Preparing for an appointment

Sickle cell anemia is usually diagnosed through genetic screening done when a baby is born. Those test results will likely be given to your family doctor or pediatrician. He or she will likely refer you to a doctor who specializes in blood disorders (hematologist) or a pediatric hematologist.

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

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Symptoms you've noticed, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment, and when they began
• Key personal information, including family medical history and whether anyone has sickle cell anemia or has the trait for it
• Questions to ask your doctor

Bring a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For sickle cell anemia, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my child's symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes?
• What tests are needed?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• What side effects are common with these treatments?
• Are there alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• What's my child's prognosis?
• Are there dietary or activity restrictions?
• Do you have brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• When did you notice your child's symptoms?
• Have they been continuous or occasional?
• What, if anything, seems to improve symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to worsen them?