What should I expect from 1st Rheumy visit? | Arthritis Information

I know every Dr. is different, my first visit is next week. I have been waiting over 2 months since my arthritis panel labs were done, longer for other labs. I am scared out of my mind, first I have to go 2 hours from home with labs that are well over 2-6 months old (depending on what labs) and see a Dr. I have never met or even spoken to, (I am very picky about my Dr.s and usually only see women, but there was not a woman Dr where I was referred). I got a questionaire and driving directions from the Dr office, but that was all. I have been journaling my pain and swelling, but I don't know what I should expect. I don't want a quickie in and out visit, I want to walk out knowing without a doubt what the heck is wrong with me. I can not afford to go regularly because it is a 4 hour round trip and gas is too expensive.

What does the first visit at the Rheumy usually consist of?

How long will my labs be good before they need to do new ones, or are they already too old? (I'd like to know if I am going to be poked.)

Any suggestions for lowering my anxiety level?

the odds are he will run his own labs plus some you have never had. Inflammtion numbers constantly change he needs to know what they are today. I think I had 8 or 9 tubes of blood taken at my first visit. You should expect to have a complete medical history taken. Then you will be examined..he should examine each and every joint, in some cases he may take range of motion measurements. He may take x'rays of your hands and feet as well as other affected joints. If he is prescribing medications he may do a chest x'ray but may not at this visit. A first vist with a rheumatolgist should last at least an hour if not longer (length of appt may depend on if the lab and x'rays are on site).

Don't be suprised if you don't get a firm dx at this visit..he will likely wait until the labs are returned.
Ask questions about everything he does..what tests he is running, what he expects to find out from the test. if not RA what he thinks it could be. etc..start writing the questions now because you will forget when in the examing room.

keep us posted

http://www.arthritisinsight.com/medical/new/first.html

You might find this link useful.

Thanks,
I am very afraid that I will have a panic attack I want to know what to expect so that hopefully won't happen.
IslandWoman, that is a great site!

jennmommi, I always take my husband with me just in case I forget something.

But it helps him also to know what is going on with me.

My hubby is taking me, there's no way I can drive there by myself, I have never been to this town and wouldn't have a clue where to go. Hubby has only been once. I have trouble driving across town, so no 4 hour trips for me solo...that would give me a panic attack. The first time I went to my Rd I was in a sort of panic , mostly thinking that

I must have gotten someone elses bloodwork and that he is going to tell me

that it was all a mistake and that I did not have Ra. But that did not happen,

that was 11 years ago , and now when I go I get more informed on what is

going on with me.

You will find that your Rd is going to be your best informant for many years to come.

I get lots of information on line and take my questions to him.

Don't be afraid to ask anything ,no question is too small or too big when it comes

to your health.

Yes, at my first visit we did all blood work angain and then some others that RD had requested. I didn't get a dx untll she had seen all the bloodwork results that she had requested. Even then she sent me out for
x-rays and I will go back in 2 weeks for results and meds that will combat the disease. She gave me loads of info to read about RA and took lots time to answer any questions I had. Good luck.I think I am more afraid of the Dr not knowing what is wrong with me than getting a dx. I sort of feel like my pcp just gave up and is sending me here because she couldn't find the answer. The last thing I want/need to hear is "I don't know what's wrong with you."

[QUOTE=jennmommi] I think I am more afraid of the Dr not knowing what is wrong with me than getting a dx. I sort of feel like my pcp just gave up and is sending me here because she couldn't find the answer. The last thing I want/need to hear is "I don't know what's wrong with you."
[/QUOTE]
I hear you and I understand. I heard "I don' t know what's wrong with you" and was made to feel like no one believed me for almost a year before I finally got dx'ed. Going to the RD was the best thing that happened to me. The Rd finally had an answer for me.
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