Understanding Light Red Stool: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Stool with a light red color? I first noticed this situation around November of last year when, after eating a lot of cherry tomatoes, I had a stool that was slightly light orange-red. At that time, I thought it was due to the tomatoes and didn't think much of it. Later, in ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. Tomatoes, red bell peppers, and dragon fruit can cause this situation, so it is recommended to avoid these foods and monitor your stool condition. 2. Although the probability of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 19 is not zero, it is generally very low. It is advised ...[Read More] Understanding Light Red Stool: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Evaluation
Understanding Surgical Options for Persistent Disc Herniation Pain
If physical therapy and manual therapy do not improve a herniated disc, is surgery necessary? Hello, Doctor: I usually exercise very little, but from January to the end of February 2014, I underwent intensive training in running. Suddenly, in early March 2014, I experienced sever...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, if the MRI has confirmed a herniated disc compressing the nerve, causing sciatica and significantly affecting your daily life, and conservative rehabilitation has been ineffective, it may be time to consider surgery. 1. You mentioned a minimally i...[Read More] Understanding Surgical Options for Persistent Disc Herniation Pain
Understanding Toe Pain and Cervical Bone Spurs: Causes and Treatments
Toe pain, cervical spine osteophytes? Hello. My ten toes have been painful for two months, initially swollen and painful. The doctor prescribed medication for neuropathic pain. I underwent blood tests, and my immune system showed no issues. An EMG test was also normal. Later, I e...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if you initially experienced discomfort in your feet and then developed numbness in your upper limbs, along with cervical MRI showing nerve compression, this could explain the symptoms (cervical issues typically present with upper limb symptoms, ...[Read More] Understanding Toe Pain and Cervical Bone Spurs: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Back Pain: Potential Causes and Solutions
Back problems Hello, doctor! Recently, when I lie flat while sleeping, I often feel that my hips are uneven, with the left side higher than the right. I also consistently feel a pressure sensation on the left side of my spine (in the lower part of my back). Recently, I have exper...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the lack of personal examination and insufficient information provided, I am unable to give an answer. I recommend that you visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a proper evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Potential Causes and Solutions
Orange-Red Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns Explained
There are orange-red substances in the stool? Today, I had a bowel movement, and the stool color was a clay yellow with some orange-red specks mixed in. It doesn't look like blood, and it disappeared within a day. Could this be due to the large amount of diced carrots I ate ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Yes, in addition to carrots, foods such as dragon fruit, watermelon, tomatoes, and pumpkin can also have similar effects, so it's important to chew your food thoroughly and slowly while eating![Read More] Orange-Red Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns Explained
Red Residue on Stool: Is It Undigested Bell Pepper or Something Else?
Red attachments on stool? Dear Dr. Ke, This morning, I noticed red attachments on my stool, but they do not appear to be blood; rather, they resemble clumps. There are many of these clumps on the stool, and some are embedded within it (I used disposable chopsticks to examine the...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
It must be food residue! In addition to red bell peppers, foods with tough skins that are difficult to digest, such as tomatoes and corn, are also quite common.[Read More] Red Residue on Stool: Is It Undigested Bell Pepper or Something Else?
Understanding Orange Red Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, in the past couple of days, I've noticed small orange-red spots in my stool. There are several of them, and they seem like food residue, but I can't be sure since I haven't eaten anything orange-red recently. This has happened before, whe...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. Generally, in such cases, if there is blood in the food residue or feces, it is unlikely to coagulate into clots. 2. Common foods rich in carotenoids include carrots and tomatoes; pumpkin or dragon fruit may also be involved. To determine whether it is blood, a fecal occult ...[Read More] Understanding Orange Red Specks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Strange Walking Patterns: Understanding Post-Injury Gait Changes
Walking has become unusual? Hello Doctor: When I was a child, I was in a car accident and fractured two small bones in my right foot. After treatment from a bone setter, it healed, and X-rays showed no issues. I vaguely remember twisting my right foot while playing basketball in ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If the walking gait was normal in the past but has changed due to learning later on, it should be considered a psychosomatic issue. This can typically be corrected through further learning, provided that neurological, pelvic, and joint issues are ruled out. If necessary, please v...[Read More] Strange Walking Patterns: Understanding Post-Injury Gait Changes
Understanding Post-Injury Swelling and Scar Healing in the Foot
The wound has scabbed over and left a scar, and there is still some slight swelling? About a month ago, I fell while riding a bike, and I have a scrape on the dorsum of my right foot that is approximately 5 centimeters long (starting 4 centimeters behind the big toe). The scab fe...
Dr. Zhang Jinlong Reply:
Hello: (1) The injury and swelling of the right big toe may affect the bending of the big toe, indicating that it has not fully healed. (2) The area of numbness on the left side of the wound may be due to damage to the epidermal nerves in the skin at the time of injury. (3) As fo...[Read More] Understanding Post-Injury Swelling and Scar Healing in the Foot
Should You See a Doctor for Blood Under Your Toenail?
