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Dealing with Candida glabrata? in Women's Health · Mar 24, 2013

Dear deus ex machina, given the various symptoms you've detailed—which really go way beyond the scope of this specific thread—I've taken the liberty of pulling your post into its own dedicated topic titled Series of symptoms: speech changes, skin irritation, weakness, vision issues, joint pain... (click the link) and moved it over to the Health section.

Taking braces off too early? in Dentistry & Oral Hygiene · Mar 24, 2013

Hello,

We already have two dedicated threads regarding braces: Fixed Braces and Clear Aligners.

Due to some technical glitches making it difficult to merge these discussions, and since we want to avoid redundant threads, I’m going to close this one. Please redirect your questions to the appropriate existing thread.

Thanks for understanding.

MSCT scan in Health · Mar 24, 2013

action1, your post has been moved to the thread Radiological Imaging and Ionizing Radiation: Exposure and Risks (click the link).

Feeling terrible: fatigue, sore throat, headache, ear pressure, bloody phlegm, and trouble swallowin in Health · Mar 23, 2013

Hi, your post has been moved to the Vertigo thread (click the link here).

Data privacy in electronic health records (EHR) in Women's Health · Mar 23, 2013

It really depends on the hospital system. In some places, doctors have full access to everything—every test result, every department visit, all the medical history and data collected within that network.

Blood work results: help me make sense of these? in Health · Mar 23, 2013

tribalista, I've moved your post over to Lab Results (follow the link).

Since we already have a dedicated thread for interpreting lab work, along with specific discussions on blood draw procedures, I’m going to close this one out.

Thanks for understanding.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Mar 20, 2013

TheCloee's, your post has been moved to the thread PET/CT - interpreting results.

Kevin Garcia12 said:And what exactly is the question?

Please keep any further discussion regarding PET/CT findings within the designated thread. Thanks for understanding.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Mar 17, 2013

Lawrence Ortiz6 said:Hello,

Thanks for the input. If I have this right, I should probably ask my primary care physician for Amoxicillin?

Regarding those semen analysis results, maybe I wasn't clear: all the values are three times BETTER, not necessarily just higher than the reference range.

Hello,

Take those results to your family doctor; they’ll be the ones to decide on the next steps. One thing is certain: Ciprofloxacin usually requires a specialist's sign-off. Technically speaking, a GP shouldn't just prescribe it on their own whim, so your doctor likely won't write that specific one for you. Since Ampicillin and Amoxicillin share a very similar spectrum, she might opt for the latter.

Given the bacterial count, I assume you'll be put on some kind of treatment. It's relatively unlikely that these findings are the direct cause of fertility issues, though as I noted before, there is a possibility of temporary sperm motility drops due to this specific infection.

Best regards. 🙂

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Mar 15, 2013

Chris Howard3 said:Hello, we just received the serum results for Toxoplasma gondii. Three weeks ago, I posted the previous results for my 3.5-year-old child.
IgM positive
IgG 232
Avidity test performed - interpretation not possible!
Also, recent blood work:
alanine-aminotransferase 22 (9-20)
MCV 71.0 (73.8-89.4)
MCHC 23.6 (24.3-29.2)
Platelets 513 (150-450)
Segmented neutrophils 17 (30-72)
Lymphocytes 67 (15-55)
Monocytes 4 (5-13)
Atypical lymphocytes 7 (0)

I’ve only listed the values outside the normal range. What does this all mean collectively, and is this Toxoplasmosis dangerous? Liver enzymes have been trending down over the last month during monitoring.
Many thanks!

Ma'am,

To offer any concrete insight, one would need to compare the IgG antibody titer from the sample taken three weeks ago against the most recent one, and the specific testing method used must be known. If the IgG titer increases by at least two-fold or more while IgM is present—assuming an ELISA method was used—that could indicate a recent infection.

In the previous report, you mentioned the IgM titer and avidity, but the IgG titer wasn't specified. In this current report, the IgM titer isn't listed, only the IgG, and since avidity is undetermined, commenting on the full picture is difficult.

As I've noted before, if a recent infection with this parasite is confirmed, and the child is otherwise healthy with a strong immune system, the illness typically resolves on its own. In rare cases, complications can arise involving inflammation of the retina, heart, liver, lungs, brain, or meninges.

