Red Oil on Toilet Water: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Issues with using the restroom? After a bowel movement, I noticed red oil floating on the surface of the water. The bowel movement was normal and there was no pain.
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
This situation likely indicates a higher possibility of hemorrhoidal bleeding. As long as there is no further bleeding, it should not be a concern. It is recommended to avoid constipation during this period and to shorten the time spent on bowel movements. Warm sitz baths may als...[Read More] Red Oil on Toilet Water: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Weight Loss Due to Peptic Ulcers: Is PPI Use a Normal Factor?
Weight loss caused by peptic ulcers? Hello Dr. Ke, thank you for addressing my concerns regarding rectal bleeding. Additionally, is it normal to experience weight loss when taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for peptic ulcers? About six months ago (September 2015), my weight wa...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for peptic ulcers does not cause weight loss; rather, it is more likely due to changes in dietary habits after being diagnosed with a peptic ulcer. If there have been no changes in diet or exercise habits, it is important to first check bl...[Read More] Weight Loss Due to Peptic Ulcers: Is PPI Use a Normal Factor?
Understanding Your Bowel Issues: Clear Liquid and Yellow Stool Concerns
Bowel issues? Recently, I have noticed some clear liquid coming out during bowel movements. It feels watery, not oily, when I wipe. The stool is yellow and shaped like a log. I'm unsure what this could indicate.
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
The clear liquid could potentially be mucus or unabsorbed fats from food. If it is mucus, it may be caused by rectal inflammation or polyps. If it is fat, it could be related to weight loss medications or excessive intake of fatty foods. It is recommended to temporarily follow a ...[Read More] Understanding Your Bowel Issues: Clear Liquid and Yellow Stool Concerns
Is It Possible That These Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer?
Is it possible that this could be colon cancer? Hello Doctor: My grandfather recently underwent surgery to remove an abdominal aneurysm. Since the surgery, his appetite has worsened, and he has lost a significant amount of weight. Recently, he has started experiencing bloody stoo...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If the stool color is as dark as tar, it may indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, where anticoagulants are commonly prescribed. Some anticoagulants can lead to peptic ulcers. It is advisable to take your grandfather to see ...[Read More] Is It Possible That These Symptoms Indicate Colon Cancer?
Understanding Blood and Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Blood and mucus in the stool during bowel movements? Hello Doctor: For a long time, I have been taking laxatives or probiotics every other day or every two days to have a bowel movement (after taking them, I have at least 3-5 bowel movements in a day). If I don't take them, ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
This situation may be due to poor gastrointestinal function combined with swollen hemorrhoids. To rule out the possibility of colorectal cancer, it is advisable to have a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon arrange for a colonoscopy. Weight loss and loss of appetite, while s...[Read More] Understanding Blood and Mucus in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery: Costs and Payment Options
Gastric bypass surgery I currently weigh 173 pounds and am 5 feet 8 inches tall. I want to lose weight but have hit a plateau. I'm considering gastric bypass or other weight loss surgeries, but I'm unsure about the costs and whether payment plans are available.
Dr. Yu Mingchang Reply:
Hello: There is no installment plan, and the cost is approximately 150,000 NTD. The Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery: Costs and Payment Options
Understanding Weight Loss Surgery: Costs and Options Explained
Bariatric surgery Hello, I have been tall and strong since childhood. Currently, I am 173 cm and weigh 105 kg. I want to undergo weight loss surgery but I'm unsure how to calculate the costs and which type of surgery would be best for me.
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage for weight loss surgery is primarily based on the standards published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1991, which must meet the following criteria: 1. BMI ≥ 40, or BMI ≥ 35 with obesity-related comorbidities. 2....[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss Surgery: Costs and Options Explained
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, Dr. Ke. I recently asked about the issue of positive fecal occult blood and would like to inquire about it along with my symptoms. I apologize for the lengthy message. About a month ago, I started experiencing a dull, stabbing pain in my lower abdom...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
The likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at the age of 18 is not zero, but it is generally very low. Based on your description, the probability of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) seems higher. It is recommended to start with a light diet and maintain a good lifestyle. If sym...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Can Plastic Surgery Effectively Remove Stretch Marks After Weight Loss?
Eliminating stretch marks? Dear Doctor, I used to be overweight, but I have lost some weight. However, the stretch marks on my abdomen and chest are still very noticeable. Can this condition be improved through cosmetic surgery?
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
Some lotions, like Bounce Back, can slightly improve stretch marks, but cosmetic surgery is not an appropriate indication for this condition.[Read More] Can Plastic Surgery Effectively Remove Stretch Marks After Weight Loss?
