First hospital visit

[bflat]

What happens at your first visit , I just dint know what to expect ,

[Smiler53]

The NRAS site can help you with that.

Welcome to the community for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is run by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) and exists to help you find support and information from other people living with RA. You may be newly diagnosed or have had RA for some time or you might not have a diagnosis yet - everyone is welcome! NRAS also support people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and other forms of inflammatory arthritis. NRAS is a UK based charity providing support, information and advocacy for people with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, their families, friends and carers. Our vision is for everyone with RA to be able to live the life they want to. We have a helpline which is open Mon-Fri, 9.30am - 4.30pm and is free for landlines. We also have a huge range of free information booklets available to order or download from our website.

[farm123]

In our unit they do blood pressure, weight, height and urine test before seeing consultant. The consultant will go through your medical history, present symptoms. meds you are currently on and do a joint examination (depending on what you wear will influence how much you need to undress - short sleeve top and skirt or trousers you can get above your knees and easy to remove shoes and you may not need to take anything off - tidy underwear just in case you need to remove top layer!). Then out to the nurse for blood test. Some people will get sent for an xray but not all. If possible take someone with you as it is difficult to take it all in.

Have a short bullet point 'reminder' list you can easily refer to: how you feel, joints affected, meds, questions you have. Unfortunately you may not get all the answers regarding diagnosis and treatment at your first appointment. Farm

[bflat in reply to farm123]

ah thank you , im no gpod with anything medical just go to bits , im a big wus realy

[Mhairi54 in reply to bflat]

So am I, I've always ended up crying at all my appointments, I'm rubbish. I think it helps them realise just how awful this disease can be though. I just had my first appointment a few weeks ago. I had high hopes that they would work their magic and make me better, but now know that it can be quite a long process for them to figure out what's going on. Fingers crossed that you get some answers.

[farm123 in reply to bflat]

Tissues are the other thing to take! The amount of times I have cried during an appointment which is another reason to take someone close with you as if you go to bits they can help explain. Sometimes it is a comment of what you cannot do that catches their attention as much an examination of joints. Farm

[bflat in reply to farm123]

I thought I was the only person to cry , I cried at my gp apointment , he gave me tissues , and I felt a real idiot , still watching for my appointment to drop through the door , get the feeling it will be ages yet ,

[flow4 in reply to bflat]

I cry at appointments too. It's not just sadness, it's frustration too, and even anger sometimes.

[TerrilouiseS]

I took a list of all symptoms I had in case I forgot anything (bad brain fog at the time lol) they weigh you, blood pressure, take bloods, ask for medical history and for a detailed account of your symptoms and when they began etc. Family history of autoimmune diseases etc. They may also ask you to take your clothes off (underwear on) to do a physical exam of your joints and your pains points. Nothing to worry about, I was not prepared for this and felt slightly embarrassed at my underwear choice silly I know.

I also researched different treatment options before going so I knew what I would accept and wouldn't before I went or at least had a clue.

So much info to take on board. Take someone with you so they can remember what happened.

They may also do X-rays to check joint conditions so wear clothes easy to get on and off.

I balled my eyes out, it was a relief to know I finally had someone who could help (it took me almost two years to get a rheumatologist appointment).

Best of luck

T xx

[bflat in reply to TerrilouiseS]

im going to make a list , I think its a good idea , as I dont seem to be good at remembering things but always remember when its too late , and im crying at the drop if a hat too , iI thought it was just me but we all seem to be in the same boat

[TerrilouiseS in reply to bflat]

Yep you are certainly not alone. Pain and loneliness in your pain does it in sure. Throughout the very foggy times I made endless lists. There are also arthritis tracking apps which I tried as when you go you might think oh it hasn't been that bad. Sometimes a daily account can make your evidence base. I don't know recording gave me some kind of control over what was happening. Very best of luck for your appointment, gentle hugs

T xx

[Hidden in reply to bflat]

oh hun, you are not alone. We all feel overwhelmed when a doctor is examining us. Please take a trusted friend with you to your appointment. You may feel lost during your appointment, but I'm sure your buddy will fill in the blanks.

I wish you well

Sue

[bflat]

hi , thank you , intrested in the app think it sounds great ill have a lookfor one , ive had two good days in a row so im now saying it cant be ra , so yes iI think your right an app is just what iI neec

[farm123 in reply to bflat]

Don't do anything rash like cancelling your appointment as this *** disease keeps changing and is up and down a lot of the time and you can get good and bad days with no rhyme or reason. Farm

[JudyW5 in reply to farm123]

It does keep changing. It's just like the British weather! One or two sunny days don't cancel out the rain!

[Hidden in reply to JudyW5]

Oh I like your reply of the British weather!! I would be suffering with a swollen knee for weeks, then at my appointment my knee would be fine....I've learned to take photos of my swollen "bits" to show to my doctors that I'm not crazy.

[JudyW5 in reply to Hidden]

Photos are a good idea. I never thought of that! I had an appointment this morning and fortunately (and I think it's because of the weather we have been having) my hands are quite swollen. It was a good appointment and I like my rheumatologist - he listens well and we worked out a new system of treatment. So a good day!

It's fortunate that I can swipe type on my tablet, so I can keep in touch on here and by email with my friends, in spite of swollen hands. Blessings