What can I expect to happen at a hematology appointment?
Presumably you were referred to a hematologist by another physician? Your hematologist will discuss your health issue with you, and any factors relevant, such as the existing test results. They may also order another more specific blood test if relevant to your conditions. They will then discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with you. As always, if there's anything you don't understand during the consultation, be sure to ask. And yes, hematologists are indeed blood specialists. In the US they also often train in oncology as well (you often see the two subjects listed together as haem/onc). In other countries they may be completely different specialties.
Patients- What annoys you most about doctors?
I'd say its both. Doctors see a lot of people who come in with a certain agenda, which can often be driven by a combination of ignorance and the media. Therefore they start getting used to the idea that their patients are stupid. Then you come along, with your (no offense intended) unusually complex array of medical problems. The doctors are used to people with simpler problems, and yes, you're right, they LIKE to be right and are used to it. In addition, they've seen people who DO have simple problems but claim that they have a medical basis. I think at the end of the day, they're human, and can be prone to mistakes in diagnosis, as well as mistakes in dealing with other people. I'm not excusing it... but thats the way it is, noones perfect. Its great that you actually didn't just accept what they told you... they need people to question them, to increase the chances of them getting it right. On the other hand, you DID eventually get the right diagnoses. I'm going to venture that at some point, doctors DID get it right... but thats their job, and its more noticeable when they get it wrong.
Hematology is a branch of medicine concerning the study of blood, blood diseases, and the blood-forming organs. It includes problems with the bone marrow, white blood cells, red blood cells, blood vessels, platelets, spleen, lymph nodes, and the proteins involved in bleeding and clotting (hemostasis and thrombosis)."Hematology" comes from the Greek words haima, that means blood, and logos, that means to study or science. So, hematology is the science of blood. Blood is very different from other body tissue. Your blood is made of a solid and a liquid portion. The liquid portion is called plasma.Here are some diseases that hematologists can treat:Bone Marrow TransplantChronic Lymphocytic Anemia (CLL)Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)Hodgkin LymphomaNon-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)For more details, visit: Bone Marrow Transplants and Treatment of Hematological Disorders.
About going to a hematologist ?
A bone scan is almost painless- there is an injection of dye that can pinch, but then it's just a camera taking pictures. A bone marrow aspiration can be painful, but many doctors use numbing medicine or sedation. I answered your other question, and I still think there is something missing here. A white blood cell count of 4.4 is normal and not a reason for seeing a hematologist. A hematologist would not do a bone marrow aspiration for a WBC of 4.4- there would have to be another reason. I would call back your regular doctor and ask exactly why you are being referred to a hematologist. If they continue to say it's because of your WBC count being 4.4, ask why that's a problem, considering the normal range is about 4-10. As far as a first visit to a hematologist, the doctor will do a physical exam and decide what blood work should be done. He or she will definitely do more blood work. Then the doctor will decide when he or she wants to see you again or do blood work again. If you have any signs or symptoms that are troubling, he or she may order other tests.
Anemia in Dogs?
Has anyone every had a dog who suffered from Immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)? We lost our beloved shih tzu from it early December very suddenly (found out she had it on Saturday, we had to put her to sleep on Sunday). I was just wondering if anyone else had a pet die or survive from this disease? How is their quality of life if they survive? I'm not angry anymore, but interested in finding out more about this disorder.
Can a doctor refuse to treat a patient?
A doctor has the right to refuse to accept a new patient except on the grounds of discrimination. After under a doctor's care, the doctor must provide care unless the doctor terminates the relationship with sufficient notice "long in advance". See below. Emergency care cannot be refused. Since you are just out of the military, I recommend trying a VA hospital. FROM THE AMA: Opinion 8.11, "Neglect of Patient" states, "Once having undertaken a case, the physician should not neglect the patient." Refusing to see a patient might be considered neglect, unless the physician appropriately terminated the patient-physician relationship. Opinion 8.115, "Termination of the Patient-Physician Relationship" states that the physician should provide "notice to the patient, the relatives, or responsible friends sufficiently long in advance of withdrawal to permit another medical attendant to be secured." You should contact your state licensing board or medical society to find out what the regulations are in your state. Contact information of the licensing boards in all 50 states. http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/code-medical-ethics/frequently-asked-questions.shtml From California Patient Rights Generally speaking, once a patient/physician relationship is established, your doctor has an ongoing responsibility to you until the relationship is terminated. This obligation includes providing "coverage" for you when he or she is ill, on vacation, or treating other patients, etc. Such coverage is typically provided by other doctors who agree to be available to provide care in your doctor's absence. How Can I End the Patient/Physician Relationship? You can end the patient/physician relationship by explicitly telling your doctor that you no longer want to be treated by him or her. Can My Doctor End the Patient/Physician Relationship? Yes. The patient/physician relationship can be terminated by your doctor when he or she gives you notice and a reasonable opportunity to find substitute care. http://calpatientguide.org/i.html
A2AYes. Physicians are often paid relative to their productivity. Your appointment generally is in 15 minute slots, and they may book more than one patient for the same time slot to increase productivity. They expect to be able to go in, talk to you about your sore throat or back ache, assess you, diagnose you, prescribe medication if necessary, and send you on your way to move to the next patient. Imaging being the doctor who’s in a groove, plugging along through patient after patient and suddenly your day comes to a screeching halt when you get a patient that made an appointment saying they’re having cold symptoms whose answer to “what brings you in today?” starts with a, “Well, in 1982 I was riding my bike and I’ve just had this weird clicking in my knee sometimes I want to get checked out…oh and then I’ve been getting some stomach aches for the last 2 or 3 year…oh and also my husband has been telling me I’m snoring a lot…oh and I almost forgot! My heart does this funny little flutter when I’m walking sometimes…oh and…”You’ve allotted 15 minutes for this patient. Their complaints realistically are going to take closer an hour to get into and assess appropriately, and may even require more interventions during the appointment (EKG, referral to the emergency department, etc.). Your productivity has come to a screeching halt. All of your appointments for the rest of the day are severely behind schedule.So, if you’ve got a lot going on or this is the first time you’ve been to the doctor’s office in awhile, be up front about it so they can plan time for you accordingly.
My Girl has Sickle Cell Diease Hemoglobin SC, What can I aspect?
I just took a lesson in my science class about Sickle Cell Disease. She may experience some sudden pains throughout her body and may jerk forward and cry a lot. She might be paler then usual, or look yellow, and when she gets older she may experience some dizziness. She can do sports, but it may cause her to have more chronic pain, which is pain in the bones and such. If she is going through pain, then she needs to drink plenty of fluids, use a hot heating pad, and lots of rest. If it is very extreme, which is probably not the case, then she may need to get a blood and marrow transplant because Sickle Cell Disease (anemia) can cause liver and organ failure. Since sickle cells are shaped like a sickle or a crescent moon, the cells may clot the blood and reduce blood flow which causes organ failure. If you notice any bruised-looking spots on her skin, take her to the hospital to doctor immediately, because you wouldn't want to risk her blood getting stuck. I hope this helps and best of luck.