The situation is different, as previously stated, for individuals with compromised immunity (such as those with HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, patients battling malignancies, or those undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy).

If it is determined that the child has a fresh Toxoplasmosis infection—though I wouldn't presume to say that without a detailed review of all labs and a physical exam—an eye exam to check the fundus is recommended.

Best regards. 🙂

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Mar 15, 2013

Lawrence Ortiz6 said:Hello,

I'm looking for some help interpreting these results from an "EJACULATE bacteriology" test:

- Microscopic sample: polymorphonuclear: 0

- Enterococcus species: 100,000 CFU/ml

- ampicillin: S
- ciprofloxacin: S
- norfloxacin: S

KEY: S-sensitive, CFU- colony forming units.

I’m in my late twenties. This was ordered by my wife's OB-GYN as part of a fertility workup. For context, all the values from my semen analysis (taken from the same sample) are at least three times higher than the standard reference ranges.

Thanks in advance.

Hello,

Enterococcus spp. is a bacterium that normally lives in the gut—it's a standard resident there. However, when it shows up in the urinary or genital tract in significant numbers, it starts causing issues. It can reduce sperm motility, which can impact fertility to some degree.

If treatment is necessary, we use antibiotics that show sensitivity. Ideally, semi-synthetic penicillins are preferred whenever possible (assuming good sensitivity and no allergies).

Regarding the rest of your semen analysis, more isn't always better, but I can't comment on that without knowing specifically which parameters you're referring to.

Best regards. 🙂

Support resources for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses in Health · Mar 15, 2013

Jamie Chase said:''Tumors on both ovaries, likely cancer. Is that considered a stage? And how accurately can they determine the stage using just a pelvic ultrasound and color Doppler?

The diagnosis essentially translates to this: tumors on both ovaries, most likely carcinoma (malignant tumor)/cancer.

As Angela Wright mentioned, you can't truly pin down the stage of ovarian cancer until after surgery—once they actually perform the laparotomy, take tissue samples, and do the necessary washings.

Tutorial: The Ultimate "How-To" Guide (FAQ) in Forum Help! · Mar 15, 2013

Jeffrey Peterson said:So, moderators have special privileges or something?

Precisely. Moderators can customize their own signatures—playing with colors, font sizes, bolding, and so on. Some even have the tools to adjust signatures for other users.

Unfortunately, that level of editing isn't available to standard members.

If you want a specific look, just shoot me a private message or reach out to one of the moderators. Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll take care of the formatting for you.

Best, 🙂

Dog or cat bites... in Health · Mar 13, 2013

melloworca6 said:He mentioned he got his tetanus shot about five months ago. You think he needs a booster?

It really comes down to their lifetime vaccination history and whether those records are actually accessible. In any bite scenario, you have to verify the patient's full immunization status first—checking the exact number of doses and the specific dates they were administered.

Only then can you determine if a tetanus shot, a booster, or nothing at all is the right move.

Dog or cat bites... in Health · Mar 12, 2013

Noah Barnes3 said:A cat bit me, and now I’ve got two broken legs to show for it. Well, not literally, but I was trying to pick her up and she just lashed out because she was terrified. Poor thing looked so well-groomed and sweet, too. I even made sure to get my tetanus shot about five months ago, BUT my finger is swelling up like crazy right now and I am spiraling. I called the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see if they had any info on this specific case, but the guy on the line had absolutely no clue what I was talking about. I know, I know—everyone is just going to tell me to go to the ER, but if anyone here actually knows something useful, please, for the love of God, let me know. My finger is swollen, it hurts like hell, and I started feeling nauseous on the drive home. I can't tell if I'm just panicking or if something is actually wrong. I've been scouring the internet, but I can't find anything reliable. FORUM, HELP ME PLEASE!

Plus: My primary care doctor is ancient and honestly pretty incompetent, so I doubt she'd be much help if I actually went to see her. Should I even bother going in for blood work or something?!

Sir,

You aren't imagining things. Bite wounds—specifically those from cats—tend to have a much higher infection rate than dog bites.

Furthermore, as melloworca6 already pointed out, there is the lingering question of rabies exposure.

