1st appointment with rheumatologist

[sleepmonkey]

I have my first appointment with a rheumatologist in a few weeks. What should I expect? What should I take with me? What questions would you ask?

Thanks for any help.
Susan

[quietdynamics]

I would stop by GP office and pick up Lab work if you do not have copies (I always ask for lab to send me a copy and have my own). Prevents repeated tests and will show Rhuem changes over time if any. They will pick out what they need.

I take in a written sheet with all:
Drs.  Contact Info  Specialty

Meds/dose  who prescribed/ why

Symptoms (keep it short) when they started, happen, trigger

Questions/Concerns (short .. just a short note for discussion)

I also do not wear makeup to appt. so if I am pale from pain/stress I want the Dr. to see that.   

[sleepmonkey]

Thanks for the reply. What kind of tests do they do? I was told to expect to spend 4 hours at their office (that might be wait-time as well, not sure)
Susan

[McKorky]

4 hours? thats crazy. For my first Rheumy appointment it lasted between 1 and 2 hours with wait time and registration. At my appointment they did the basic. Blood pressure and whole family history, mine is also a teaching hospital so a student doctor cam in and asked the questions and examined my joints for swelling, the the actual doctor came in answered any questiones that i had and then ordered blood work and i was on my way.

Make a list of questions that you may have.
Medications that you are on.
Allergies.

Good luck!

Keep us updated!

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I would keep a symptoms diary. (I do) It helps concentrate the mind on what symptoms are most current - when they start and when they stop because things can fluctuate.

Before seeing the rheumy make a list of your most current symptoms.

Think about questions before hand. Write them down and work through them with the rheumy either taping - or writing down the answers
.
Take a list of any medications or supplements you are taking. It's so easy to forget something obvious during a consultation.

Good luck!  Scottie