Rheumatology appointment?

[gimbles]

Just wondered what to expect at my first appointment with the rheumatologist?

GP referred me as I have been getting general aches and pains all over. I'm not convinced but the bloods were slightly raised. One was 12 and the other 1.76 - I think, but I can't remember what they were and I don't know what the normal range is anyway! Apart from the pains I'm just tired. No other symptoms.

Appointment is next week, had anyone been?

Anybody?

Yes, I rheumatoid arthritis, from what I can remember (diagnosed 2011) lots of questions, chest X-ray, bloods, back to clinic a couple of weeks later for results.

They were unsure at first whether I had RA or sarcoidosis, I had markers for both, I was put on methotrexate.

My rheumatologist worked wonders, some days I even forget I have it.

Good luck

I had one a couple of weeks ago and it was like Accountant222 said. Lots of questions, in my case a physical exam of my joints. Blood tests and x-rays. I’m still waiting for my results though. Good luck!

The problem with being put on methotrexate is alcohol is more or less banned, you can have such a tiny amount each day, it's not worth having. I was very unhappy about this, but have learned to live with it.

Sounds familiar. I was referred to rheumatologist for aches and pains and funny bloods. At my first appointment there were the routine tests done such as bp, hr, height weight and urine was tested. She also explained why my bloods were like they were and what was causing my aches and pains. She did a pretty thorough examination of my joints, looked at my rash (I thought it was dry skin) and looked in my mouth, nose, ears etc. Was diagnosed with lupus, and after having it explained to me realised I had been experiencing a lot more symptoms than I originally thought.

Hope it goes well for you

Thanks everyone. I’m a bit reluctant to be taking drugs long term, especially with the side effects I have been reading up on. Alcohol is not a problem as I don’t drink anyway, but I do worry about long term affects of medication. That’s a thought for another day though.