Your options are straightforward: head to the ER immediately to have the wound cleaned and determine if you need a tetanus shot (this depends on your vaccination history and how long it’s been since your last dose). Alternatively, you could see your primary care physician tomorrow (which you absolutely must do regardless), who will clean the wound, check your tetanus status, and then mandatory protocol requires them to refer you to the local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—specifically the epidemiology department. There, they will evaluate the circumstances of the bite and decide if you need rabies shots, or if the cat can be placed under veterinary observation.

In either scenario—whether it's an ER visit or a trip to your family doctor followed by an appointment with the CDC—you are looking at at least two separate consultations.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Mar 11, 2013

Brandon Walker10 said:Hi there. My child is eighteen months old, and we just had CMV testing done. The IgM came back negative, but the IgG is positive at 2.7 IU/ml via the EIA method. Reference values are >0.4 for positive and <0.4 for negative... I'm wondering if it's possible the child received those IgG antibodies through breast milk or in utero, or does this definitely mean they actually contracted the CMV virus? Thanks in advance for any insight.

Hello,

You've raised an interesting point. The exact timeline for maternal anti-CMV IgG antibodies to clear from a child's system isn't strictly defined in medical literature. Most studies suggest this happens over several months, typically by the first birthday. Intervals vary—some sources say 4 to 9 months, others suggest up to 8, some up to 12, and you might occasionally see data suggesting they can be detected even later.

What prompted the testing in the first place?

Support resources for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses in Health · Mar 11, 2013

I’d like to ask that we stop discussing alternative methods here.

Because of this specific discussion, the Health section guidelines have been revised. Please pay close attention:

Dear forum members,

We are updating and clarifying the rule regarding discussions about alternative treatments (anything that falls outside of mainstream medicine):
Quote:
Termination states:
8. The Health subforum is strictly tied to mainstream (conventional) science-based medicine. Imposing alternative viewpoints or treatment methods is not permitted. Within these rules, "alternative" refers to any substance or method that lacks support from official medical science—meaning they are viewed as either harmful or ineffective. For those topics, please use the Alternative Treatment subforum.
The rule is being modified and expanded. Read it carefully; violating it will result in sanctions.

In the Health and Pediatric Health sections, it is strictly prohibited to directly or indirectly testify in a positive light (sharing personal experiences such as, "I'm just sharing what worked for me, I'm not imposing it on others"), to solicit positive testimonials ("I just want to know if this ever helped anyone?"), or to push/advocate for:

a) Any form of "treatment" that does not fall under medicine and which the medical community considers life-threatening or dangerous (for instance, posting about MMS drops, colloidal silver, "Vitamin B17," or other toxins is forbidden), regardless of whether an individual believes these methods helped them;

b) Any form of "treatment" falling outside of mainstream medicine—excluding herbal preparations, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements (this means homeopathy, bioenergy, biorezonance, etc., are off-limits), regardless of perceived personal benefits;

c) Directly or indirectly advising others to abandon a therapy prescribed by doctors following standard professional protocols.

Discussing herbal preparations, vitamins, minerals, and supplements is allowed, provided they are not life-threatening toxins and provided the posts do not suggest acting contrary to a doctor's professional medical advice.
To be clear: moving forward, I will be issuing warnings or bans for posts that fall under points a, b, or c. If anyone wants to test that, be my guest.

Living with CSCR (Central Serous Chorioretinopathy) in Health · Mar 10, 2013

crimsonpuma10 said:First of all, greetings to everyone on the forum!
In addition to uveitis, I have been diagnosed with central serous retinopathy. I was told that this condition simply resolves on its own, so I haven't been using any eye drops for it. However, I am genuinely interested in understanding the potential long-term consequences of this disease, and I would appreciate it if someone could provide some insight... For me, this issue tends to flare up frequently; it persists for a while, disappears, and then inevitably returns. Initially, I thought I could link this retinopathy to periods of intense stress, but lately, it seems to be happening more often, even though the period of "visual correction" doesn't last nearly as long as it once did—back when it took about five months to clear. I haven't even bothered seeing an ophthalmologist specifically for this because, alongside the uveitis, it was treated as just a secondary issue, and I have never been prescribed any therapy intended to accelerate the recovery process. I have already undergone an OCT, which confirmed the diagnosis. What methods can I use to reduce the frequency of these central serous retinopathy episodes? What should my course of action be? Furthermore, would antidepressants be helpful in this regard (though I am not currently taking anything)?

