First rheumatologist appointment advice

[Pembrokeshiregirl]

Hi new here so wanted some advice for my first rheumatologist app on weds. Any tips on the questions to ask what are the most important things to tell him. I have pain in feet, hands, swollen ankles and painful shoulder. My right side is worse than my left. Not sure if that is significant. In a lot of pain so hoping he can give me a diagnosis and a plan for treatment. Any advice on what to expect welcome thanks

[Mmrr]

First appointments can be a bit anxiety provoking, but if you are well planned, which you seem to be then all should be well.

I always write things down as it keeps me on track and helps me highlight the important things, also if you can try and take someone with you for support.

You will most probably be asked for a history of why you are at rheumatology, try to be specific and give your history in order of the way things happened, but also be brief , if the rheumatologist wants more detail they will ask you to expand.

The details are important, so yes the right side being worse than the left could be important, the details assist with diagnosis.

Highlight how your health is impacting on your life, are you are able to work ? Undertake household tasks ? Walk ? Drive and so on.

You will also be asked about your family history, does anyone have asthma, psoriasis or RA amongst other things, so it might be worthwhile thinking about this before you attend.

Also have a list of the medicines you take now.

It is useful to wear clothes and shoes that are easy removed, as you should be examined and might have xrays / bloods taken.

As for questions to ask, you could ask about a diagnosis, although that might not be forthcoming until all investigations are completed, what can be done to help you in the meantime until a diagnosis and treatment is begun (possibly a steroid injection), how long the waiting list is for MRIs etc if you are offered them, will you be seen again at the clinic, when ?

I'm sure others will give lots of tips too.

Do let us know how you get on ?

[sylvi in reply to Mmrr]

A good answer darling I will also add take someone with you as you won't remember half what was said at your apt. You could ask if you can record the apt so you can recall afterwards what was said.xxx

[Pembrokeshiregirl in reply to sylvi]

Thanks was going on my own but will see if my sister will come with me. X

[Pembrokeshiregirl in reply to Mmrr]

Thanks for your reply. I am feeling nervous but will take your advice and write down some notes to take with me. Thanks again.

[oldtimer]

If you put 'first appointment' in the search box above, you will find lots of useful advice from previous answers to this question! Hope it goes well for you.

[JFlay]

Hi, just to add to the other comments, you may also have ultrasound scans done on your joints as well. I had everything done at the first appointment with the consultant and was given my diagnosis, but not all rheumy clinics operate in the same way. Hope it goes well.

[Mmrr in reply to JFlay]

Your experience sounds so positive, the way it should be !

[JFlay in reply to Mmrr]

Yes, it's an orthopaedic hospital with everything on site, very impressive! It's a shame not everywhere is the same.