Hi there!
I've finally got my first appointment with a rheumy next week! Really pleased that I might finally start to get some wheels in motion. I just wanted to ask if anyone has any good advice on questions etc that I should ask? I have just been away on holiday so i'm feeling really good and having very few symptoms, so will have nothing to show him.
If anyone's got any tips on how to approach my first appointment it would be appreciated.
Hi Louisa,
I'm sorry but I can't offer any advice, as I'm asking the very same thing myself on another thread (though I'm not even past the first GP appt yet), but wish you luck in your journey anyway - not looking forward to mine
Jemm
Good luck to you with your first appt. Have you had labwork done? If so, do you know the results? Have you had x-rays?
I'd ask your rheumotologist how aggressively he plans to treat your RA. If he wants to start you on plaquenil, how long does he feel is a good amount of time before moving on to the bigger guns (methotrexate, enbrel, etc). Your doctor should explain the difference between DMARDS (disease modifying agents) and anti-inflammatory drugs (mobic, etc) as well as steroids, etc. Take notes if you have trouble remembering as I do :) If you are prescribed plaquenil, make sure he gives you a script to have your eyes checked. If he doesn't automatically do this, I'd be wary that he is not too thorough. Others who have dealt with this longer than I have may be able to give you better advisement. I have been diagnosed about a year.
I hope you are feeling better soon. You're wise to read all you can about this, so you are educated enough to ask him questions and take your health into your own hands :)
love and gentle hugs, juliah
What's labwork? (I guess that means no). I haven't had any x-rays done yet.
Thanks for your advice, you're very kind
Hi Louisa:
Lab work means they will draw blood from your arm and test it for many different things. Ask your dr to explain. I always write down questions on paper before you go so you will remember what to ask.
CinDee