First appointment with Rheumatologist

renard99

Hi everyone.

Just a quick question.

I'm seeing the rheumy for the first time on Tuesday and whilst i have a few questions I'd like to ask, I just wondered if there were any questions that people wished they'd asked, or, had to wait and ask at a latter date that may help me on my first appointment?

Thanks

Renard

mylo

Hi, welcome to the forum - I'm fairly new, too, but the contact with other arthur sufferers helps so much! At my first rheumy appt, there was so much to take in that I was glad my hubby came with me to listen and support. I'd strongly recommend taking a friend or relative with you, if you haven't already asked someone. Make sure you have your questions written down and get thorough answers. At my local hospital, there is a rheumy helpline to the nurses, so if your hospital has this you'll be able to follow through with any questions you've not thought of beforehand.
Good luck, hope the appt goes well, Jane x

averyniceman

renard99 wrote:

Hi everyone.

Just a quick question.

I'm seeing the rheumy for the first time on Tuesday and whilst i have a few questions I'd like to ask, I just wondered if there were any questions that people wished they'd asked, or, had to wait and ask at a latter date that may help me on my first appointment?

Thanks

Renard

I found this checklist in a post on this forum -- It's from Raibbow77 and posted on 18th September 2008. (I hope Rainbow won't mind me cutting and pasting it for you!)

You could ask the following questions:
· Can I check that I've understood what you've said? What you're saying is...
· Can you explain it again? I still don't understand
· Can I have a copy of any letters written about me?
What about any further tests, such as blood tests, scans and so on?
You could ask the following questions:
· What are the tests for?
· How and when will I get the results?
· Who do I contact if I don’t get the results?
What's the best treatment for you?
· Are there any other ways to treat my condition?
· What do you recommend?
· Are there any side effects or risks?
· How long will I need treatment for?
· How will I know if the treatment is working?
· How effective is this treatment?
· What will happen if I don't have any treatment?
· Is there anything I should stop or avoid doing?
· Is there anything else I can do to help myself?
What happens next?
· What happens next? Do I come back and see you?
· Who do I contact if things get worse?
· Do you have any written information?
· Where can I go for more information, a support group or more help?

Before your appointment
· Write down your two or three most important questions.
· List or bring all your medicines and pills, including vitamins and supplements.
· Write down details of your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
· Ask your hospital or surgery for an interpreter or communication support if needed.
· Ask a friend or family member to come with you, if you like.
During your appointment
· Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand. For example, ‘Can you say that again? I still don’t understand.’
· If you don’t understand any words, ask for them to be written down and explained.
· Write things down or ask for a family member or friend to take notes.
Before you leave your appointment
Check that::
1. You’ve covered everything on your list.
2. You understand. (You could ask, ‘Can I check that I understood what you said?’).
3. You know what should happen next and when. Write it down.
Ask:
1. Who to contact if you have any more problems or questions.
2. About support groups and where to go for reliable information.
3. For copies of letters written about you. You are entitled to see these.
After your appointment
After your appointment, don’t forget to do the following:
· Write down what you discussed and what happens next. Keep your notes.
· Book any tests that you can and put the dates in your diary.
Ask:
· ‘What happens if I’m not sent my appointment details?’
· ‘Can I have the results of any tests?’ If you don’t get the results when you expect, ask for them. Ask what the results mean.

I'm jealous of your appointment --I'm still waiting for mine!

lindalegs

If I were you I'd start writing down a list of my questions now, today, this minute :shock: As soon as one enters your head put it down on paper. I've sometimes thought I'll ask my rheumy that when I see him and then the day before the appointment I sit trying to remember all I've thought of and my mind's gone blank and I can't recall half of what I wanted to know. :shock: ......although I do remember afterwards when I'm home again. Doh :!: :roll:

Hope it all goes well.

Luv Legs

renard99

Thanks for the replies. They've been very useful.

I have got a list already made so will be adding a few more to it.

Please do keep adding if you can think of more. I know that handsight is a wonderful thing!

pluggathome

Hi all

I'm on about appointment number 4 and find taking the hubby with me helps as they remember things to tell the Rhuemy that I've forgotten or just got used to but it's really useful for the rhuemy to know about.

My rhuemy also asks him questions so gets a full picture.

My clinic also offers workshops open to people who have just been diagnosed or have had it for 30 odd years. I would recommend this too if your clinic runs them as it helps you understand your meds etc and you can then get the most out of your consultations.

Take care

Pluggx

mandy_b1967

Thank you to everyone that has posted here as I have my first Rheumy appointment in a month. Now I have an idea how to handle it.
Mandy

elnafinn

Thread bumped up for Scozzie.

Elna x

Compositor

I found it interesting that on the list above:- ask for copies of letters regarding you. Wherever, whenever I go to any appointments now, imparticular hospital appointments with Consultants and the likes, I always ask for report letters to be sent to me also. I found that it help me in more ways than one, insofar as remembering, record and clarifcation for future references. I didn't know you could ask for these things until it was suggested to me, it has helped me a great deal, I would certainly recommend others take a similar course. Good luck. John x

elnafinn

Another thread bumped up for NewToThis

Elna x

woodbon

Hi, I write my questions down, but writing down the answer is the important thing for me, I'll come out with my head aching from all the questions and whatnot and when I tell someone whats been said, I come out with a confussed answer, with lots of umms and ahhs! I try and take my husband or someone with me as they not only help me remember, they make me feel stronger and able to ask the questions! :oops:

It is a lot to take in, especially if you're nervous like me. Good luck I hope you get on well. Their are lots of people on here and we have all been through the same, so I hope that we can help you. The early days are so confusing, I know. Asking for copies of letter is good. Most of the doctors at my hospital send them automatticlly to the patient and GP, but if they don't I ask my GP and she prints me off a copy. A good relationship with your GP if possible, has helped my a lot.
Good luck. Love Sue

hileena111

Hi,
Taking someone with you is important I think........I might make lists and remember what to ask but then he tells me things and its so subjective that it doesnt all sink in and my hubby is there so that afterwards I can say to hime....what did he say about???? LOL
I dont remember having much of a list the first time because I was sent to see him from the GP to diagnose me.....and I hadnt a clue what to ask.....then it was an ortho after that {got OA} and every time I thought ofa question I scribbled it down.
Love
and Good Luck
Hileena