I've got an appointment – need advice

scozzie

Hi all,
Well, I've finally got my Rheumy appointment on July 11th – it was originally down for July 4th, but I had to change it as I will be in the middle of a holiday Cornwall at the time.
Ok, so now I need to ask advice – What information do I go armed with? Do I go with a list of questions or do I wait for a follow up appointment to ask those? What can I expect to happen?
Thank you in anticipation,
Scozzie

stickywicket

It's a long, long time since I had my first rheumatology appointment, scozzie, so I can't tell you what to expect.

Taking someone with you is always a good idea if possible as there are then two of you to remember what may seem to be a lot of stuff.

If you have questions, do take them. If not, just listen & raise any that may arise.

I hope it goes well.

woodbon

Hi, Glad you've got an appointment. Write down anything you would like to know as you think of it, they won't mind you reading them out, but I often find that the act of writting seems to make the question stick in my mind!
Take someone with you, if you can and take a note book, ask if the doctor minds you writing things down as your memory is poor! At the hospital I attend they include me in the list of people who get a letter summing up the visit, its a copy of what the GP gets. Also, my GP will give me a copy of hers if I've been missed out or (more likely) lost or the cats sat on it with muddy feet!!! (It has happened)
You may find that the rheammy sends you for blood tests and an x-ray of hands and feet, an MRI of neck, as these where problem areas. Hope all goes well for you and they can find something to help you feel better. Love Sue xxx

scozzie

Thank you Sticky and Sue, I'll keep what you suggested in mind.
Cheers, Scozzie

hileena111

Hi,
Yes always take a list :P Write them down as you think about them....what do you want to know, what about your symptoms, how often, how long, how bad etc......after you have scribbled it all down you can sort it out into more readable form........just put bullet points to jog your memory if you like.
I've got one on the 17th June and must start writing things down.
My hubby always comes with me.....jogs my memory if I forget something but more importantly when I come out I think.....what did he say about such and such a thing? and hubby can usually tell me.......Its your body and you are getting bombarded with all sorts of information and it doesnt always all sink in in one go {Or mine doesnt }

Love
Hileena

bubbadog

Hi Scozzie, I remember my 1st appt with consultant, I was so nervous and my head was all over the place. And when I saw the consultant my head went blank. So everything he was saying was going over my head and by the time I got out that door I couldn't remember a thing! So of course when your partner asks you how you got on you couldn't remember! So my suggestion is take a pad of questions you wanna ask, and make sure you have room to write down what the consultant tells you. And that way if anything comes up during the appt that you think of you can ask and jot down. I always take a pad to hospitals or doctors so I can jot stuff down or have a list of questions. Better to do than not! Hope this is helpful! Amanda, (bubbadog).

elnafinn

Hi Scozzie

I have bumped up an old thread for you, First appointment with Rheumatologist, which you may find of some help.

I wish you well at your appointment.

Elna x

scozzie

Thank you Elna that post was very enlightening.
And thank you to Amanda and Hileena for you input I shall it all onboard.
Scozzie

valval

hi take some one with you be prepared to be weighed might have to have bloods done some have x rays done(my rhummy does not belive in them)but they do differ as you can tell by replys take a list and any photos of swelling if you have had some and it gone now i never have any when have app. got one next week still hate going but meds he gave me worked great val