Advice needed for appointment

[Raven_claw]

Hi I have received my appointment through for my 1st visit to the Rheumatologist that specializes in connective tissue disease. I have recently been diagnosed with Cutaneous Lupus by the dermatologist but have lots of other symptoms that need investigation. It’s not until March but as I am a ‘list’ kind of person I have been starting to write down the things I want to discuss.

Does anyone have any advice on the questions I should be asking? I would really like to make the most of the appointment.

[Redfox25]

You're exactly like me! It's worth having a list of symptoms and photos of rashes.

Whilst you're there, you could also write down any medication they mention or other key bits of information so you can look it up after you've gone. Even better take someone with you to do that so you can focus on talking. Good luck.

[Oshgosh]

I usually take a post it note pack with me.

Have found by experience that if you take a sheaf of paperworkin,the consultant cringes.

I make a list of bullet points.

Write any answers or info down.

I take a pen that will clip to my top,so that I don’t lose it in my stressedstate.

[Roarah]

I write just a few questions about my concerns, no more than five, and I keep it in my purse until after the doctor is finished with their exam and has asked me the questions they are concerned with than when they ask me if I have any questions I will take out my note paper and pen and look over the questions I had pre written and usually I find I do not even need to ask them for the doctor has already addressed most issues. If there is something still pending I then ask it.

Let the doctor lead the way they know what they are doing and this will waste less of your visit's time.

Too much worrying weeks before your exam is potentially ruining today. Try to put the appointment out of your mind. Medical anxiety worsens our symptoms and might even create new ones. In place of worrying and planning how to be a patient think about and initiate what lifestyle changes might help you feel a bit better. Assess your daily activity level, diet, stress and sleep hygiene and adjust what needs tweaking.

Also do not expect too much from this visit. it might not produce the answers and relief of symptoms you are hoping for and this often sets patients up for disappointment. Chronic illnesses take lots of time diagnosing and even longer to relieve symptoms at times. Sadly we are in it for the long hall and some patience is helpful for us to keep from sometimes wrongly placing blame on doctors rather than accepting the the difficult nature of chronic disease.

[Raven_claw]

Thank you. I am so grateful for all the advice. I think the hardest thing I am coming to terms with is that we are in it for the long haul. I am very guilty of over managing everything! Just like to be efficient in every aspect of my life.

[Oshgosh in reply to Raven_claw]

I stick thepost it on the desk..then cross stuff off if they cover it. Anything left at the end I ask about..

Have a good day

[F1zz]

I'd take someone with you, I didn't and felt a bit overwhelmed x