What should I expect at 2nd Appointment with Rheumatologist

[Nanabrodie]

I had my first appointment 5 months ago when I was diagnosed with RA. At the time a number of X-rays were taken as well as blood tests. I guess tomorrow I’ll finally find out the results but I wonder if anyone can tell me what else I should expect. Is it just a case of seeing how I’m getting on with meds etc. I’m on quinoric but it doesn’t seem to be helping much.

[sylvi]

It will give you a chance as well as the rheumy to see how your getting on and to see how your meds are working and to see if they have be tweaked or not. Write down any concerns you have regarding your health and meds. These apts will now be part of your life for the rest of your life darling.xxxx

[Nanabrodie in reply to sylvi]

Thank you you’ve been really helpful

[stbernhard]

As Sylvi says, write down all the questions you have and make sure you get an answer for each one of them. For the first year after diagnosis, I kept a little graph journal with things like pain level, mood, fatigue level and a note on things I suddenly could not do anymore. That helped the rheumy to get a good picture at a few glances. The better you are prepared, the more you'll get out of your appointment. I wish you all the best.

[Nanabrodie in reply to stbernhard]

Thank you for your reply. I have been to see rheumatologist and she has given me methotrexate i . She offered me another short course of steroids but I declined as they not only upset my stomach they also caused me to gain weight and I don’t want to put on any more. I haven’t yet got to the stage where I am unable to do what I’ve always done other than my left hand and arm is getting weaker and gives me some discomfort. The pain and discomfort elsewhere comes and goes although I have occasionally experienced the odd painful day where everything seems to hurt and I do at times get very tired so I guess I’m in the early stages.