How to better understand ANA test in blood work, especially in the context of routine physicals and hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease)?

March 25th, 2023

A month and a half ago, I ate a salad from a deli store and experienced stomach issues, including excessive mucus and occasional blood streaks in my stool, which worsened to the point of only passing mucus without stool. I've taken antibiotics and other medications prescribed by my GI doctor, but the symptoms have persisted despite treatment. I had a sigmoidoscopy that showed normal results with small hemorrhoids. I'm concerned that this might be something more serious, like colon cancer. What could be causing these symptoms, and what further tests or treatments might be necessary?

July 9th, 2023

I’m experiencing severe period pain and brown-colored blood, which is unusual for me. I took Motrin before bed, but the pain woke me up. I’m 43 years old, had an ablation surgery two years ago to stop heavy blood flow, and recently took Doxycycline for a uterine infection. My periods became irregular after receiving the Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine. What could be causing this and what should I do?

June 3rd, 2023

I was walking off a curb and felt a cramp in my big toe, which is now swollen and painful, making it hard to walk without a limp. The pain comes and goes and is sensitive to the touch. I'm currently taking blood pressure and cholesterol medications and am 52 years old. What could be causing this and what should I do?

July 13th, 2024

I have a spot on my leg that has been there for a few years. It sometimes bleeds when I shave over it, and after it heals, it has scaly flaking around it that sometimes itches. I thought it might be a dermatofibroma. What could it be and should I be concerned?

March 4th, 2024