I have to see a hematologist-what to expect

[happily single]

The title says it all. I’ve been pretty ill since July 14th. I just spoke with my PCP and based on my CBC results she is sending me for more blood work and to a hematologist.

The problem? Even typing the word blood makes me dizzy.

I understand every visit and reason for visit is different, but will they just review my results?

 

[McKelly]

What to expect? A large bill. I had to see a hematologist when I had a blood clot. Yowza he was expensive. Five minute visit to say, "you're fine." $950.00 - that was WITH the insurance discount.
Good Luck to you. I hope you get a "you're fine" too.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Where we went (Dana Farber Cancer Institute - Hematology and Oncology often go together) they re-drew blood upon arrival, which was ready by appt time, then the hematologist reviewed those most recent results, did a physical and assessment, and came up with a plan for going forward. Each visit was similar.

They do have good snacks and drinks while waiting, and the staff is nice.

 

[Brett Wyman]

They are just more skilled at reading and diagnosing your blood work than a PCP. Your PCP saw something in your numbers and wants the opinion of someone who specializes in that field. My wife is a hematology nurse practitioner specializing in cancers of the blood.

 

[HsvTeacher]

I had to see a hematology oncologist after my CBC came back with abnormal numbers. I’d been diagnosed with cancer three years earlier so I was scared. Turns out I had some benign parathyroid tumors that needed to be removed then my counts went back to normal.

 

[nicolita3]

I see a hematologist every 6 months for my anemia. The first visit they usually run a bunch of labs and ask a bunch of questions and will probably have you come back a week later to go over the results. I ended up having to have several rounds of IV iron. I still go every 6 months to check to make sure I am not anemic, or if I have my trigger symptoms I just call and tell them and they send me lab orders to get. The follow up appointments are usually really quick as they just read the labs, ask how I feel, and then let me know if I need another infusion or not.

 

[Someluck]

I see a hematologist for chronic anemia. They check my blood levels to see if I need an iron infusion or a blood transfusion. The appointment is usually blood draw, consult and then action plan, or schedule next visit. I hope your appointment is easy and uneventful.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I saw one for anemia, too, for many years. Lab on site drew labs when I arrived and the doctor had the results when we met. Went over them and they decided when/if I needed another iron infusion.

Thankfully, the one I saw also had an on-site infusion center.

 

[DonaldnDaisy5]

I visited one frequently when pregnant with our 3rd. I was the youngest patient in the office - which was nice because I was often one of the oldest pregnant patients at my Ob office - lol. They were kind, listened, ran their own blood work and got results super quick. Blood draws there spoiled me, never a second poke and never a bruise! In the end we had a healthy full term baby so it was well worth the extra pokes!

 

[PollyannaMom]

DS just saw one last week, and I’ve been many times. (Low platelets run in my family.)

They are expert blood-drawers, results are fast and accurate, and they know how to make you comfortable. (If you’re not comfortable, get a new one!)

 

[mzspaz]

I was referred to a Hematologist in February after something weird showed up on an MRI. I had been working with an Orthopedic Doctor for a knee injury and he ordered an MRI after month of little improvement. The day after I had the MRI, he called and had me go get bloodwork. A day after the bloodwork he called and referred me to a Hematologist. The concern was with a Bone Marrow Lesion that showed on the MRI. The blood work revealed elevated white blood cells.

In the middle of all of this was a dream Disney trip and cruise and the start of the corona craziness.

My first appointment with the Hematologist was a virtual appointment. She answered my questions and calmed some of my fears. She ordered up A LOT of bloodwork (7 vials of blood and one was a test that the tech had a hard time finding because it is not used often). The next step was when I heard from the Hematology PA and she sent me for a bone marrow biopsy. My next appointment with the Hematologist was also virtual and I received my diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. My Hematologist and her team have been fantastic and supportive.

My case was unusual and extreme (CML only makes up 15% of all leukemia cases and it was a complete fluke that it was caught early), so more than likely you won't have the same experience. But feel free to ask any questions or message me directly if you would like. It can be a scary experience and feel very isolating, but I assure you that you are not alone!

 

[pookybean]

I also see a hematologist for chronic anemia, i am not able to tolerate the iron pills so I go every 6 months or so for a top off of iv iron. They take my blood at the lab in the office and get the results fairly quickly. I then see the doctor who goes over how I am feeling and then make my appointments with the infusion center if I need them.

I was nervous the first time I had to go, it is with the oncology center so you are with lots of people who can be really sick and I thought that meant bad things for me too. The scheduler warned me of this, but it was still a little bit of a shock to see and realize the people sitting next to you in the infusion room are going through some really tough stuff :-(

Its been about 5 years now and I LOVE my hematologist, I wish I could see him for everything! I even look forward to my infusions, I get two hours to just sit back and relax alone!