Nail hematoma Hello Dr. Hsu, two months ago I bought a new pair of shoes that caused bruising under the toenails of both big toes. One toe is painful while the other is not. Should I see a doctor for this? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Surgical Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: It is recommended to change to better-fitting shoes due to the bruised toenails caused by ill-fitting footwear. If there are any issues, please visit the surgical outpatient clinic...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Blood Under Your Toenail?
Persistent Ankle Swelling: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
Swollen ankles? Hello Doctor: My ankle has been swollen for over a month. Before the swelling, I felt some soreness in my Achilles tendon and calf, but I didn't think much of it. Later, my ankle became swollen and painful. After 1-2 days, I saw a doctor who prescribed muscle...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: Based on your description, it is likely that you are experiencing ankle ligament or fascia inflammation. It is recommended that you rest, apply heat, and visit an orthopedic outpatient clinic for ...[Read More] Persistent Ankle Swelling: Causes and Treatment Options Explained
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
Is It Time to See a Surgeon for Worsening Wart Treatment Wound?
The wound after wart treatment has enlarged and appears less optimistic than before? Hello, I have a small red spot (about 0.1 cm) between my toes that is somewhat painful. After a month without improvement, I saw a dermatologist who diagnosed it as a "wart." After cryo...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: If you still have doubts, you may seek a second opinion, such as from an orthopedic surgeon or a general surgeon. Thank you.[Read More] Is It Time to See a Surgeon for Worsening Wart Treatment Wound?
Numbness in Both Big Toes: When to Seek Medical Help?
Numbness in the big toes of both feet? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing numbness in both of my big toes recently, and I am not sure what the cause is. My family has only suggested soaking my feet in hot water, but it hasn't helped. Could you please advise me on what ki...
Dr. Xie Bojun Reply:
Generally, numbness in a single toe is caused by prolonged local pressure leading to ischemia of the local nerves. Once the cause is identified, recovery typically occurs within about two weeks. Other potential causes of toe numbness, especially when multiple toes are affected, m...[Read More] Numbness in Both Big Toes: When to Seek Medical Help?
How to Address Unexplained Foul Odor from the Anus
How to manage foul odor from the anus? Hello Doctor: In recent years, I have been experiencing an unusual odor resembling flatulence for no apparent reason, although I do not feel like I am passing gas. The frequency of this odor is quite intense (approximately every 1-2 minutes,...
Dr. Shen Mingyin Reply:
Hello: An increase in flatulence or foul odor may stem from the following factors: 1. Inappropriate diet: (1) Certain foods are more likely to produce odors, such as fish, eggs, asparagus, garlic, onions, bell peppers, pickles, turnips, cabbage, broccoli, cantaloupe, and ch...[Read More] How to Address Unexplained Foul Odor from the Anus
Can Breast Cancer Patients Safely Consume Soy Products During Chemotherapy?
Is it true that breast cancer patients should avoid soy products? Hello Doctor: My mother is 53 years old and has stage I breast cancer without metastasis. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The doctor provided us with a list of items that should be avoided, including gins...
Dr. Lai Jihong Reply:
Hello, Xiaozhi: Regarding your question about whether breast cancer patients should avoid soy products, after discussions with the oncologist and nutritionist at our hospital, it is suggested that there is currently no effective evidence proving that breast cancer patients cannot...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Patients Safely Consume Soy Products During Chemotherapy?
Post-Surgery Bowel Movements: Pain and Hardness After Anal Surgery
Bowel movement Hello Doctor: I had surgery for anal fistula and hemorrhoids on April 2nd, and today, May 2nd, marks exactly one month since the procedure. Although I haven't experienced any bleeding during bowel movements in the past few days, I still feel some pain when I h...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, after hemorrhoid surgery, it is important to avoid constipation. If improving your dietary habits does not help soften your stools, you should seek medication treatment. Please inform your doctor so they can prescribe medication for you; other...[Read More] Post-Surgery Bowel Movements: Pain and Hardness After Anal Surgery
Understanding Sudden Pain in the Big Toe: Causes and When to Seek Help
Toe pain The right big toe suddenly hurts, and it appears to be slightly swollen, but there are no other abnormalities. This pain occurred suddenly, and the other toes are not painful or show any signs of issues. I would like to ask the doctor why this might be happening and whet...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult with a plastic surgeon or a general surgeon, Dr. Huang Jun-Hsiung.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Pain in the Big Toe: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lumbar Burst Fractures and Nerve Injury Management
Lumbar vertebra burst fracture with spinal nerve injury? Hello Doctor: 1. I underwent lumbar spine surgery approximately ten years ago, during which I had a total of three to four surgeries. Recently, I have been experiencing lower back pain, leg numbness, and a burning sensati...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear Jack, After surgery for lumbar nerve compression, it is common for some neurological symptoms to persist. This is because the relief of nerve compression does not always guarantee a return to original function. Currently, there are no specific treatment options available, a...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Burst Fractures and Nerve Injury Management
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