First rheumatology appointment

Jewels

Hi all I have my first appointment with rheumatology next Friday and I don't know what to expect from it. Can anyone tell me what will happen and should I write a list of questions thanks for reading x

Jona

Hi Jewels,

Yes yes yes write everything down especially all you want to ask the consultant and all your symptoms too as it can all be a bit overwhelming my first time was what the hell, I didn’t take it all in

good luck

Jona 😊

Lilymary

Not only write a list before you go in, take notes during the consultation. The doc won’t mind, and it’s really helpful later. Good luck.

stickywicket

Pre-pandemic, I'd have said take someone with you for a secod pair of ears but now, understandably, they don't want that so just listen very carefully to answers and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand.

Jewels

Thanks @Jona @lily @stickywicket I will write down some questions and take notes as I'll forget as soon as I leave lol do they take bloods etc just all new to me but it needs to be done so I know where I'm at with it all x

Poppyjane

Hi Jewels

In my experience of RA appointments a nurse will measure your height and weight, the consultant will go through your symptoms, medical history etc check your joint mobility and pain tolerance on a scale of 1 - 10 , ask if there are different times of the day/night when this varies, and how long in a morning does it take for you to get moving ( do you need help with dressing ,washing etc), and does your mobility improve with movement during the day. Fatigue is another common question and if you have had any xrays of your joints recently. Take a list of the medication you are on and talk about what their suggested drug treatment and possible side effects.

Let us know how you get on.

Jewels

Aww thanks @Poppyjane I'll let you all know how I get on x

Jona

Hi Jewels,

They took bloods and urine sample at mine write down everything no matter how small and insignificant it seems there are some bloods that can only be ordered by a consultant

let us know how things go

love Jona 😊💪

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Jewels

Thanks @Jona @Christian78 I'll definitely do that and I'll let you know how I get on x

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Jewels

Well I've had my appointment and it's osteoarthritis I basically need a new hip so now I need to decide whether having it soon or put it off for as long as I can because of my age really don't know what to do all replies welcome and hope everyone is well x

stickywicket

Frankly, I'd get on the list if offered. In January this year my husband was told that there would now be a waiting list of 17 months for his bone on bone hip which should have been done pre-pandemic. Waiting lists are getting longer and consultants fewer. Go for it. You can always refuse.

Jewels

Thanks @stickywicket I appreciate your comments it's just I'm only 46 and in another 10 years I could be back to square one so really don't know what to do x

Lilymary

How much longer do you think you can stick it out with pain management? How badly is it affecting your life at the moment? While we'd all like to be pain free (I'm still waiting for that to happen even post op), if you can manage the pain, I'd stick it out a bit longer, but it's a tough call and only you know how bad it is for you.

stickywicket

You make a good point. Even with care and attention no-one can predict how long a prosthesis will last though mine have done considerably more than 10 years. But a revision (2nd op) is longer than a first replacement and carries more risk so you're right to think things through.

Jewels

I will have a long think about it tbh it's all a bit scary really don't know what to do and this week I've also found 2 lumps in my arm pit and am waiting for a referral to the breast clinic so my head is absolutely wrecked as well as my hip lol but thank you @Lilymary and @stickywicket ill let you know when I've made a decision xx💐

Lilymary

Hi @jewels. Sorry to hear about your other worries. You have enough on your mind right now. Just park the whole issue of your hip for a while and take things one step at a time. Trying to plan it all at once when you have no certainty about any other procedures and timescales, will only stress you out more. It might be worth mentioning your possibility of hip surgery to your “lump doctor” and ask whether they feel it would be better to put it off, or even bring it forward, depending on whether you have to have any other surgeries. Otherwise, get your lump diagnosed and sorted out first, then turn your attention to your hips. Take care LM xx

stickywicket

Excellent advice, as usual, from Lilymary. I echo it but, please, don't forget we're not just here for the hip. We support lumps too😉 Seriously, worry and stress make everything worse so remember we're here for you.

Jewels

Aww thank you to both of you @Lilymary @stickywicket and your right one thing at a time I will let you know how I get on x