Hi all. Got my first appt with rheumatology on Thursday. Bit nervous. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Thanks in advance x
Have you already gotten a diagnosis? Or is this to be diagnosed with possible fibro ?
Don't be nervous! It depends what tests/appointments you've already had. They'll want all the history, details of symptoms, how long etc. might be useful to take a list because if you're like me you'll forget once you get there! They'll do weight, height etc. They may do some tests on your reflexes, check your range of movement and check your pressure points. Finally they may refer you for further tests, arrange physio.
Make sure you list everything you want to tell them, even if it seem silly. Also make sure you ask everything you want to - appointments with rheumatologists are often hard to come by so make sure you get everything you need.
It will be fine- good luck :-)
My doctor has said fibro & possibly rheumatoid arthritis but wants it confirming. Thanks for the info it's just so scary x
I'm seeing the rheumatologist for the first time next Tuesday and I feel the same, I'm nervous but also hoping that a confirmed diagnoses will help. I'm really struggling at the moment, I'm constantly exhausted so much so that my home life is fairly non-existing. Once I get in from work its tea then bed. I know a diagnoses won't make that any better but at least I will have aproper reason for it.
I know it's terrifying- I was in your situation not long ago. For Fibro they will be able to get a good idea tomorrow by examining your reflexes and pressure points. They will also check for numbness. If they are concerned about RA they may send you for blood tests and/or an MRI but they might not think that's necessary.
It's terrifying, but trust me, you will feel better when you know what you're dealing with.
Be brave, you'll be fine :-)
I was referred to the rheumatologist without any inkling to fibro whatsoever so for me it was a huge relief to get a diagnosis. A real shame it was fibro but still. Nothing to fear though. He/she knows what they are looking for. He found pressure points that sent me to the floor and I cannot even find them now! Unfortunately rheumatologist cannot treat fibro. They only diagnosed me because it as sent there with joint and bone problems or so suspected. Because he cannot treat he referred me back to my gp. Which are no help whatsoever. Good luck and don't worry.
I hope it goes well for you next week. For me, the scariest part was not knowing what was making me feel so ill. The hospital appointments aren't always pleasant, but now I know what I'm dealing with it's far less scary.
Take care and look after yourself :-)
Thanks everyone. I'm sorry I'm not replying individually but my phone is playing up with the app (no computer) I guess your all right it's better to know x
thanks so much xxx
I'm the same. Hope your appointment goes well. I'll let you know what happens on Thursday then you'll know what to expect xx
No sorry i dont hun
I second these comments
Don't know if you're male or female, but for my appointment I had to take my clothes off, so make sure u have nice undies on. If you're female shave your legs and under your arms. I forgot, I was so embarrassed lifting my arms up to show that range of movement
think I may have to get out my 'physio pants' I always wear leggings so I don't have to strip off, nothing worse than standing there in your undies, they always seem to put you in front of a mirror too, as if having Fibro isn't enough lol
thanks chick, hope all goes well for you. May be the start of seeing some light at the end of the tunnel?,?!
Hi,
Have read all the replies so far, and would just like to share my experience with you, which I hope will be reassuring.
After 2 years of tests, hospital admissions and stress,stress, stress, my doctor suggested it could be fibro and referred me to rheumotologist. He was lovely, listened to all my symptoms, and confirmed diagnosis, with little physical exam. He confirmed I was on the right drug for sleep, Amitritipylene, and said the way forward was CBT. A further doc's appointment also encouraged me to go for CBT. So that is what I am going for. Incidentally my Doc is interested in this condition and does a lot of research. I think this helps. Reassures me , anyway!
Take care, Anne
Thank you everyone. It's taken me all night to get back on the site. This forum and more importantly the people on it are a god send xxx
Hi Crazy. Had my appt yesterday and have to say the doctor was lovely. We just had a chat and she examined me. Did the trigger point test. Honestly it's nothing to worth about it xx
Did she give you any results or idea of what's going on or do you have t go back to your GP for that?
im glad it wasn't traumatic for you, makes me feel a bit easier about going.
thanks for remembering and getting back to me xxx