What can I expect from first rheumy appointment?

Puschinka

Part of me can't wait to see rheumy tomorrow, so many questions to ask ... "why does this hurt, why does that hurt...why am I sooo tired all the time, why do I feel simply exhausted even after just an hour of light activitiy/housework... why do my fingers, wrists, shoulders ache, why do I feel less and less flexible, weeks ago my daily physio was almost a walk in the park, now it totally drains me and every move hurts various bodyparts
And what about these awful shin pains, why do my arms feel so weak all the time ( even doing my hair is a bit of an effort ).....
And that cold wet feeling I still get sometimes around my knees...
Is all this connected in some way with the OA in my knees, or is there another underlying health issue?
Will he/she think me a hypochondriac? Rush the appointment? Not listen to me properly?
Or take me seriously ( after all, my GP was concerned enough and they have brought the appnmnt forward), do some tests, ask questions and actually HELP me? :roll:
Maybe I'm being silly.... but I've felt awful all weekend and I just hope I don't come away there tomorrow feeling they think I'm a nutcase,wasting NHS time or that its all in my mind?!

I need some answers and know what's causing these symptoms.
Not expecting a miracle cure, just some answers... sorry for the moan and being a 'baby' ...
Can anyone tell me what I can expect tomorrow? Or suggest what else I should ask ? :?

Numptydumpty

Hi Puschinka, it's been so long since my first appointment, I can't remember much about it. It is a good idea though, to write down any questions you want to ask. Even now, I come away from appointments having forgotten to ask something important, unless I write it down.
I hope all goes well, and you get satisfactory answers.
Wishing you well,
Numpty

barking1

Hi Puschinka
firstly i will be there for pocket duty tommorow so try not to fret and secondly, i took a list with me on my first visit i have only been twice, like you i need to know why, and my first appointment went very well lots of xrays and blood tests but i have come to the conclusion not to expect to much as my second oppointment was not great, i think sometimes there just arnt any answers and personally i found that difficult to cope with i have oa of the spine and hips and my gp is treating me for polymyalgia as he is sure my other problems stem from that, but rhumie disagrees so go with an open mind and know that anything you dont find out you can chat to people on here who like you suffer the everyday trials of arthur and will listen and advice no matter what xx jane

stickywicket

I've just bumped up a previous 'first appt' thread called something like 'Please Help Me It's a Scary Time'. I hope it all goes well for you.

marrianne

Hi Puschinka, My first rheumy ,was years ago to ,Things havent changed that much but the hospital I go to has an excellant rheumy clinic with specialist nurses you will be in good hands Puschinka . it will be good to get a definate reason for the pain and the appropriate meds we usually give a sample of urine the first time and you will see either the consultant or registrar ...they will most likely want exrays blood etc good luck and available for pocket duty Marrianne

Puschinka

Thanx ever so much for offer of pocket duties, Jane and Marianne- it's muchly appreciated
Especially as I will be going on my own, which I don't really mind (never thought about bringing anyone along and I know they're all busy anyway)
I can see why it would be good to have someone there, 2 brains may remember more than just one and a friend could remind me if I forget to ask anything.
I'm not in any way worried about the examination or how many layers I have to take off :oops:
... the only thing that worries me really is that they'll think "oh yeah - and where DOESN'T it hurt?", not take me seriously and fob me off with "let's see how you feel in 3 month's time" or something similar.
Numpty - I've got a list of questions written out and am also taking pen and paper with me, thanks for the tip anyway.
Thanks Sticky for bumping that topic, I've read all those posts, that was interesting reading and I take some comfort from knowing that there are some people who worry even more about first appointments, so it's not unsusual too be a bit anxious then.
It's good to know as well, that people care.
You're a great bunch ! All of you. xx

frogmorton

Hi Puschinka

I will be thinking of you tomorrow - though not posting as tomorrow might be a bit manic :shock:

My first appointment consisted of bloods being taken, Xrays and an examination and a history taken from me.

So to prepare l would suggest you write succinctly:

What happened and when, for how long and what has it stopped you doing. How much out of ten is the pain etc. Don't forget to mention the tiredness etc...Oh and NO he/she will not think you are a hypochondriac

I am not worried about you being able to describe your symptoms...l think you do explain how you feel so well on here.

Fingers crossed you get a really good outcome .

Love and luck

Toni xxx

Puschinka

Thanks Toni, you've given me another thing to mention:
what it stops me doing. Good point! xx

frogmorton

Puschinka wrote:

Thanks Toni, you've given me another thing to mention:
what it stops me doing. Good point! xx

Well it's relevant...like driving the car....getting downstairs etc. I will be thinking of you tomorrow even if l don't get on

Love

Toni xxx