Question 1

I'm dealing with this twitching on my left index finger that started a couple of days ago. It's just that one finger and it only lasts a few minutes, but it keeps happening. I'm kind of worried about what could be causing it and wondering if it's something serious. Is there a way to sort this out on my own, or do I need to see a doctor? Any insights would be really helpful.

Accepted Answer

The twitching in your left index finger could be due to minor causes such as fatigue, caffeine or nicotine consumption, nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, potassium, or calcium), or temporary nerve irritation, but in rare cases, it could be an early sign of a neurological condition like benign fasciculation syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Question 2

What exactly is this viral load thing I've been hearing about? I'm stressing about my health a lot. Is hepatitis B something that can be cured? My test results came back saying HBsAg is provisionally reactive, and the lab suggested I get an HBsAg con...

Accepted Answer

Viral load refers to the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present in your blood; a confirmatory test will determine if you're infected; Hepatitis B can be managed, but not completely cured; symptoms like fatigue and weight loss can occur, but it's essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment; acute HBV is typically self-limiting, while chronic HBV requires ongoing management; it's not immediately life-threatening, but if left untreated, can lead to liver damage or cancer; schedule an appointment with a hepatologist or gastroenterologist to discuss your results, determine the stage of infection, and develop a treatment plan.

Question 3

Rat bit me on my hand today and there was some bleeding from the wound. I'm really worried about what to do next. Can you tell me what medicines or precautions I should take?

Accepted Answer

Rat bites can lead to infections and other complications. It's important to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic ointment like Neosporin to prevent infection. Additionally, you should get a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in the last 5 years. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics such as Augmentin to prevent infection. Keep the wound clean and covered, and monitor for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or increased pain. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention promptly.

Question 4

I recently did an SGPT test, and the value came back as 64. My SGOT and GGT reports are normal, though. Is this something I should be worried about, or is it okay?

Accepted Answer

An SGPT level of 64 is slightly elevated, which may indicate some liver inflammation or damage. To help lower your SGPT levels, you can consider taking Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Additionally, it is important to avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and follow a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise can also help improve liver health.

Question 5

I'm really worried about my friend who smokes a lot. Do you have any suggestions on how he could quit smoking? Also, he doesn't eat much and is really thin. What can he do to gain some weight in a healthy way?

Accepted Answer

To help your friend quit smoking, I recommend using Nicotine replacement therapy. He can try Nicorette gum or patches to help reduce cravings. Additionally, he can try prescription medications like Chantix or Zyban to help with withdrawal symptoms. It's also important for him to seek support from a counselor or join a smoking cessation program for additional help and motivation. To address his concern about not eating much and being thin, he can try consuming calorie-dense foods like nuts, avocados, and nut butter. He can also try drinking protein shakes or smoothies to increase his calorie intake. Additionally, he should focus on eating frequent small meals throughout the day to help with weight gain.

Question 6

I'm dealing with an infection in my private area since last July. I've tried different treatments, but there's always a small patch that never fully heals, and then another one appears. I've used plenty of medicines and creams, but the issue just won...

Accepted Answer

When scheduled for a thyroid function test (TFT), it's recommended to withhold Thyronorm (levothyroxine) for 24-48 hours before the blood test.

Taking Thyronorm on the day of the test may affect the accuracy of the results, particularly the TSH levels.

Stop Thyronorm 24-48 hours prior to the test.

Consult your doctor or endocrinologist for personalized advice.

Follow instructions to ensure accurate test results.

Reschedule the test if you've taken Thyronorm on the same day

Related Questions

What exactly is this viral load thing I've been hearing about? I'm stressing about my health a lot. Is hepatitis B something that can be cured? My test results came back saying HBsAg is provisionally reactive, and the lab suggested I get an HBsAg con...

Rat bit me on my hand today and there was some bleeding from the wound. I'm really worried about what to do next. Can you tell me what medicines or precautions I should take?

I recently did an SGPT test, and the value came back as 64. My SGOT and GGT reports are normal, though. Is this something I should be worried about, or is it okay?

I'm really worried about my friend who smokes a lot. Do you have any suggestions on how he could quit smoking? Also, he doesn't eat much and is really thin. What can he do to gain some weight in a healthy way?

I'm dealing with an infection in my private area since last July. I've tried different treatments, but there's always a small patch that never fully heals, and then another one appears. I've used plenty of medicines and creams, but the issue just won...

General Physician/ Internal Medicine

Get medicines delivered in 2 hrs