Been waiting since last October for my referral from my doctor for the pain in my hands. So glad got my appt. at last for Rheumatology team for 14th September have to take a urine sample just want to ask is there anything I should know before I go? Any info gratefully received.
X
Good news not too long to wait. Not a few notes down and keep a diary( eg morning stiffness or pain how long it lasts. Is walking effected or your hands etc )with photos. Good luck keep us posted x
Thank you will post how I get on x
They’m just ask you some questions. How would you describe your symptoms? When did you first notice? Any family history of RA? Or Psoriasis? Is it worse in the morning? Don’t worry. The medic is there to help. Good luck.
Thank you x
Best underwear! Sometimes they will want to examine you fully.
Oh really! Will do ha ha!
They will ask how do you rate the pain one being good ten being bad . Don’t give up best of luck 🤞
I would check your own joints leading up to the appointment they do a DAS score even though your new to this you could gently squeeze your joints even if mildly painful or swollen make a note . RA is mischievous and typically on the day of appointment all symptoms disappear only to reappear 2 days later .
Ah that’s a good point thank you for that tip x
Thank you
Hi Janet, I hope you don't have RA. This is a link to the NRAS website on how to get the best out of your first consultation. Worth a look at. Like others have said. Write down all the questions you have before the appointment. It will help you get the most out of it. Good luck
Copy and paste the link into a new browser window.
nras.org.uk/resource/gettin...
Thank you very much
There is some advice on the NRAS website about your first appointment - have a look.Be prepared with a summary of your illness - I find I always have to write it down in date order and note form.
Be prepared to be firm about how much it is affecting your life and don't allow yourself to agree that it's OK in any way.
You may not get a diagnosis for some time, other tests may be necessary, and treatment may not start immediately either, so don't get your hopes up too high.
Thank you I’ve been waiting a while for the appointment so at least I am being seen that gives me hope j don’t mind waiting a bit longer to get some answers thanks x
Hi JanetJAM . I'm in a similar boat. Finally got my rheuamtology appointment through for 7th September after my GP ran a full blood panel (following months of dealing with wrist and elbow pain). Positive RF and a raised ESR alongside serious anaemia have me bound for rheumatology.
I think I'm equal parts scared they WILL say it's RA and they WON'T say it's RA (is that bonkers?). If it is then obviously that sucks and I'll have to live with it but if they bin me off and say it isn't then I really don't know what's going on with me.
I've been reading through tips for first appointments and happy to hear anyone's advice on that. Trying to keep a log of symptoms (since I first had the blood tests in June the joint pain has gone from just wrist and elbows to knees, ankles, feet, shoulders and neck. Honestly, I sound like I'm rolling in bubble wrap when I move) and keep a time line of things as well as a list of questions.
Just thought I'd give a wave so say I'm there where you are.
xMx
Hi and thank you for your message. I haven’t had much from my GP just a phone appointment and an X-ray. She didn’t say much when she rang me just that it looked like moderate arthritis so im hoping to get some good info when I go for my referral.
Good luck with yours I will let you know how I get on.
Keep in touch x
first appointment 
How my first appointment went.....
First rheumatologist appointment 
First Appointment
