seeing Dr. Petrone on 3/2

[noeladevile]

I'm FINALLY seeing a rheum in a couple of weeks!  It will be my first visit in 15 years and I want to be prepared. 

What advice do those of you who see Dr. Petrone have to offer?
OR, rheum visit advice in general?  I definitely want to maximize my time...

Thanks!

[Scottietottie]

Hi Noeladevile 

The rheumy will probably want your medical history - so type it up beforehand.

I don't know if you've been keeping a symptom diary but I find that having one is handy. In my case symptoms come and go - or come and stay - and by noting things down I can keep track of how long a particular symptom has been bothering me and also keep track of medical advice sought - and when!

Make a list of current symptoms. If they are written down you can't forget one when you're actually at the appointment.  I also suggest making a list of questions you have for the rheumy and taking pen and paper with you to note the answers when you work through them.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

Take care - Scottie 

[Nancy60]

Dr. Petrone is very nice and personable, easy to talk to and willing to take the time to explain and answer questions.  At least she has always been that way with me and I have been seeing her for 6 or  7 years.  When I went, I was seeking a second opinion because I wasn't improving with the other Rheumy and he wouldn't diagnose anything or treat me with more than NSAIDS, and that wasn't helping very much.  I took copies of my positive lab tests (ANA, sed rate, low lymphocytes etc...) I typed up a chronological list of symptoms I had experienced over the years with dates, and treatments tried etc...She will ask questions to direct the appt and will likely order bloodwork etc...  She told me on my first visit she strongly suspected Sjogren's and possible Lupus, but I also had positive labwork already.  She will also investigate to rule in/out other possibilities if she needs to come to the right diagnosis.  She has ruled out a number of things with me.   Write down any questions or concerns you have to discuss with her also.  Hope you have a good appointment and that she is as good with you as she has been with me!

Nancy

[Madderakka]

One thing I've noticed doctors asking for now is the phone number and address of your primary care doctor and pharmacy you prefer to use. I always feel like an idiot because I don't know those two things. I know the name and street they are on, but not the phone number or exact address.

Start thinking of questions you have now and write them down so that you don't forget them. If this is your first visit, the amount of information you get can be overwhelming, so it will be hard to remember everything you wanted to say. Also, bring a notebook with you so that you can write down any instructions or answers.

Good luck with your visit!