Initial Rheumatology Appointment

[disfan07]

I have my first appointment with a rheumatologist on Friday to get evaluated for RA and Lupus because both my internist and my immunologist are concerned with some of my recent symptoms.

I know there are a lot of people on here who have experience with rheumatologists and I was just curious what to generally expect from the first appointment? I know that all doctors are different but I was just curious about a general overview of what your initial appointment was like.

Thanks

 

[Mermaid02]

I have my first appointment with a rheumatologist on Friday to get evaluated for RA and Lupus because both my internist and my immunologist are concerned with some of my recent symptoms.

I know there are a lot of people on here who have experience with rheumatologists and I was just curious what to generally expect from the first appointment? I know that all doctors are different but I was just curious about a general overview of what your initial appointment was like.

Thanks

Mine talked to me- took notes and then tested pressure points for fibromyalgia. He ordered bloodwork, but was pretty sure what I had was osteoarthritis- he was right. We talked about strategies to tackle my pain etc.

 

[leight]

My first rheumy did an initial intake. Reviewed the referring doctor's notes on my medical history, discussed my symptoms, did a rudimentary physical exam- including some neuro check points- and then ordered the blood work.

 

[WDWBarb]

DD just had her first rheumatologist visit last week. The Dr. did an extensive physical exam (focusing on her joints) and then ordered bloodwork and x-rays. Other than a lost of questions regarding symptoms and medical history, it was a typical doctor's visit.

And we got good news. After almost 3 years now of waiting to know "for sure," this doctor says DD does NOT have lupus. This news, of course, came several days later as the result of the labwork.

 

[disfan07]

Thanks. I figured it was just going to be like a normal doctors visit with blood work, exam, etc.

I've been suffering from joint pain and swelling for about 3 years. It's gotten progressively worse and I wake up every morning very very stiff and if I don't move for a while, I get very stiff as well. Also, my recent labwork has shown some slight concern with my kidneys as well. I also have a rash on my face that my dermatologist is not sure if it's eczema related or if it's something else. I've also had some crazy bruising lately and my hands and feet are constantly cold. I've just been ignoring all of this kind of hoping it was nothing and would just go away.

I'm already on Methotrexate for something else and lately my symptoms seem to get better when I am on steroids, especially IV solumedrol so my internist is concerned.

 

[anniemae]

My first appt was pretty much like others have said. Filled out a questioneer. Talked with the dr. about my symptoms. He did an exam testing my joints etc. Then he ordered bloodwork and x-rays. He prescribed an rx and scheduled a follow up.

 

[SingingMUA]

Just echoing what everyone else has said... my first rheumy appt was pretty long (compared to typical dr appts) because he took a comprehensive medical history, asked lots of questions, etc... also examined all my joints and such. Then took bloodwork.

Your symptoms sound very similar to mine (minus the kidney issues). After the exam and bloodwork, and reviewing the bloodwork and such that got me sent to the rheumy in the first place (it started when I was hospitalized because I was diagnosed with a DVT and PE), it was determined that I have Lupus. My disease activity is relatively mild (compared to others). No organ involvement for me, with the exception of blood vessels (I'm prone to blood clots, so I'm on Warfarin for the rest of my life). Mostly fatigue, joint pain, Raynaud's phenomenon (cold hands and feet), insomnia, and low-grade fevers are my symptoms. With the occasional rash.

I take plaquenil (mild immunosuppressant), vit d (I have a deficiency... common with autoimmune disease), iron (anemia... also common), celebrex (joint pain), warfarin (blood thinner), and trazodone (insomnia... it's an antidepressant that is commonly prescribed for off label use for insomnia for patients with autoimmune disease).

 

[nmmom95]

At my first appointment, my rheumatologist mostly talked to me and asked questions. I had been in the hospital, but not the one she is affiliated with. She went over my records and, since I had left the hospital without a definite diagnosis, she was able to diagnose my condition. She checked my joints and sent me for blood work and for more testing to make sure that my disease had not progressed.

ETA: I have an autoimmune with kidney involvement. A rash is another symptom of mine. You may want to ask for an ANCA blood test.

 

[HonnyDipp]

I've been seeing a Rheumy since '06. I was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease, he told me I would never walk again, so every 3 months I get to go for my check up and prove him wrong! I've been walking for 2 years!

Your first appointment may be a consultation. The Dr. may schedule more tests. x-rays, MRI and LOTS of blood work. My first appointment, I was so weak he first told me they would schedule the tests, but he realized that it would be easier to just admit me to the hospital.

 

[mommasita]

I also echo everyone. It is a very long appointment. Lots of tests from head to toe. Reflex tests, blood work, etc etc.

I absolutely adore my Rheumy, as he was the one who diagnosed my SS and other things, even before confirmation with testing. I see him very often.

Good luck to you!

 

[disfan07]

Thanks everyone.

I'm glad I switched my appointments around for tomorrow. I had no idea what to expect time wise so I have a CT scan at 10:15 (completely unrelated), the rheumatologist at 11:30 and another appointment at 2 (that was originally at 1). I was figuring that the appointment with the rheumatologist would be about an hour or so with paperwork, consulation, etc.

I would just love to go a day without being in pain and without having to take a nap AFTER sleeping for 8-9 hours at night. As much as I don't want a diagnosis, i know something is wrong and i've been ignoring it for too long.

This is my 10th doctor. I already have an internist, dermatologist, allergist/immunologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, hepatologist, and a GYN. Yet every intial doctors appointment is different.

 

[mommasita]

Thanks everyone.

I'm glad I switched my appointments around for tomorrow. I had no idea what to expect time wise so I have a CT scan at 10:15 (completely unrelated), the rheumatologist at 11:30 and another appointment at 2 (that was originally at 1). I was figuring that the appointment with the rheumatologist would be about an hour or so with paperwork, consulation, etc.

I would just love to go a day without being in pain and without having to take a nap AFTER sleeping for 8-9 hours at night. As much as I don't want a diagnosis, i know something is wrong and i've been ignoring it for too long.

This is my 10th doctor. I already have an internist, dermatologist, allergist/immunologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, hepatologist, and a GYN. Yet every intial doctors appointment is different.

I can commiserate. Just Thank God we live in countries where the service is available to us. I say this daily, or I would not be here.