Rheumatoid Arthritis what to expect!

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have my rheumatologist appointment ext month at the hospital. What should i expect to happen at this appointment? Ive already had xrays and several bloods taken.

2

I'm guessing it depends where you live..Ive lived in Margate and now Portsmouth... And at both of my first appointments with rheumatology it involved getting undressed, a full examination of all my joints...and a chest xray... Followed by a chat about what type of arthritis I had and the medication they wanted to try... So make sure you wear something that's easy to get off and on in case your hospital works on the same policy...

3

Thanks debbie. I live in scotland 20 mins from Glasgow.

4

I had a similar appointment to Debbie. I saw the Rheumatologist and was given the results of my blood tests and x-rays,  was started on anti-inflammatories and had a follow up appt in 6 weeks. I hope you are in a good area for Rheumatology care. Wishing you success on yoour journey.

5

Hi, it depends on your Rheumatologist, a good one will explain the nature of the desease, show you your ex Rays, explain them & discuss your options. Good luck to you.

6

Thanks. Fingers crossed it all goes well. Feel like im falling apart.

7

Heard alot of people being on anti inflammatory medication. Hopefully they manage to treat me just aswell without they type of meds but probably alot more difficult. Thanks.

8

A little advise from me.

* take care of yourself

* rest when you need to rest

* take control, ask questions & expect

answers

* be POSITIVE, this disease can be

challenging but it can be controlled

Hope all goes well, please keep us updated

9

Thanks so much ☺

I have a telephone consultation on monday with my GP for my blood results.

Rheumatologist appointment on the 12th of december.

I'll let you know how I've got on.

Thanks again

10

I live in Reading- very pleased with my care. But I was told not to take NSAIDs eg ibrufen  but to use paracetamol if nec. I was happy with this as didn't want irritated stomach. Anyway at the first appt he looked at joints, X-rays- blood test had been done earlier. He made a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis( psoriatic or RA but treatment the same anyway)

then I was given a cortico steroid jab in backside which greatly relieved pain and stiffness. I was in quite a bad way. I was started on methotrexate- a disease modifying drug and given a follow up with rheumy nurse 6 weeks later. That s when I had all the questions ! I think it's a good idea to take someone with you who can take notes about what they say. It was hard to take things in. I took a friend on initial appt and husband on second one. Hope it goes well for you.

11

Thanks. I feel abit better now knowing what Im in now. Ive had all xrays and bloods doctor says they basically confirm what he thinks ive got.

12

Hi, I'm in Australia so may be a bit different to your care. I finally saw a Doc who sent me to a rheumatologist but she only scanned one hand (in her office) to see if the RA was present and sent me for xrays of all other joints. Started me on Methotrexate immediately and on subsequent appt. modified the meds until she and I were happy with the results. Part of ongoing treatment was a bone scan as inflammation didn't reduce and I was started on Cimzia injections which have helped. A lot of what your rheumatologist will go on is from what you tell them so please write down all your symptoms, even those you may not think are RA related as there are such things as nodules that can form within your body with this disease and affect  liver, kidney etc. good luck.

13

Great advise Mary, thank you so much. I think there is an App to keep track of your RA symptoms

14

Thanks so much Mary.