Blood disorders can turn into life-threatening conditions if they aren’t treated quickly. According to the National Cancer Institute, around 74% of cancer survivors in the U.S. will be 65 and older by 2040. You should consult with a hematologist if you have some form of blood cancer or any other blood disorder. Prepare to receive hematology services with the help of the information in this article.
Clear Out Your Schedule
After examining your current condition, the hematologist may determine that you need a blood transfusion. Blood transfusions can be lengthy procedures that take several hours to complete. Even if you don’t need a transfusion, your hematologist may need to run exams that also take a while to provide results. Therefore, there’s a good chance that your visit to the hematologist may run for a few hours.
If you’re set to receive hematology services on a specific date, clear your schedule for that day. Don’t set any appointments because you cannot be sure how long you’ll have to stay at the doctor’s office. Having a friend or family member who can accompany you home after your lengthy doctor’s appointment would also be ideal.
Prepare a Comprehensive Accounting of Your Medical History and Your Current Symptoms
Your doctor must fully understand your current condition before they can administer any hematology services. Because of that requirement, you should prepare for your appointment by creating a comprehensive accounting of your medical history. Go to your other doctors and ask for your records so you can present the most complete picture possible to your hematologist.
Don’t just focus on what your medical records say. You should also take note of how you are feeling currently. Write down any symptoms you experience and describe them as well as possible. Then, relay your symptoms to your hematologist so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
Continue Taking Your Medication
Lastly, patients scheduled for hematology appointments should continue taking their medication. Neglecting your medication will have an adverse effect on your condition. You may even struggle to make it through your hematology appointment because you avoided taking your medication at the appropriate time. So go ahead and take your medicine and just mention it to your hematologist when the appointment is underway.
Hematology services can help you overcome the medical issues you are currently struggling with. Schedule an appointment with a hematologist as soon as possible so you can receive the treatment you need. Get ready for that appointment by following the tips we detailed here. Contact Palo Verde Cancer Specialists today if you are looking for an expert hematologist!
Posted June 9, 2023