Hello,

I've moved your post to this thread so you can read about others' experiences regarding this specific issue.

Unfortunately, as you can see here, there isn't a definitive solution when dealing with CSR.

When episodes recur, doctors experiment with various treatment approaches. However, research is still ongoing, and published studies haven't reached a consensus on whether current treatments actually work.

It's known that corticosteroids can trigger the condition, much like stress can. Stress spikes cortisol levels, yet the direct link between depression and cortisol remains somewhat murky, with conflicting research results.

Regarding depression, there is no single answer. Some studies suggest that individuals dealing with depression or adjustment disorders face a higher risk of the disease returning.

Given that, it seems logical to address mental health issues if they exist in someone experiencing recurring CSR episodes.

On the flip side, some research indicates that psychotropic medications—including antidepressants—might actually act as a risk factor for developing CSR.

Ultimately, there is no clear-cut answer to your questions or your dilemma.

I would suggest consulting ophthalmologists at Johns Hopkins Hospital or Mercy Hospital. They may be able to provide more specific guidance.

Best regards. 🙂

Health Subforum Rules - PLEASE READ! in Health · Mar 5, 2013

To all our community members,

We are updating and clarifying the policy regarding discussions about alternative medicine (anything falling outside the scope of mainstream medical practice):

fadedmarlin402 notes:
8. The Health subforum is strictly tied to conventional, science-based medicine. Imposing alternative views or treatment methods is prohibited. Within these rules, alternative medicine refers to any substances or methods that lack support from mainstream medicine and science—specifically those deemed harmful or ineffective. For such topics, please use the Alternative Medicine subforum.

The rule is being revised and expanded. Please read it carefully; failure to comply will result in sanctions.

In the Health and Pediatric Health sections, it is strictly prohibited to directly or indirectly testify in a positive light (sharing personal anecdotes like, "I’m just sharing what worked for me, not telling others to do it"), to solicit positive testimonials ("I'm just wondering if this has ever helped anyone"), or to advocate for/positively promote:

a) any form of "treatment" that falls outside of medicine and which the medical establishment considers life-threatening or dangerous (this includes, but is not limited to, MMS drops, colloidal silver, "Vitamin B17," and other toxins), regardless of whether an individual claims these methods helped them;

b) any form of "treatment" outside of mainstream medicine, with the exception of herbal preparations, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements (for instance, discussing homeopathy, bioenergy, or biorezonance is not permitted), regardless of whether an individual claims these methods helped them;

c) advising others, either directly or indirectly, to abandon a therapy prescribed by doctors following standard medical protocols.

Discussions regarding herbal preparations, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements are permitted, provided they are not toxic or life-threatening, and provided the posts do not suggest—directly or indirectly—that one should disregard the instructions of a licensed physician acting within professional standards.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Mar 2, 2013

Kate Kern said:My MPV came back at 10.7. The standard range is 6.8 to 10.4.
Basophils at 0.07. Normal range is 0–0.06.
AST is at 13. The reference range is 14 to 32.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 9. The normal range starts at 10.
GGT is at 8. The threshold starts at 10—24.
I've only noted the values that fell outside the normal range. Everything else came back within limits.

Microscopic sediment analysis—per field of view.
White blood cell count: 0-2. Reference range: 0-2. Everything looks normal.
The score sits at 0-2. The line is 0-2.
My squamous epithelial cell count is low, and the range is listed as 0-4.
High levels of saliva, yet zero glucose.
The bacteria count is negligible, yet the threshold sits at zero. It’s like being told you have a clean slate when the math says otherwise.

To whom it may concern,

The labs you mentioned are essentially normal. Those slightly low levels for AST, Alanine aminotransferase, and GGT? They don't carry any clinical weight.

I’ve been dealing with kidney issues for years now. Nothing major, just some persistent inconsistencies:
TSH at 7.37. The standard range is 0.27 to 4.2.

The results point toward subclinical hypothyroidism. Essentially, the thyroid isn't firing on all cylinders. I assume the actual hormone levels are still within the normal range. Treating this condition is a bit of a minefield; per current medical guidelines, medication is usually held in reserve for those with a TSH above 10, unless very specific criteria are met.

I'm exhausted. Completely drained. I can't even manage a decent meal. Honestly, I'm barely hanging on.
No, I'm seeing about this much in my office...

