Made appointment with Rheumatologist. Feels very real now!

Avrielle

Feels so real... I have no idea what to expect. My appointment has been made for 2nd July, so not very far away really!

It's a strange feeling. Like it's more than just being told something is wrong with me from my GP. I always have things wrong with me, and while I am used to seeing various doctors and departments with regards to my injured foot (which isn't arthritis btw), it feels very different to come to terms that I have to see this rheumatologist, rather than coming to terms with seeing Physio, or Ortheapeadics.

Quick question for the people here though, have any of you been reffered to Pain Management for arthritis? And has it been helpful? Or does a Rheumatologist do pretty much the same thing?

dreamdaisy

This is indeed a slightly different thing as you are not sure yet what is wrong or what can be done. Diagnosis can be a lengthy process and there are no quick fixes. I have not yet been to a pain clinic but those who have usually report well about them. I think that much of pain management is to do with one's own attitude, if you allow it to beat you it will, but finding the energy to fight it is difficult at times. Anyhoo, you are one step nearer to finding out what is going on and that is a good thing. DD

Avrielle

Well, I am already refered to Pain Management for my foot, but have only had one appointment with this doctor back in March. There was a previous doctor I saw, but he was useless and has now retired so I have been passed on to his collegue who is great (and is the doppleganger of Afro Samurai - if you happen to be a fan of manga) and helped me with increasing my tablets for my foot pain.

I'm due to see him again in July.... I can't remember the date, but wont be too long after seeing the rheumatologist on the 2nd. But I'm concerned that I might be removed from Pain Management for the Rheumatology. I really don't want that to happen as I really like my Pain Management - Afro Samurai - doctor! Plus my partner has seen this Rheumatologist doctor before and claims he isn't very good and doesn't listen to you. After seeing the post appointment letters he wrote up on him, I agree since his letters may as well have been written about another patient. A lot of incorrect details etc. So I am concerned.

But I don't exactly have a lot of choice, so I will have to see this Rheumatologist doctor, but I definately don't want to lose my Pain Management doctor because of conflict with different treatments or whatever.

I have already asked my GP and he said that he honestly didn't know and it would be up to them. Just a bit sad that I might lose the only good doctor I have for a doctor who is infamous for not being very 'patient-friendly'.

frogmorton

Hi Avrielle

I am so pleased you have your appointment through so quickly.

Rheumatology is very different to pain clinics but you loose nothing by going to one of those in fact a lot have gained HUGELY from seeing pain clinics.

The rheumatologist will officially diagnose you if he can and then prescribe medications to slow down the disease. Things like disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs.

He can also prescribe pain relief and various tests (both of these can be prescribed by pain clinics too).

I do hope the rheumatologist is better with you than your Oh

Oddly enough he could well be after all we are all different. You take care and we will all be with you in spirit

Love

Toni xxx

tillytop

Hello Avrielle

I understand what you mean about it "feeling real" now but I am pleased you have an appt and it is not too far away.

In terms of what to expect at your appt - based on my experiences I think that, in addition to seeing the consultant, you may be sent for hand and foot x-rays and blood tests. I would expect the consultant to talk to you about when your symptoms started, and in which joints and about how your symptoms affect you throughout the day. The classic question if they are thinking about RA is whether you have significant "morning stiffness" and if so, how long it lasts and whether it eases when you begin to move around. He may well ask you if you are very fatigued. He may look at your joints to determine whether there is any obvious pain and/or swelling. Don't be surprised if he does not give you a diagnosis at this first appointment. He may well want to see you again once he has the results of any tests he has ordered.

I understand why you are worried about seeing this chap, based on your partner's experience and I really hope he is pleasant to you. One top tip I have learned over the years is to make a detailed list of symptoms and questions and take 2 copies with you to the appt - one for you to use as a "crib sheet" and one to give to him for his records. That way if you get tongue tied or forget what you need to say (as I do) nothing gets missed. I think you said before that you have already had some blood tests at the GP? If that is the case you might find it useful to get a copy of the results to take with you because I have found that the consultants don't always have access to that information and it is frustrating to find they need to repeat tests you have already had simply because the information hasn't reached the consultant.

Thinking of you and please do keep posting to let us know how things are going for you.

Tillyxxx

barbara12

Good Luck with it Avrielle, and dont forget to take along notes...ie pain ..any rashes ...swellings and any questions you may have x