 

[happily single]

I was referred to a Hematologist in February after something weird showed up on an MRI. I had been working with an Orthopedic Doctor for a knee injury and he ordered an MRI after month of little improvement. The day after I had the MRI, he called and had me go get bloodwork. A day after the bloodwork he called and referred me to a Hematologist. The concern was with a Bone Marrow Lesion that showed on the MRI. The blood work revealed elevated white blood cells.

In the middle of all of this was a dream Disney trip and cruise and the start of the corona craziness.

My first appointment with the Hematologist was a virtual appointment. She answered my questions and calmed some of my fears. She ordered up A LOT of bloodwork (7 vials of blood and one was a test that the tech had a hard time finding because it is not used often). The next step was when I heard from the Hematology PA and she sent me for a bone marrow biopsy. My next appointment with the Hematologist was also virtual and I received my diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. My Hematologist and her team have been fantastic and supportive.

My case was unusual and extreme (CML only makes up 15% of all leukemia cases and it was a complete fluke that it was caught early), so more than likely you won't have the same experience. But feel free to ask any questions or message me directly if you would like. It can be a scary experience and feel very isolating, but I assure you that you are not alone!

Thank you for sharing.
hoping all works out well for you!

 

[3threebabies]

I have never been good with needles. Years of allergy shots helped a little, especially since it is easy to turn my head away. Then I had a few horrible experiences at Quest when pregnant. I learned I am not an easy blood draw, and centers do not hire the most experienced. Oncology/hematology offices, however, usually have experienced techs. Not quite “iv team” at the hospital experienced, but steps above generic testing centers.

I have only had 1 arm available for blood draws for 9 years. I have found draws at onco/hemo fairly simple. They are used to patients who are hard to draw. Tell them your concerns. You will find them very understanding. I only had 1 negative experience from countless draws, and it was due to chemo and water and food fasting.

 

[3threebabies]

In addition to multiple vials, the more detailed blood tests do not get immediate results. You didn’t say if you are getting bloodwork at hemo appointment or before. CBC results are usually ready by the time I see my Dr. I see 2 different onco/hemo, and CBC is immediate at both. The rest of the results usually take overnight. Both of my offices send them out; one to Quest and the other to the system hospital across the street.

I wish you well.

 

[happily single]

In addition to multiple vials, the more detailed blood tests do not get immediate results. You didn’t say if you are getting bloodwork at hemo appointment or before. CBC results are usually ready by the time I see my Dr. I see 2 different onco/hemo, and CBC is immediate at both. The rest of the results usually take overnight. Both of my offices send them out; one to Quest and the other to the system hospital across the street.

I wish you well.

I did bloodwork at a regular lab yesterday. I’m not sure if the hematologist will do more. I’m still waiting for them to call with my appointment.

on a funny note-a word of advice. When they wrap your arm in the sticky tape all around your arm With the cotton pad, don’t try to use scissors to cut it off. I now have two bandages on my arm. Lol

 

[mzspaz]

Thank you for sharing.
hoping all works out well for you!

Thanks! I am doing better than expected and hit the "undetectable" mark earlier than expected. The cancer is not detected in my blood but will always be in my body so I will always be "in treatment". But it is a far better outcome than what I could have expected 20 years ago. My prognosis is good and I am able to start dreaming of my next Disney trip!

I did bloodwork at a regular lab yesterday. I’m not sure if the hematologist will do more. I’m still waiting for them to call with my appointment.

on a funny note-a word of advice. When they wrap your arm in the sticky tape all around your arm With the cotton pad, don’t try to use scissors to cut it off. I now have two bandages on my arm. Lol

A tip that I have learned if you have extra sticky tape......soak a paper towel in so baby oil and then use it to soften the tape before you remove it. I picked up that tip from the hospital when I had an unexpected stay. The fantastic nurse I had gave me some gel stuff that helped soften the adhesive from all the tape I had on me and made it easier to remove. Baby oil should do the same thing.

Good luck and if you need any support or have any questions, I would be happy to answer anything. Just shoot me a message!

 

[NotUrsula]

I have always found that a pair of first-aid scissors is a wonderful thing to keep in the house. They have a flat rounded tip on the bottom blade, so that you don't cut yourself when cutting next to the skin. (They are also very useful to safely cut out something stuck to a pet's fur.) You can get them quite cheaply on Amazon.

I second that hematologists tend to have very experienced phlebotomists on staff, so the jabs are not as bad as they usually are elsewhere.

 

[DisneyTeacher]

I love my hematologist and her entire staff. She’s in a large oncology center and her entire staff is very kind. I get labs when I arrive, go for scans, Ultrasounds, or any other tests scheduled, then see her. She usually has my labs back and we go over the results. We discuss what’s going on and any changes in treatment and we’re done.

It’s really like any other appointment with a specialist. I’ve seen two different hematologists and both have been very, very kind and caring. Both have taken more time than any other doctor I’ve ever see. My first hematologist probably talked to us for close to 90 minutes explaining absolutely every concern I had during my first appointment. I felt like I had known him for years. I hated to change doctors but I needed a hematologist connected to a larger hospital for more support services and was lucky enough to find another wonderful hematologist.