What should I expect?

[SootyB]

I've got my first rheumatology appointment on Wednesday; I know I need to take a urine sample and a list of my current medication, but I don't really know what to expect of the appointment!

[helixhelix]

Hi there,

It's hard to say as some people (like me, thankfully) get wonderful docs who take time & listen. Others get less satisfying appointments. It may well be that you won't get a complete diagnosis straight away, but that she/he will want to do more blood tests and maybe some x-rays or scans. Doc will probably check your joints (usually by squeezing & prodding - ouch!) But it's worth trying to write down in advance a bit of the history - when you first had problems, which joints are tender and/or swollen, how bad pain is (scale of 1 to 10), how it changes day to day. If you're anything like me you forgot what you wanted to say... Good luck. Polly

[Hidden]

Be expected to strip to the waist down so no see through thongs lol x no joking aside were something easy to remove or maybe a skirt as they will normally want a good look as well as feel of your knees etc my hips were affected early so mine also wanted to see movement off my hips too,then my shoulders etc basically I had all off my joints looked at and felt so wear something easy to get off etc.

Write all your questions down because if your like me you will forget everything.

Hope all goes well take care x X

[Hidden]

Speaking as someone who has only just been formally diagnosed at 2nd rheumy apt I would recommend going in there with as few expectations as possible. Rheumatologists are just people and vary as much as any profession in their approach. For myself - although mine is pleasant if quite brisk and busy, I found my first appointment very unsatisfactory because I was in a post steroid high that day with nothing for him to see. I had assumed that like my GP he would say I had RA but instead he just said "inconclusive - come back in four months" which seemed, and has been an age, a rollercoaster really. If you go in with as few expectations as possible - very open minded - then whatever the outcome you won't feel as disapointed or upset as I did?

I wore thin leggings and a loose top and he only really checked out my fingers, knuckles and wrists - where most of the pain has been lately. He did get me to remove my shoes and socks- checked out my feet and felt my knees through my leggings - which I offered to remove but he said no this is fine. I was a bit embarrassed because my knees were damp from walking he dog in the rain but he just smiled and said one knee was a bit inflamed and he didn't need to see it to tell that? So as others have said take clothes that are easily removed but each rheumy is different in their approach to examination.

The best thing I did this time was to take photos of swollen joints to show them in case you have nothing to show on the day - and also record the whole consultation on my smart phone so I could listen to it and play it to my hubby who couldn't come with me. Good luck. Tilda T

[Tkachev]

My first appointment was many years ago. They asked lots of questions about where the pain was, how it was affecting my everyday life. they did a lot of feeling of joints, hands, feet knees but I didn't need to remove anything. At this appointment they usually prescribe new medication and tell you about the regular blood tests required and how and when to get these done.

The most important thing is they are going to try to help you so good luck.

Regards

E x

[sylvi]

Write down any questions you want to know the answers to.Take someone wth you so they can take in things you miss. Take a notebook as well to jot down anything that comes mind. Write down how the pain affects you,what drugs your taking,how it affects your day to day life. Write down everything you feel is relevent and how it affects your family as well. Hope it all goes well on wednesday. xx

[Treesha]

For my first appt I wore linen pants because it was a hot day. They where wide enough to go over my knees. I was sent away to have more blood tests ,xrays and MRI scans. For my second appt I was given an injection in my backside which I totally was not expecting. I did take photographic evidence of horrible swollen legs and ankles which my doc kept. Good luck you will be fine. Take care xxx

[SootyB]

Thanks, all! I'm from a healthcare background, but it's totally different on this side of the consultation! Now that I know roughly what might happen, and that I need very few expectations, all I need to do is muster up the energy to drag my bum out of bed early!

Sara xx

[englishmama0]

I've been diagnosed many years ago. Just remember to list all of your questions you need to know. Your rhumatoligest will check your joints, ask you questions about your daily problems, sleeping and walking (which was my problem and hands) You'll have monthly bloods, and be started on medication to help you. You'll go often until your blood levels show what amount you need. Good luck. Pam

[Hidden]

Sara, We'll be thinking of you tomorrow, so be sure to let us know how it all went. The others already said just what I was going to say. Write down everything you have trouble doing, even if it's only slight. Which joints and bones hurt, how much. when? List daily activities that are hard to do, or just painful, but you still do them, Then write your questions. If you have a good, compassionate Dr. he will voluntarily explain all you need to know, so that might prompt questions you would not think of ahead of time. God bless. Loret

[muffin]

My first appointment with my Rheumatologist took one and a half hours. I was down to my bra and pants and she didn't miss a thing. She was very thorough but extremely kind and I didn't feel intimidated at all.

I was pleased I had a answer to all my problems, in that she told me I had RA