Hello all, I finally have my first rheumatology appointment tomorrow morning - it’s been 6/7 long years getting to this point. Just wondering if anyone can give me any ideas/tips of what I should expect to happen in this appointment?
thanks in advance
Carrie xx
When I had my first appointment I dreaded it. However, it was not too bad. I was asked a lot of questions about the type of pain, the area of the pain and when the pain started. I had an examination that didn't last long, I was sent for X-rays on my knees, hands and feet. I was told that I had fibromyalgia that day, I have osteoarthritis in my knees, hands and feet. I was expecting these results. I am now waiting to go back for a further appointment because the occupational therapist I see thinks I have signs of rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and nerve damage in my neck and back.
Gentle hugs 💜
It really depends on the referral letter. Is it to get a diagnosis confirmed or is this the start of investigations. Normally x-rays and bloods and a detailed history will be taken on the first appointment. Have you a fibro diagnosis or is this the start of the journey towards a diagnosis, if the latter it's a very long road as everything else has to be ruled out before the fibro label is attached.
Hi Cazlou27They like most departments are tight on time.
If you have questions I would take them written down so you remember.
I took a history of the facts on a very brief CV style I had made. No emotions and just the basics on pain. (Intensify, where dull/Sharpe etc)
No more than 2 sides of A4 paper and concise.
Had tests and blood tests.
Still with them years after. Very helpful dept.
Hope it goes well
Gigi
thank you for your replies, the appt went well and I was “officially” diagnosed as having fibromyalgia. I was sent for some blood tests but that was about all they could do. She said I have to wait for the pain clinic to get any help with medication - which kinda sucks but I’ve gone this long so what’s a few more months! Just nice to know I’m not going insane and these symptoms are for a reason.
I have been diagnosed by a consultant privately as having fibro. I have had a few appointments now and it was getting expensive. He was prescribing me medication and said there was lots we could try. He is basically a rheumatologist, so I thought I may as well see the rheumatologist at Southend hospital and save the money. I had my appointment there last week and was told the NHS do not treat fibro and to go back to my GP. It nearly ended in an argument but I managed to control myself. So it seems you can pay for fibro treatment but not from the NHS even though the private consultant I saw is a colleague of the NHS doctor I visited.
Yes, I felt very much like here’s your diagnosis, I can’t do anything to help you, so you can go. Sad state of affairs we’re just expected to live with this.
My appt with the rheumatologist was very underwhelming. I got diagnosed by him over 10 yrs ago. My gp had done blood tests so he looked at the results, asked me what my symptoms were. He prodded me several places and said does that hurt? Then he said yes you probably have fibromyalgia and a degree of CFS. Referred me to occupational therapy to talk about pacing myself and that was basically it. Not been seen by anyone since. Apart from gp
Rheumatology asessment
Rheumatology (Fibromyalgia no such thing)
Rheumatology 
Results from rheumatology :(
