Rheumatologist app

[Karen1983]

Hi all I am due to have my 1st rheumatologist appointment this week and was just wondering what to expect really any advice welcome please

[LuckyJC]

Best thing I did was write a long list of EVERY symptom, plus my entire medical history. She was the first specialist who was interested in all the weird medical stuff from years ago, and really wanted to 'join the dots'. With your current symptoms, it helps if you characterize the pain e.g. Is it stabbing, aching, throbbing etc? Also grade it out of 10. Print out your long list and take a copy for your rheumy and one for you. Some will want it, some won't but at least you've told them, plus it helps you to order your thoughts and symptoms in order of priority/severity. Also helps if you can quantify the effect your symptoms are having on your life - I've started to grade my symptoms for my rheumy by how much I'm moving and socialising, ranging from 'went out after work, danced til dawn', to 'went to work, went for one quick coffee at the weekend with a friend then home to rest', to 'off work, had to hold onto the walls to get from the bedroom to the kitchen'. It's easy to assume they know how disabling your symptoms are but they don't, so you need to really emphasize the quality of life (or lack of) that you have. Would also suggest asking who you contact if you feel worse e.g. Is there a nurse helpline you can ring between appointments? Hope that helps, and hope it goes well

[bluebell99 in reply to LuckyJC]

Take a copy of your repeat prescription and also list any over the counter medication. Say which medication has the most effect or not.

Wear loose comfortable clothing, either to remove or to make it easier for the rheumatologist to see and feel your movements.

Be prepared to have a lot of bloods taken, also your blood pressure and may be a urine sample.

Once you get past this you will feel relieved something is being done for you!.

[Karen1983]

Thanks a lot for your advice appreciate it

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Karen1983 ,

Good luck with your appointment, let us know how you get on.

We featured a couple of people's experiences of their first rheumatology appointment on our blog which you can read here;

Bronagh's experience - healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

Lynn's experience - healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

[Karen1983 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thank you Paul I've just read Bronagh's post and she is from northern Ireland also 😀