Preparing for an appointment

Start by making an appointment with your primary care doctor. He or she might then refer you to a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders (hematologist). If aplastic anemia comes on suddenly, your treatment might begin in the emergency room.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms and when they began
• Key personal information, including any recent life changes, such as a new job, particularly one that exposes you to chemicals
• Medications, vitamins and other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or a friend with you to your doctor, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For aplastic anemia, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What's my prognosis?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• Are there alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• I have another health condition. How can I best manage them together?
• Do you have brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• Have you had recent infections?
• Have you bled unexpectedly?
• Are you more tired than usual?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• Does anything appear to worsen your symptoms?