] How to Correct Pectus Carinatum After Surgery: Solutions and Options
Understanding Breast Cancer Symptoms: Key Questions and Answers
Please clarify your question? Hello, I have a few questions for Dr. Lin: Last year, I experienced persistent pain in my left arm, which initially was localized to the arm but has now extended to the entire arm and left chest. After seeing a doctor and undergoing an ultrasound, I ...
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
Hello Ms. Mandy, After reading your letter, I understand that you are a serious woman who takes great care of herself. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. In Taiwan, women tend to have smaller breasts with less fat and denser tissue, making ultrasound a very effective an...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Symptoms: Key Questions and Answers
Understanding Lipomas: Symptoms, Risks, and Surgical Options Explained
Lipoma Hello Doctor, I have a question I would like to ask you. Since middle school, I have often experienced discomfort in my right flank (around the kidney area, just below the ribs) after eating or exercising. In my second year of high school (at age 17), I discovered a tumo...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Hello: Most lipomas are located superficially and rarely cause tissue or organ necrosis. Generally, outpatient surgery does not require hospitalization. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: Symptoms, Risks, and Surgical Options Explained
Understanding Right Rib Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Pain along the lower edge of the right rib cage? Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent dull pain under my right rib cage. What could this issue be, and what should I pay attention to? If I need to seek medical attention, which specialty should I consult? Thank you for y...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Hello: Dull pain under the right rib cage may be related to issues with the gallbladder or inflammation of the right colon and ribs. Consulting a gastroenterologist should help address most of your concerns.[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Unexplained Fecal Odor and Frequent Bowel Urges
How does the body have a fecal odor? Doctor, I have a question. Recently, I've been feeling strange; my bowel movement frequency is very high, and my body has a fecal odor. When I go to the bathroom to wipe, there is no stool, but I constantly feel the urge to have a bowel m...
Dr. Lin Hongmao Reply:
Dear Mr. Wu, Regarding your concerns, there are two main issues: the frequency of bowel movements and the inability to control flatulence. In fact, each person's bowel movement frequency is a matter of habit, ranging from three times a day to once every three days. If you a...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fecal Odor and Frequent Bowel Urges
Understanding Testicular Asymmetry: Causes and Concerns
The issue of one testicle being higher than the other? At birth, there was scrotal swelling. During a follow-up at one month, it was reported to be fine. At the age of four, surgery was performed for a hernia. Currently, one testicle is positioned higher than the other. The indiv...
Dr. Huang Yuanhui Reply:
Hello: Patients with anal atresia not only have underdeveloped anal structures, but the nerves that control bowel movements may also be poorly developed, leading to an inability to effectively sense stool accumulation and to evacuate the bowels completely. So far, the most effect...[Read More] Understanding Testicular Asymmetry: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to See a Surgeon
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Doctor, may I ask you something? For the past two days, I have been having difficulty with bowel movements. I drank a lot of water (I usually drink a lot), and I was able to pass a little stool, but there was blood in it. Additionall...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if a seventeen-year-old male experiences blood in the stool accompanied by mucus, it is likely due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This condition is often caused by poor regulation of the parasympathetic nervous system that controls the col...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to See a Surgeon
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Diagnosis, Alternatives, and Treatment Duration
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Hello Dr. Ke: 1) If the symptoms suggest irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a colonoscopy still necessary? 2) Are there similar conditions that are not IBS? 3) If it is IBS, how long does treatment typically take for a potential cure?
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is primarily related to issues with the autonomic nervous system rather than structural problems, so colonoscopy is not valuable for diagnosis unless it is to rule out other diseases. 2. Symptoms similar ...[Read More] Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Diagnosis, Alternatives, and Treatment Duration
Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Left lower abdominal pain? If a person has experienced chronic diarrhea or unformed stools, along with periodic left lower abdominal pain occurring approximately every three months, lasting about 1 to 3 weeks, and the pain is unrelieved by anti-inflammatory injections, pain relie...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, generally speaking, there are three common categories of left lower abdominal pain. The most common issue is abdominal pain caused by constipation, followed by gynecological problems, and then other colorectal diseases. Based on the patient&#x...[Read More] Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Understanding Rectal Bleeding and Gastrointestinal Distress: Causes and Solutions
What is the etiology? In recent months, after several bowel movements, I have noticed that even after wiping with toilet paper multiple times, the anal area still feels unclean. If I continue to wipe, a small amount of feces is still present, and eventually, there are also traces...
Dr. Wang Qichao Reply:
1. After using the restroom, if you are unable to clean yourself properly: If possible, it is best to wash the anal area with warm water. If there is any bleeding, you should visit a colorectal surgeon at the hospital to check for conditions such as hemorrhoids with skin breakdow...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding and Gastrointestinal Distress: Causes and Solutions