haemotology

jordan7j
jordan7j Bots Posts: 346
edited 18. Nov 2009, 15:20 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everyone, can anyone please tell me what happens at a haemotology appt? It says on the letter thi is just a consultation, whatever that means! my gp is sending me as I have quite a few unexplained bruises, have been checked before and found nothing in the usual blood tests. So just wondering what to expect. Only went to get new suply of mxt!! :)

Comments

  • annebr
    annebr Member Posts: 730
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,

    I have never been myself but I know someone who has. I imagine they will take blood and run lots of tests on it to see what problems you have, if any, how quickly it clots etc.

    I don't imagine there will be too much poking and prodding. Hope this helps? I am sure someone with more knowlwdge will be along soon.

    Anne
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I saw a consultant heamotologist when I was in hospital, after surgery, they deal with blood problems. My problem was like yours, lots of bruises. All he did was look at them and look at my blood test results. In my case it was the effects of lots of needles and blood thinning drugs. Basically I think its the blood they are interested in.

    I hope that makes a sort of sense!! :)
    Love Sue
  • ritwren
    ritwren Member Posts: 928
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have actually worked in a haematology clinic. We have a special system with the lab that they will put the blood results from a full blood count, including platelets (which can be low if you're bruising) on the computer system within an hour of getting them. We take the bloods at each visit and then the patient can see the Dr. with the most up to date blood results, them having been taken that day. The Dr will go through your medical history and ask what tablets you are on. They will then decide if you need treatment or a followup appointment based on all of this. Hope this is some help for you, I realise all hospitals are different.

    Good luck, do let us know how you do.
    rita
  • jordan7j
    jordan7j Bots Posts: 346
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Anne, will let you know what happens!
    Sue, glad its not just me with bruises! have had checks before, but can neve find anything, I bruise at the slightest knock. When bitten by an autistic child in school on inside of forearm the bruise covered from wrist to elbow, still couldnt find any reason
    Rita, thanks for all the info, that helps alot, was just wondering why more bloods being done, when nothing ever shows up. Will let you all know what happens :):)
  • c4thyg
    c4thyg Member Posts: 542
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I go to haematology most weeks because I have ITP where my immune system destroys my platelets (clotting cells) as well as my joints. I have a blood draw done every time I go and the main thing we monitor is my platelet count. If you are bruising they will definitely look at this. It can be caused by lots of meds in particular anti-inflammatories and methotrexate (neither of which I can take any more). I doubt that they would do any more than a blood draw and physical exam on the first visit. Good luck with your appointment.

Categories