What happens at the first appointment with Rheumy Consultant

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Teapot
Teapot Member Posts: 271
edited 6. Apr 2013, 11:37 in Living with Arthritis archive
I have just had my doctors appointment and she has referred me to a rheumy consultant. Probably 8 weeks wait, not sure. Can anyone tell me what happens at the first appointment and what I should be prepared for. Just to let you all know I now have a new memory foam topper and pillow and have slept much better the last 2 nights.....hope it continues. Thanks for all your help

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  • dibdab
    dibdab Member Posts: 1,498
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Really glad the memory foam topper helped- I wouldn't be without mine and really notice the difference when we go on holiday.

    At my first rheumy appointment the doctor took a verbal history of things like swelling, inflammation, pain etc-how long, which joints etc. then he examined my hands/wrists which were my biggest problem. He wanted to know about which meds I took too. After that he sent me for x-rays and blood tests. At that point he diagnosed RA and started me on medication and wrote to my GP with the diagnosis-I had to get a prescription from the GP before starting meds. I had regular blood tests as soon as I started meds, and a review appointment 6 months later.

    I guess all doctors are different, but perhaps there is a broadly similar pattern to diagnosis?

    Hope you get your appointment through soon, and it produces the help you need.

    Deb
  • Teapot
    Teapot Member Posts: 271
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Many thanks Deb this really helps me to prepare for my first appointment. I just feel that I need the right meds instead of keep taking Ibroprophen. I am going to make some notes from my diary so I will be prepared for the questions. Thanks again and hope you have a good day. Valde
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hi Vald
    I am so glad you have manged some sleep....that in itself can make such a difference
    diddab has said it all really, but please make a list of anything you think is connected .....hair loss.. rashes...joint pain and swellings..
    And tale a list of questions with you...now a warning I had a rheumy that couldn't careless and I came out really deflated ..so if they try ans rush you out be ready to say I need some answers here..and stand your ground
    I do hope the appointments goes well for you ..and please let us know how you get on x
    Love
    Barbara
  • Teapot
    Teapot Member Posts: 271
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Thank you Barbara I will take your advice certainly. I hope I don't have to wait too long for my appointment and I will definitely let you all know how I get on. I will start my list now and also the questions I want to ask. I am so glad I found this forum as it really helps. No one else in my family suffers with RA so I did not have anyone to ask ......until now x Hope you are having a good day.
  • applerose
    applerose Member Posts: 3,621
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    I had to tell the rheumie my symptoms so I told him every symptom, even if I thought they weren't related to the RA. Then he examined my hands and feet. I was sent for xrays of my hands and feet and had blood tests done. I'd do as has been suggested and write everything down including any questions you have.
    Christine
  • Bioluminescence
    Bioluminescence Member Posts: 42
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    I also had an ultrasound done of my hands along with the xray as my symptoms hadn't been around for long. The might need to take a urine sample at the beginning so don't go with a completely empty bladder. It is worth having a good idea of your family history before you go. They also tend to want to know dates of when various pains or symptoms started so it might be a good idea to have a think before of when X started.
    Sometimes the consultant might have a look at some things like your scalp or check the joints for swelling or that sort of thing. I like to make a few notes before I go as sometimes I can forget to mention something otherwise. Its worth mentioning everything really even if it seems completely unrelated.

    To be honest, its just a general assessment and sending you off for a load of tests.
  • artistPipEmma
    artistPipEmma Member Posts: 1
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hope you get on well with first appointment.
    As you probably know by now, there are a variety of different types of arthritis, and it will help once the Consultant knows which type you have. If possible, have someone with you, a bit of personal support via friend or relative goes a long way. Be prepared for a long wait at Clinic! Often VERY busy! Stay positive, don't be nervous of telling it like it is. No heroics! That way you will get the best answers. Write down on a ready to hand piece of paper, any questions, and in case you forget make a note of answers. Keep an open mind to whatever the specialist suggests.
    GOOD LUCK!
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