Talking With Your Doctor

Your doctor is one of your most important resources for living well. It is through talking to your doctor that you will find the most effective strategies and methods for managing your bleeding disorder.

Be Prepared

From your first visit as a newly diagnosed patient to your regular comprehensive care visits, you can help your doctor help you by being prepared. Questions are an important way to be sure you get all the information you need.

Here are two sample checklists of questions. The main goal with both checklists is to help you get as much information as possible. The more information you have, the better you can partner with your doctor in making health care decisions.

Newly Diagnosed With Inhibitors—Questions

  • What type of inhibitor is it?
  • How severe is it?
  • Can I eliminate it?
  • Will there be more bleeds?
  • Will the bleeds be more serious?
  • Will the bleeds be more painful?
  • What treatments are available?
  • How safe are available treatments?
  • Can I treat bleeds at home or do I always have to go to an HTC?
  • Will I have to make changes in my lifestyle and that of my child?
  • Where can I get more information about daily management of inhibitors?

Considering Surgery—Questions

  • What surgical procedure are you recommending?
  • Why do I need the procedure?
  • Are there other ways to treat this condition without having this procedure?
  • How will this procedure benefit me?
  • What are the risks of having this procedure?
  • What will happen if I don't have this procedure?
  • How common is this procedure?
  • What is the success rate for people who have hemophilia with inhibitors?