Hi all. I have a rheumatologist appointment in May. I have not been to one yet so I'm kinda nerves about it. The letter said it would be about 2 hours long. What and how do they test ya? I have just been to a Derma Doctor. And put an Humria right away about 1 and half year ago. I have clear skin and just started having joint pain to the point of adding a pain med. Just wondering what to expect. What makes a good rheumatologist? what should I know and ask them? I just want to have the validation that I'm In Pain.
That sounds like it must be a really thorough appointment - that's wonderful! Tests will vary with the doctor and with what specific complaints you are walking in with. There will be blood work obviously, and possibly some x-rays. Some doctors will use ultrasound in the office as well to take a look at soft tissue.
You have some time before your appointment. This gives you the opportunity to write down lots and lots of questions that I'm sure will pop up between now and then.
You don't need validation that you're in pain. . . You know that you are. Keeping records of what's hurting you, what's swollen, etc over time will be helpful. You can also record any stiffness that you're having.
Tmb, I just saw this now. Sorry I missed it earlier. I agree with everything Stoney said – make a list of everything that you feel, and all your questions. I’d also add that if you get any swellings or visible problems, that you take a picture of the problem. Somehow, this disease knows when you are going to the rheumie, and will switch the swelling off in time for the appointment.
No need to be nervous if you are well-prepared with your list. For my most-important-ever rheumatology appointment, I even made two copies of my symptom list and list of questions. I asked the doc if she wanted a copy, and she was actually very pleased to have it.
Oh, wear comfortable easy-off-easy-on clothes, because you will have to take them off when the doc wants to examine every joint, and your range of motion.
I know how you’re feeling about needing validation. I too had been blown off and seen as “just menopausal/overweight/driven/neurotic” for many years. My first rheumatologist diagnosed my PsA as mild. I was afraid that it was worse than that (because I was neurotic, of course) but I no longer trusted my own judgement. Finally (after much urging from tntlamb and a few others here) I went for a second opinion. I was absolutely terrified that I would go to the specialty clinic and be told that my PsA was, indeed, mild and that I was neurotic. Or maybe even, not have PsA at all. When the second specialist confirmed that I had PsA, that it was severe, and that I had a lot of damage, I broke into sobs. The tears were mostly about relief and validation and acknowledgement that I wasn’t a neurotic hypochondriac. The doctor consoled me with “Don’t worry, we will find a way to help you.” But that wasn’t really what my sobs were all about!