first appointment with rheumatologist

jamila

I have my first appointment to see Rheumatologist in a couple of weeks.

I suffer in pain and stiffness in my feet, knees, hips, back, neck, wrists and fingers.

My GP has prescribed me naproxen 500mg. I was wandering if I continue to the naproxen leading up to my appointment with the consultant? Or should I stop taking the naproxen in case it affects any tests they may do?

Also does anyone know what sort of tests are done?

Many thanks

helpline_team

Dear Jamila,

Thanks for your post to Helplines. You normally do not stop taking the anti inflammatories, but check with your GP or pharamacist if you'd like some medical advice (we are lay people).

If the rheumatologist is going to do blood tests they will look for signs of inflammation - ESR and CRP are two that often the GP may have looked at already as well, but often these need to be repeated. Full blood count (FBC) may show signs that your immune system is working hard, and RF - rheumatoid factor is often done.

If it's harder to diagnose, there are many specialised tests that a rheumatologist may want to do, and perhaps images of affected joints.

Do come back to us if you'd like a chat or some information.

kind regards

Guy