I felt lower abdominal pain after using the restroom and did a UTI home test which showed positive leukocytes and nitrites, but later had a negative urine PCR test. Can I have a UTI not detected by a urine PCR test?

October 23rd, 2024

I had an echocardiogram with contrast today and noticed concerning changes in my last EKG. My cardiologist didn't mention anything about it during our appointment. Can you review the notes from my 12-lead EKG and provide any insights? I'm particularly concerned about the right bundle branch block, changes that may indicate strain on the right ventricle, and a prolonged corrected QT interval. Could these issues be related to my stable sarcoidosis, smoking cannabis, or high blood pressure? Should I be worried about lung cancer, COPD, or other potential causes? How much should I worry about these findings, and will the echocardiogram with contrast provide more clarity?

December 22nd, 2023

I have been experiencing intermittent, slight bleeding on the toilet paper after bowel movements, which started a few weeks after a bout of food poisoning. This has happened in May and again in October, with very slight burning during and after bowel movements. I had a routine colonoscopy three years ago, which was normal, and I have had a recent rectal exam and stool guiac test, both negative. What could be causing this issue and why did it go away and come back?

August 12th, 2023

What may be the reason for feeling shortness of breath since childhood, and how can I get rid of it permanently?

May 13th, 2024

Does the AMA blood test rule out PBC? Does a slowly increasing ALP suggest PBC? What levels of ALP indicate PBC? What about close to that, like 170s? What other causes could elevate ALP levels, such as bone tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, metastatic issues, PBC, or blockage in the biliary tree? Can arthritis with bone spur formation cause ALP to rise?

April 22nd, 2023