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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a doctor who specializes in blood conditions (hematologist).
For the best care, it's a good idea to come prepared for your appointment. Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem minor or unrelated to the reason you scheduled the appointment. Be as specific as possible. If you're experiencing dizziness or shortness or breath, for instance, write down any activity that seemed to prompt it. If you have numbness or tingling, pinpoint where you're feeling those sensations. Also write down any questions you have for your doctor.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, as well. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- How frequent are your symptoms? For instance, do you notice dizziness, chest pain or itchiness every day? Several times a week?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? For instance, are you more short of breath when you lie down? Does your itchiness increase after a warm bath or shower?
- What, if anything, appears to improve your symptoms?
- Diseases and conditions index: What is polycythemia vera. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/poly/poly_whatis.html. Accessed Jan. 21, 2009.
- Tefferi A, et al. Prognosis and treatment of polycythemia vera. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2009.
- Sirhan S, et al. Management of polycythemia vera. In: Silver RT. Myeloproliferative Disorders: Biology and Management. New York, N.Y.: Informa Healthcare; 2008:87.
- Polycythemia vera. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. www.merck.com/mmpe/sec11/ch141/ch141d.html#sec11-ch141-ch141d-694. Accessed Feb. 5, 2009.
- P-32. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=44869. Accessed Feb. 14, 2009.
