Pending Diagnosis

ReetaV

New Member

Joined : Apr 2014

Posts : 5

Posted 4/18/2014 10:36 PM (GMT 0)

So I'm seeing a rheumy for the first time this coming Tuesday. I can't know or rule out any number of issues or that I may have more than one specific issue, but RA looks like the culprit for the majority of my symptoms (common sense + nursing school + research tells me so).

Without going into a detailed explanation just now (sore hands!), what advice would you give for my first appointment/assembling a team? I'm also seeing a new GP the following week because I've been largely dismissed or turfed to psychiatry for years now.

BadDay

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2011

Posts : 1087

Posted 4/19/2014 8:06 AM (GMT 0)

Hi welcome and good luck with everything
best thing to prepare is a List Don't Babble write down symptoms eg
1.hands hurt when opening jars or in cold
2. fatigue extreme tiredness

you can also write what you have tried eg heat helps or rest doesn't help

write down when it started and any other specialist's you've been to
take any test or xray results from previous (within say 2 years)

also at the end of page write down any fears - medication worries life changes etc
but try your best to keep everything short and to the point

some people keep a diary of pain but I find that helps You as it can be too long for the Rheumy But it is a good idea to do and then when you make your list you can refer to your diary and see yes my hands were worse most of the time or yes tired in morning but ok after lunch etc

best advice Don't be afraid and ask questions it's Your Rheumy

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