I have an appointment with a rheumatologist on Mar. 20th. I have
finally got my blood test results and can go in for an appointment.
Any advice or important questions?
I am soooooooooooooooooo relieved to get into the specialist, I am in
tears. I can't say how relieved I feel. I hope she is
good. She went to school in Switzerland at a place I have never
heard of, but maybe she will be wonderful. Crossing my fingers!
I see a light at the end of the tunnel!
I write down any and all questions I have, because sure as heck when I get there we talk about things and I forget to ask something. I also take notes as I talk to my rheumy because - you guessed it - I forget what he says.
Since this will be your first appointment with this doc, figure that they are going to want you to fill out a bunch of forms. They will want to know stuff like when you have been hospitalized, had surgeries, any allergies, what meds you are taking, what hurts and when it started, etc. When I go to a doc, I put together a packet that has that info in it, so that I can fill out the paperwork. Before first seeing my rheumatologist, he sent some forms to me in advance. You might call your doc's nurse and see if they can mail you the forms in advance.
Good luck, Let us know how it goes.
Pam
Like the others said, take your notes with you. I am going tomorrow for my 3rd visit and I have my list ready :) On my first visit I actually had a little timeline printed out of what my symtoms were and when they started, and if anything helped. She was very appreciative and it seemed to help her with a diagnosis.Hey you might want to ask about getting a bone density test done also, if you have never had one.I received the packet to fill out in the mail. I am going to bring my calendar to summarize my progression. I also have blood tests to give. They have the bone test machine and x-ray machines in their office. It seems to be a really great place after reading their website. I am going to keep my fingers crossed. It sounds like you are prepared...good luck!