Blood Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Whether you know you have a blood disorder or suspect you might have one, getting information can be critical to managing the condition properly. In order to get the information you need, it's good to go prepared with the right questions when you see your doctor.

Here's a list of questions you might want to bring with you to your next doctor's appointment:

• Why do I have this condition? Knowing whether the disorder is hereditary or contracted through other means can help you make any lifestyle changes necessary to avoid passing it on. If it is hereditary, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling.
• How severe is my condition? Blood disorders can range from very mild to very severe. People with milder forms of the most common blood disorders, such as hemophilia, often only need to make special arrangements for surgeries or dental work. If you have a more severe form, however, you might need to take extra precautions to avoid getting hurt or bleeding dangerously. In addition, you might need medications.
• How can my blood disorder be treated? Most doctors will recommend preventative care as the most important part of maintaining your health. Regular physicals and blood tests will help determine how well your body is coping with the disorder. If you have a more severe blood disorder, you will likely require some form of medication or even a blood transfusion or plasma infusion. Some medications can make it difficult for your blood to clot, so your doctor will want to know about every medicine you take, both over-the-counter and prescription, when deciding how to treat your blood disorder.
• Do I need to make any lifestyle changes? Once a blood disorder is diagnosed, you might need to change the way you do certain things. For instance, many doctors recommend that hemophiliacs steer clear of alcohol while taking medications. In addition, oral health is particularly important for people with bleeding diseases, since decay and gum disease can put you at risk for bleeding and can require extra intervention. Dietary changes may also be necessary. You may want to address the question of exercise, since strenuous activity can sometimes put you at risk for muscle tears and bleeding. Asking your doctor about important changes will help you stay healthy.
• Are there any medicines or supplements I should avoid? Some common herbal and over-the-counter remedies can be harmful to people with blood disorders. Aspirin reduces your blood's ability to clot. Gingko Biloba has a similar effect. Your doctor can help you take care to stay away from any dangerous side effects of medicines.
• Should I make sure my condition is obvious in an emergency? If you are injured and unconscious, medical professionals will need to know about your blood disorder so that they can treat you more effectively. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a Medic Alert® bracelet or carry a medical ID card with you.
• How can I learn more about this condition? Information is often key to managing a medical problem. You may want to ask your doctor for recommendations on resources to find out more about the condition. Depending on your preference, you can ask for Web sites, books or magazines that will offer helpful updates and facts. Taking action to manage your health will empower you.

Resources

eBioCare.com (2000). Hemophilia community lifestyle issues. Retrieved September 24, 2007, from the eBioCare.com Web site:http://www.ebiocare.com/communities/hemophilia/lifestyle.html#z.

Krapp, Kristine, Ed. (2002).Bleeding Disorders. Retrieved September 23, 2007 from eNotes.com Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health Web site: http://www.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/bleeding-disorders.

Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (2007). Symptom: Bleeding symptoms. Retrieved September 23, 2007, from Wrong Diagnosis Web site: http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/bleeding_symptoms.htm/.