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Haematology

Samkay79
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Hello. 

I guess I'm just a little nervous and looking for some advice. My gp has been running blood tests on me every 3/4 weeks for last few months whilst working to get my new diagnosed diabeties under control. I also have coeliac disease, diagnosed several years ago. 

This morning he phoned me to say my latest tests from last week are showing abnormal white blood cell and platelet counts and he recommended a referral to haematology. He did say it may be linked to the coelaics, but thought it best to check anyway. He also booked me for more bloods at the gp surgery in 2 weeks.

My mum had leukemia so I am obviously concerned about this, however I haven't really noticed any obvious symptoms except for some reddening of my skin on my arms, but that isn't a new thing really. I'm tired a lot of the time anyway and have lost weight recently, but assumed that was down to the diabetes management.

Anyway, all I wish to know really is what will probably happen at the haematology appointment when I get one? And is the timescale of the appointment scheduling an indicator of how serious the doc thinks things are? 

Thanks Sam 

 

 

  • Hello Sam and thanks for your post

    I'm not completely sure what will happen when you are seen at the haematology clinic. Individual specialists do things in different ways.  But it is very likely that the specialist will take a full history (ask you questions about your health). Then they may do a physical examination.

    Depending on the assessment the specialist may order further tests and ask to see you again when the results are available. It may take a while to get others tests organised. I don't think that it is common to get everything sorted in one visit.

    You might find that the specialist is able to give you an opinion on the day and there may be no need for further tests. But if they are unsure you may find that they are reluctant to say much at this first appointment. Please do not assume the worst if the specialist asks for more tests. This does not mean that anything serious is wrong.

    I'm not sure if you have been referred urgently or non urgently to see the haematologist. Most people who are referred urgently (seen within 2 weeks)  to a specialist worry, I think it is really hard not to, but a lot of the time urgent referrals don't turn out to have anything to do with cancer, the doctors just want to rule it out.

    I hope you know more about your situation soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk things through. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

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