Your set of symptoms is fairly vague. I expect others here will weigh in, but in my view, this is drifting away from the core purpose of the group: providing clarity on lab results.

It might be worth starting a dedicated thread titled "Set of symptoms:..." followed by a list of the primary issues. We could use that space to dive deeper into specific problems and previous testing, perhaps even speculating on differential diagnoses and what further labs we might need.

When starting a new thread, consider these details: how long has this set of symptoms lasted? Be specific about what you're feeling—excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, fatigue, a lack of motivation, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. Did this hit you all at once or creep up slowly? Does the severity shift throughout the day? Are there specific triggers that make things worse or better? Think about how much this interferes with your daily routine. Have you noticed any weight loss or night sweats? How is your muscle tone? Mention any medications you’re currently taking, your sleep patterns, or if you've noticed any swollen lymph nodes. Regarding lab work: what tests have you completed? Include your blood pressure readings and results for serum electrolytes, glucose, creatinine, urea, sedimentation, CRP, and LDH. Also, note your diet, digestive habits, and whether you smoke or drink coffee. Finally, have you consulted any specialists yet?

I suggest we move this discussion—and everything else related to it—to its own dedicated thread.

Greetings. 🙂

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Mar 2, 2013

Dennis Rodriguez15 said:Neutrophil granulocytes. Essentially the front-line infantry of the immune system. When an infection hits, these cells are the first ones out of the barracks to engage. They don't wait for orders from high command; they just move in to neutralize the threat. My relative levels came back at 35.0%. The standard range sits between 44% and 72%. It’s a bit low. Like running a marathon on half a tank of gas—you can still move, but you aren't exactly cruising.
Reactive Lymphocytes. 6.2% H relative humidity. Zero.
Basophils 0.07 x10 /L (Reference range: 0.00 - 0.06)

To whom it may concern,

This kind of result often acts like a lingering footprint from a recent viral infection—the kind where you see reactive lymphocytes popping up in the bloodwork.

Urinalysis.
White blood cell count at 0-2.
Bacteria. Something about them.
It’s just some mucus.

The urinalysis looks clean, for all intents and purposes.

Are you still dealing with pain, burning, or discomfort during urination? Any unusual discharge? Frequent trips to the bathroom? Or perhaps issues with your stream?

feralhound61 said:I’m 22. A few months back, certain patches appeared on my skin. They started peeling and thickening, eventually losing all pigmentation. My dermatologist suspects lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. Following that, I had some blood work done. Everything came back low, with the exception of my White blood cell count. My liver enzymes—AST and Alanine aminotransferase—are also low. I’m wondering if those low values could be linked to this condition, or if there are other specific ailments where low AST and Alanine aminotransferase are common.

To whom it may concern,

What specific ranges for AST and Alanine aminotransferase are we actually discussing here? Generally speaking, low liver enzyme levels don't carry much clinical weight.

Chloe Garcia22 said:My son (14 years old) had his blood drawn because he’s dealing with a persistent ulcer on his lower leg.

Everything looks normal, except...
CRP at 4.1. Reference range is 0.1 to 2.8. Just a thought.
ASL-O levels sitting at 243. Reference range caps at 200. It's elevated. Just a data point on the page, but one worth noting.

He’s currently on a course of amoxicillin and an antibiotic cream, but there hasn't been any improvement. It's like applying a bandage to a leak that won't stop; the treatment just isn't holding.
Does this ASTO indicate strep in the bloodstream, and is amoxicillin strong enough to handle that specific bacteria?

Thanks.

To whom it may concern,

An ASTO result simply indicates that someone has been—or currently is—in contact with streptococcus. A single reading isn't exactly a smoking gun when it comes to timing; you can't rely on one test alone to determine if we're looking at a past infection or something active right now. It’s also a bit of a blind spot regarding location. The numbers won't tell you where the actual trouble started, whether it's the tonsils, the throat, the nasal cavity, or even the skin.

You haven't provided much to work with here. How long has this sore been present? Were there specific circumstances surrounding its onset? I also need to know the duration of the current treatment plan, whether there's an underlying diagnosis like diabetes or other chronic conditions, and if a wound culture has been performed. Is the condition worsening, and what exactly does the progression look like?