First rheumatology appointment, what happens?

[Arghhconfused]

I've got my first appointment tomorrow for suspected Elers Danlos syndrome. I was wondering what happens at the first appointment? Do they make you undress at all? As I'm wondering what to wear?

Thanks

I wore cycle shorts and a vest top under my clothes so they could assess me and see my skin/joints without having to be sat in my undies!

I think my letter said to bring shorts and a vest with me but I wasn’t asked to change into them. I wore leggings and a t-shirt and they were able to do the Beighton scoring like that.

Thanks! I'm pretty nervous. I'll wear leggings and a strap top with a jumper and just take my jumper off. What kind of stuff do they ask?

The nurses will do your height and weight in a separate room first (they do this every appointment) then you'll see the doctor who may get you to sit/ lay on the couch and bend your legs/ arms ... press lightly on your joints. You're not normally required to undress for this

I wouldn't be nervous it's quite underwhelming after the huge wait you've probably had to see them in the first place. Take a list of questions so you don't forget and push for proper answers to them and follow up with 'what does that mean' ? 'What happens after that?' 'What if that treatment doesn't work?'

Self advocate all the way and have in mind your preferred course of treatment

I had two different appointments a few years apart. The first one didn’t ask very much at all tbh and I was left very disappointed with it all. The second appointment was very thorough and he asked lots of questions about symptoms and family history, checked my joints and skin, looked at scars, checked how I stand and how I walk and talked me through the diagnostic checklist. I hope your appointment goes well!

Thanks all. I had my appointment, my Dr was absolutely lovely! I've been diagnosed with EDS and have been referred to physio and occupational therapy. Really pleased with how it went.