Initial consultation

[BakerMam]

Hi everyone, I have my first consultation with the Rheumatologist on Thursday. What can I expect from this? Will they be doing any tests or is it more of a chat?Many thanks

[Dinkie]

As Ajay says it can vary. I saw one rheumatologist privately - he was exceptionally dismissive (never have an appointment on a friday afternoon as all they want to do is to get home!). I saw an NHS one, in fact several appointments all with different locum doctors, all I had was one blood test, not one of them was interested in family members suffering lupus and MS and was told I had fibro, by the consultant writing it on a piece of paper and saying "go research it, I haven't time to explain it, we don't treat it here and I am referring you back to your GP" Other members here have had really good experiences - think it is pot luck really. You are able to ask for a particular hospital, so if you have any recommendations from friends/relatives etc it's worth putting in a request to go to one particular hospital where people have had good experiences.

Yet when I was referred to Guys & St Thomas's fibro clinic what a change - couldn't have been more helpful and understanding.

What I would say is make notes of everything you wish to say, take a diary of your symptoms so that you can refer to it, as I found as soon as I enter the consulting room the brain fails and fibro fog descends and I struggle to remember what it is I wanted to say.

Good luck I do hope it is a positive experience for you.

[Fluffyhop216034]

When i saw my rheumatologist, i had already had 1st set of bloods done before my appointment so she had results ready, i saw a nurse 1st did my weight and height, when i saw doctors she asked me about my symptoms and where i was suffering with pain ect. She then went over me with a fine tooth comb checking for pain areas, discussed my bloods, and an action plan as i had raised markers for imflamation, so she referred me for ultrasounds and re did my bloods. When she had all the results back from this she rang me to give me the diagnosis and referred me back to doctors so they could managed my medication.

[Cat00]

I did not have any tests other than she checked me for hypermobility and asked questions about whether I had psoriasis presumably trying rule out psoriasis arthritis.

[Lulu_Lollipop]

Hi BakerMam, I love your name! My Mum, who sadly died recently, was Baker by name, baker by nature 😋

In January I had my first appointment with Rheumatologist after years of suffering pain, which I didn't know whether it was down to age, stroke, brain surgery, menopause. I'd already had blood tests done by GP and no sign of rheumatism, but referred to the specialist as they're apparently good at looking at pain and stiffness etc. The man was good, he talked and asked me questions then got me up on the couch and felt my joints. Immediately said Osteoarthritis, which I really wasn't expecting. He then referred me for x-rays on knees, MRI on spine and ultrasound on shoulder. All of which have now been done and I'm waiting to get another appointment to see him. He said it will be in April. Not sure what to expect, but I guess the scans etc will tell him what's wrong with whatever and then I suppose it'll be physio (again, I had it after stroke) and possibly pain meds.

When's your appointment? All the best to you. Please let us know how you get on.

[Gigiruth]

Hi BakerMam When I first saw my consultant I took a 1 page health CV

I put down brief health history in date order.

Brief personal details that might be relevant.

Was so impressed he read it.

The outcome was a better informed diagnosis. He could tell I have some genetic issues. Confirmed by my sisters hospital. I have been able to be more specific in my self care and treatment.

An amazing NHS Consultant who supports me in managing my conditions.

Still with same doc 14yrs on.

I hope your appointment goes well.

Take care.

Gigi

[Shazzzy]

wow, when I saw rheumatologist he diagnosed me then said that’s it and gave me a leaflet about fibro.

[Charliebear1234]

Hi bakerMam, the rumatologist will basically examine you all over to deside what is wrong with you he will make his own analysis to what's happening to you I had bloods at docs and scans from brain scans basically all the scans you can have and if they carnt find anything your last call is rumatologist and they deside if it's fibromyalgia and diagnosis you 😞

[BakerMam]

Thank you all for your helpful experiences. I feel so fobbed off. The consultant asked me a few questions, put pressure on certain places and then referred me back to my GP for depression 😢. I have no energy for this