The doctor referred me to haematology for having thick blood. My first appointment (uk) is tomorrow, what happens please?
Would I get confirmation of a diagnosis, would I have a venesection (as I'm feeling pretty rubbish at the moment)
Sorry, I like to have things sorted in my head!
Dear emeraldpv, the first thing to say is don't worry.
I would imagine the first thing they will do is take a blood sample before you see the dr. Then the dr will discuss with you what is happening to your blood, what further tests they may want to do and what symptoms you are having, before talking about treatment.
No one can second guess whether you will have a venesection. But before you go think about what you hope to come away knowing, and write those questions down. It may be that the dr won't be able to give you absolute answers tomorrow if you are still needing other tests, but at least he or she will be able to tell you the process and maybe some of the most likely treatments.
Good luck. Fee
Hi
I agree with Fee. They will take bloods and chat about how you feel. Once they get the results they will be able to discuss next steps. The hematocrit is one of the important results for the blood thickness. I think looking on this site at the publications is good before you go so you are prepared more and can ask questions. Everyone here is very supportive so come back here too.
Good luck.
Claire x
Thanks, I always want things sorted, way too keen!
Hello Emeraldpv, I hope all goes well for you at your appointment. As Fee has said, you will have some blood tests and the haematologist will assess those and then discuss with you any further tests you may need to confirm your MPN, if you haven't yet had any tests carried out to determine your diagnosis it is unlikely that you will find out today. I know it's easy to say, but try not to worry too much, when you know exactly what MPN you have and what, if any, medication or treatment you need for it, you will be able to then read about it on our website at mpnvoice.org.uk and also read our treatment and medication leaflets, which you can download or I can send you some in the post
mpnvoice.org.uk/about-mpns/...
You can then come back to this forum and ask all your questions which we will all be more than happy to answer for you. We are here to help and support you as much as we can.
Best wishes, Maz
I went first thing this morning, I expected way too much. I've had another blood test for the jak2. It'll be a few weeks before I get the results.
Thanks
This JAK 2 mutant test is what most of us have had done, it is a good way of finding out what is going on with your bloods. Once I found out although I was very upset, it was a relief as I had suffered so much ill health over the years, now I take Hydroxycarbamide and Asprin, I feel so much better, I now keep fit, eat well, drink lots of water to keep everything flushed through and enjoy life to the full and most go on to live a normal life span.
Once you find out do come back to us, as we are all here for one another, it is a great support team, plus we are a rare bunch of people.
Jean
Thanks everyone, I'm not good with waiting. I waited a month for this one and optimistically thought I'd know today. Ah well, it's a lesson in patience
I know how you feel, I went on holiday while waiting for my results, and when I got back was told, but everyone said to me that I looked so well they could not believe I had anything wrong with me. It was just that wait.
Jean
What to expect at Hemaetologist appt? 
Suspected Pv gp referral to haematology
Update to Specialist 1st visit 
What to expect at start of Pegasys?
A week to go till 1st August
