How to See a Doctor About Anemia
Anemia, which is characterized by lowered red blood cell production, is a condition that can stand alone and cause such symptoms as shortness of breath and dizziness. However, it's also a condition that can exist concurrently with and exacerbate almost any other health issue, since anemia robs the body of oxygen. It never hurts to get an anemia test if you are concerned and are exhibiting symptoms.
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Instructions
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Make an Appointment
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Call your doctor and make an appointment. Just tell the advice nurse or whomever is doing the scheduling that you are concerned about anemia and desire a consultation.
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Keep a list of symptoms of anemia next to you in case you are asked about them by the nurse who is doing the scheduling.
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Recognize symptoms can include dizziness, shortness of breath, cold skin, lack of energy, general weakness and heart palpitations.
Discuss Your Symptoms With Your Doctor
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Tell your doctor that you are feeling overly tired (or whatever else you may be feeling) and can't pinpoint the reason. If you are a menstruating woman, you lose a considerable amount of blood each month, so this may be the cause of iron-deficiency anemia. However, anyone can experience anemia.
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Tell your doctor you would like to be sent to the lab to get a blood test for anemia. He shouldn't balk at this request. It's a relatively quick and easy test.
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Realize your doctor will receive the results from the lab in about a week.
Do Your Own Research
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Take your iron supplements or whatever medication is prescribed by your doctor if you are diagnosed with anemia.
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Consider staying on top of research through resources like Anemia.org (see Resources below).
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Read up on the condition and call your doctor back for a follow-up visit if your symptoms don't improve within 1 month.
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Tips & Warnings
When people go to see a doctor about any illness, they can forget some of the their symptoms, questions and concerns. This is due to the fact that a doctor's office can induce stress, and doctors are also under time constraints that can make the patient feel rushed. For this reason, you may wish to write your symptoms and questions down before you attend your appointment.
If your doctor says you don't need an anemia test but you really think it's a good idea, you can either make an appointment to see another doctor or schedule the test yourself. Call your health insurance provider to find out which option is more affordable.
