First rheumatology appointment

Beeper

Hi,

I'm new and have my first rheumatology appointment, which is on the telephone, this week. I do not have a diagnosis.

It's taken a number of years to get to this point. I've had lots of symptoms, stiffness, aches and pains as well as some maybe more unusual ones. The GP asked me about any family history of inflammatory arthritis, which I have. I'm relieved to have an appointment, but I'm also nervous, especially as it is by telephone.

Any advice or reassurance welcome. :/

Anna

Hello @Beeper and welcome to the online community,

You've got your first rheumatology appointment by phone this week and you're wondering what to expect. It's understandable that you feel a little nervous, although relieved that the symptoms you've been experiencing may soon have a diagnosis.

I typed 'First Rheumatology appointment' into the search bar above right, and it seems there are plenty of other members who have asked the same question. As usual, our members have replied with the benefit of their valuable experience. You could do a search to, bearing in mind that some responses were about face to face appointments rather than on the telephone. I've linked to one below:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/54429/first-rheumatology-appointment

There's a very good introduction to arthritis on the Versus Arthritis website that you can read below. It gives more information about all types of arthritis as well as outlining different sorts of treatment and it might be useful to read before your diagnosis to get some ideas about questions to ask your consultant:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/newly-diagnosed/

Best wishes, and do let us know how you get on,

Anna (Mod)

ElTito

Hi @Beeper

I hope you'll be on your way to a diagnosis after the call, or at least a live visit.

When you said it took "years to get to this point", did that mean you had to wait years for an appt.? I freaked out when I was told it would be month wait to see a rheumatologist.

I have an appt with her on Monday.

Keep us posted.

Tito

Beeper

Thank you Anna,

I will have a look and a read.

It's hard to know what to expect, especially as it's a telephone appointment. I'm hoping it goes well.

I'll post my experience after the appointment. :)

Beeper

Thanks Tito,

Joint pains go back probably 10 years, but mild and on and off, but that's the beginning I suppose.

Progressively over the last 4 years I've got more joints affected, unexplained swelling and reduced movement. All sorts really including losing toenails. There are periods of settling, but always seems to be background pain. Not sure if that makes sense. Now I'm finding it's increasingly affecting day to day things, driving, chores dressing, but not all the time. I've reported the worst episodes to the GP but have not seen the same Dr so has been treat as a one off.

I've waited 5 months for a telephone rheumatology appointment. But at least I'm glad that the GP I saw thought it appropriate to refer me.

I'll post after my appointment.

I hope your appointment goes well on Monday.

Jona

Hi @Beeper ,

Please don’t worry the consultant will have all the information and test results in front of them when they call you and they can order more tests if required keep a note pad with you and write down what you want to ask and what they say otherwise treat it as a chat honestly I’m sure you will be fine

take care

Jona 😊

JenHB

This may be standard practice but I get a letter summarising what was discussed at each of my appointments which is very useful (it's also sent to the GP)- now getting a file full of them! I've also been sent to a physio - and they send me a copy of the exercises via email (and text) too

Beeper

An update. I had my first rheumatology appointment today on the phone. I was anxious about what would happen.

It was a brief call. The Dr was pleasant enough. A bit of a triage I suppose. I have found out some blood results I wasn't aware of which are out of normal range.

So I have been referred to connective tissue disease consultant and should have a face to face appointment within the next 6 weeks.

I feel happier and can wait now I know what's happening. :)