When You Visit Your Doctor - Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• What medications do you take (including over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies)?
• Have you been ill recently?
• What other medical problems do you have?
• Could you be pregnant?
• Have you ever been tested for HIV?
• Have you had fever?
• Have you had rashes?
• Have you had diarrhea?
• Have you had abdominal pain?
• Have you had headache?
• Have you had neurologic symptoms?
• Have you been lightheaded?
• Have you been short of breath with minimal exertion?
• Have you had chest pain or pressure?
• Have you had a cough?
• Do you have any bruises or nosebleeds?
• Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
• If you are a woman, have you had unusually heavy menstrual periods?
• How long have you had symptoms?
• Does anyone else in your family have low platelets?
• How many alcoholic beverages do you drink in an average week?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

• Eyes
• Mouth
• Heart
• Lungs
• Abdomen
• Skin

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

• Blood tests, which might include complete blood count with microscopic evaluation, kidney function tests, liver function tests, antinuclear antibody, an HIV test
• Bone marrow biopsy