I have been "lurking" on the board for the past several weeks trying to find out as much as possible. I go for my first appt. with the rhuematologist on 7/3 and am a little scared.
I kept putting this off. Was on prednisone for a week and haven't felt that good in years. While on the prednisone, i thought maybe I don't have this disease. I really, really don't want this.
Any information about this first appointment would be greatly appreicated!
Hi Dianne,
I was just diagnosed in Feb 07 and have been somewhat in denial too. The fact that the prednisone worked so well just validates that you have RA. It is hard to wait so long for an appt that you are nervous about. I hope you can keep busy with lots of good things to distract you while you wait. Welcome to the board you will find lots of info and support here.
Not sure what to tell you about the first appt except to make a list of your symptoms, concerns and questions. Don't feel timid, ask about anything and everything. Good luck.
Laker
Welcome to AI Dianne.
What Laker says is true. Your quick response to predisone certainly indicates some sort of inflammatory arthritis. Don't be fooled into thinking it's fixed the problems though. Definately keep your appointment.
Make some notes to yourself of things you want to address with the new doctor. Even if you think it's things you'll remember just jot them down. All too often we get in there and forget what we want to say or feel dumb asking. Don't be afraid to speak up. You'll want to get as many things addressed as possible while you're there.
Good Luck with your first appointment. Again; Welcome to AI!
Hi, Welcome! Welcome! Welcome. the first appointment the doc will look at your joints.What hurts, is swollen (hot), etc. You didn't mention what is bothering you. My first visit the doc had me walk around as my feet, toes and ankles were the 'worst' then. I could barely walk the bottoms (fat part behind my toes) felt like 'silly putty' hardish, and painful. she also had me squeeze her hands to see what 'strength' I had as she suspected it would be moving to my fingers. I was put on plaquenil, and that worked for several years, then switched doctors and he put me on Methotrexate. (that worked well until lately...now I take Remicade & pred, as you see below. )
I can Identify with the really terrific upper you are getting from prednisone, but as others have said it is a pain/swelling/ help, but doesn't protect or prevent the disease. You'll need something else. Good luck. (try not to worry and stress out too much as that's a big part of why we suffer so much, I think)Let us know how it goes....Sarah Lynda
Hi Welcome to the board!
Hi Dianne,
Like Lovie says, write down everything you want to ask at your appointment. I still have a list with me everytime I go and my RD patiently sits down and answers each question. I wouldn't remember anything if I didn't write it down!
Oh, and the denial thing is very common. For some of us it takes awhile to except. Good luck at your appointment.
Hi and welcome to AI. I agree with the others about writing everything down before your appointment. If you don't, you will surely leave the appointment forgetting half of your questions. Take advantage of the first appointment as they usually spend much more time with you on the first visit than at any appointment thereafter. Try not to let the stress of all this get to you as it's NOT good for us. We know you're scared and we understand. I was so afraid to go to the doctor years ago because I was already sure of what the outcome was going to be. I wasted so much time being afraid and wasn't diagnosed until April of 2005....I regret that now. It's been over 2 years and unfortunately thus far I have not been one of those people that has responded well to the drugs out there. Even after 2 hard years, I too still go into denial. Denial, depression, fatigue and unfortunately a whole lot of pain come along with this disease. Here you will find people doing very well, people doing okay and people not doing well at all. No matter how good or how crappy they feel, they are some of the most caring and helpful people that I have ever come across. One thing I think we can all agree on....None of us want this dreadful disease and would love for it to just go away. Oh and they'll probably do this as it's pretty much standard but make sure they do the test for RA Factor. Not everyone with RA has a positive RA Factor but if you do it sure helps in getting a diagnosis without question. Once diagnosed...the doctor will have to work with you and find "your cocktail" that works for you. There's nothing that works for everyone. From my own personal experience I will tell you...make sure you have a good feeling about your Rheumatologist...if you don't, find another before you waste your time. Also, be as involved in your disease as possible...the more you know, the more help you can be to yourself. Keep us posted & good luck to you at your appointment.
Peace & Love...Neasy
Hi Welcome!Hi and welcome Dianne!