Is This Hemorrhoids? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Could you please tell me if this is hemorrhoids? Hello, doctor. In the past, I experienced constipation due to weight loss (which I no longer have), and sometimes I would notice blood when having a bowel movement. Previously, when I showered and touched my anus, it didn't fe...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be hemorrhoids. An anal examination is necessary to differentiate it from anal polyps. If there is no pain or bleeding, surgery is not required. If you have engaged in anal intercourse, you should consider the possibility of genital warts (c...[Read More] Is This Hemorrhoids? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Why Is There Yellow Oily Discharge from the Anus?
There is sometimes a yellow oily discharge from the anus? The anus sometimes excretes a yellowish oil; why does this happen? Other than that, there are no significant issues, just a small amount of oil leaking out.
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Anal oil leakage may be related to an individual's dietary intake. Certain foods contain indigestible fats (such as some deep-sea fish), and consuming them in large quantities can lead to this condition. Additionally, individuals with poor fat absorption and digestion capabi...[Read More] Why Is There Yellow Oily Discharge from the Anus?
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?
Fat Burning vs. Vibration Machines: Do They Really Work?
Weight Loss vs. Butt Enhancement Machine Hello, I would like to ask about fat burning and weight loss. Generally speaking, it seems logical that exercise consumes fat, but there are machines like the vibrating buttock machines that you stand on, which claim to help slim the waist...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
Hello: It's true that relying on vibrations alone is not effective for fat reduction; to burn fat, a significant calorie expenditure is necessary. Simply not using muscles is ineffective. The claim that fat is broken down and absorbed by the body is a marketing slogan for la...[Read More] Fat Burning vs. Vibration Machines: Do They Really Work?
Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options Explained
Hemorrhoid issues Hello, doctor! I would like to ask why hemorrhoids at the anal opening only swell when using a sitting toilet, but not when using a squatting toilet. I do not experience pain or bleeding; I'm just curious about the reason behind this. Some pregnant women fi...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Hemorrhoids are varicosities of the veins at the anal opening, which can become inflamed or swollen due to increased pressure in the pelvic or abdominal cavity, circulation issues, or other conditions. They are not necessarily caused by a single factor. The swelling of hemorrhoid...[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options Explained
Understanding Persistent Diarrhea: Insights into Colitis and Digestive Health
Persistent loose stools? This summer, on July 13, I suddenly developed a fever and diarrhea (without pain). After that, I continued to have diarrhea (I consulted a doctor at a clinic). Around July 23, I was referred to Taipei Veterans General Hospital for further evaluation, wher...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: If the Veterans General Hospital performed a complete colonoscopy and reported no issues, then there should be no need for excessive worry. However, the change in diagnosis from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to ulcerative colitis should be clarified with your physician. I...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Diarrhea: Insights into Colitis and Digestive Health
Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Blood in Stool? Understanding the Risks
Do I need to undergo a colonoscopy? Recently, my mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer, which made me recall that I had experienced two instances of blood in my stool. I have since improved my bathroom habits and have not had any occurrences for six months! In the past month, I...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the current recommendation from the National Health Bureau is to begin fecal occult blood screening at the age of 50. If there are no symptoms, screening can be postponed until after turning 50. If there is rectal bleeding after the age of 40,...[Read More] Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Blood in Stool? Understanding the Risks
Unidentified Strands in Stool: What Could They Be?
There are unidentified objects appearing as streaks on the surface of the stool? There are unidentified objects on the stool that appear as segmented strands, and they do not resemble worms.
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: What color is it? Is there any blood? Do you have abdominal pain? Has there been any change in your bowel habits? Have you experienced any weight loss? Is there any anemia? Has this been occurring continuously? I apologize, but the information you provided is too limited f...[Read More] Unidentified Strands in Stool: What Could They Be?
Post-Surgery Weight Loss After Rectal Cancer Treatment: Causes and Solutions
Significant weight loss after rectal cancer surgery? Hello, doctor. My family member was diagnosed with rectal cancer in May of this year and subsequently underwent surgery for resection. After the surgery, they received radiation therapy and chemotherapy, with radiation therapy ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Surgical Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: The surgical and chemotherapy or radiotherapy processes for colorectal cancer can lead to significant physical and nutritional depletion. Additionally, treatment side effects, inc...[Read More] Post-Surgery Weight Loss After Rectal Cancer Treatment: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
Blood in stool A year ago, I had external hemorrhoids (I could clearly feel a soft protrusion outside the anus, and it was painful to sit and walk). I gradually improved with sitz baths, and the pain and protrusion disappeared. At that time, I experienced minor rectal bleeding du...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. It is possible. 2. This refers to upper gastrointestinal imaging or small bowel imaging, which is suitable for examining lesions in the stomach, duodenum, or small intestine. I'm not sure which part of the intestine you are referring to; if you mean the large intestine, t...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Diagnostic Insights
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