First rheumy appt tomorrow- any specific things to ask??

Hi again everyone,

Thanks for your support so far, it has been much needed and helpful! I had a rough weekend and was sent home early from work. Everything hurt and itched, and most parents don't want you taking care of their children when you look like you're been hit by a train! Haha.... it was very nice to come home and sit on the couch and do nothing but watch QVC and nap.

So tomorrow is my first rheumy appointment, and I was wondering what things I really need to address. Do I come right out and say "I think its lupus?" I made a list of all my symptoms, I took some pictures on my phone of the eye rash/edema, I have copies of my recent bloodwork, copies of my CT scan films, and a list of questions. I know not to really expect answers, but should I expect meds to be started? Do I need to fast for any of the blood tests they may do? Any specific things to ask? Any insight would be much appreciated!!! Thanks!!!!

You don't need to fast for the blood tests that the rhuemy will order. Unless the rhuemy thinks you need to be on pred you probably won't get meds your first appointment rather your doc will take a very thourough case history and run his own tests. Usually your second appointment is shortly after your first and that is when the doc scripts your meds. When I first went to a rhuemy I was so afraid I had Lupus that I refused to use the word. He figured out that was what I was afraid of though and very early in the appointment looked me right in the eye and said We need to wait for the test results but this is not Lupus I would stake my reputation on it (He was right it was a systemic form of RA that in the early stages looked and felt an awful lot like lupus). You can choose to introduce the idea of lupus or not based on whether you want his early assessment.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
Sj