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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf your primary doctor suspects that you have myelofibrosis — often based on an enlarged spleen and abnormal blood tests — you're likely to be referred to a doctor who specializes in blood disorders (hematologist). Myelofibrosis is a complex disease, and you'll feel more comfortable if you're well prepared. These suggestions can help:
- Ask about tests. When you call to make your appointment, ask whether you need to prepare for any diagnostic tests you're likely to have. For instance, you might need to avoid eating and drinking or stop some medications before certain tests.
- Write down your signs and symptoms. Myelofibrosis may not cause problems in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, many people begin to notice signs and symptoms. Be sure to note any changes in your health and how long you've been experiencing them.
- List your medications. Bring a list of all the medications that you're taking — including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbs. Even better, bring the original bottles and a written list of the doses and directions.
- Write down questions for your doctor. During office visits, don't be afraid to ask questions or to speak up when you don't understand something your doctor says. Start with the problems that concern you most. If you run out of time, ask to speak with a nurse or physician's assistant or leave a message for your doctor.
- If possible, take along a family member or friend. It can be difficult to absorb all the information provided to you during an appointment. The person who accompanies you may remember something that you forgot or missed.
- Tefferi A. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of primary myelofibrosis (agnogenic myeloid metaplasia). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
- Tefferi A. Prognosis and treatment of primary myelofibrosis (agnogenic myeloid metaplasia). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
- Tefferi A. Pathogenic mechanisms in primary myelofibrosis (anogenic myeloid metaplasia). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
- Cervantes F. Modern management of myelofibrosis. British Journal of Haemotology. 2005;128(5):583-92.
- Papageorgiou SG, et al. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation as treatment for myelofibrosis. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2006;38(11):721-727.
- Idiopathic myelofibrosis. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/attachments/National/br_1190656475.pdf. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
- Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/myeloproliferative/HealthProfessional/page5. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
- Myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia. MayoClinic.org. http://www.mayoclinic.org/myelofibrosis/treatment.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
- Reduced-intensity transplants. National Marrow Donor Program. http://www.marrow.org/PATIENT/Undrstnd_Disease_Treat/Undrstnd_Treat_Opt/Lrn_BMT_Cord/R_Intensity_Tx/index.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
