How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Young Adults, 4 Questions That Help Solve Your Knee Pain Mystery, 5 Questions to Ask Before You Exercise With Arthritis, Why Your Feet Hurt When You Wake Up in the Morning, Burning Pain in Your Back? 681-342-3490, Rheumatology How Do I Know If Biologics Will Work for My AS? (https://simpletasks.org/first-visit-rheumatologist/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Should I change my diet (or avoid hot or spicy foods?). Healthcare Marketing by BlaineTurner Advertising, Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Treatment, Rheumatic Diseases: Everything You Need to Know, Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, eating healthier, and getting moderate exercise, Non-prescription medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or prescription medications that can include biological therapies, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or steroids, Surgery for the repair of badly damaged joints. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, 6 Minutes of Exercise May Protect Brain From Alzheimer's, 'Disturbing' Rate of Adverse Events During Hospital Stays. Our goal is focused on your best possible . Alongside any notes that you take about your symptoms, consider bringing any previous X-rays, ultrasounds or MRIsto give to your doctor. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, (https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Health-Care-Team/What-is-a-Rheumatologist), (https://kaleidoscopefightinglupus.org/your-first-visit-to-the-rheumatologist/), (https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/medicine/rheumatology), (https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis-and-rheumatic-diseases). How does the pain affect your daily routine? While youre taking in this new information, itll be helpful to start keeping a care journal or log that you bring with you to all appointments and use to track your condition at home. Are there other things I can do to wake up feeling better? Will I have to take RA drugs for the rest of my life? Rheumatologists treat a range of conditions that can be lifelong and complex. If your child prefers not to wear a hospital gown, bring shorts and a T-shirt to wear during the exam. About Lupus, Autoimmune Diseases, Blog, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, The Doctors. All rheumatologists must pursue ongoing training through continuing medical education courses. Your first visit to Rheumatology Specialty Center is the start of an important relationship with you, your new doctor and care team. There are ways to live well with RA. During your initial appointments, ask your rheumatologist these important questions: Though RA behaves differently in all people, its important to understand some of the commonalities. 120 Medical Park Dr., Suite 100 Tell them if you want to know why or if you feel uncomfortable. Also, orthopaedists perform surgery, but rheumatologists do not. Next, expect the rheumatologist to press on each of your joints to gauge your pain reaction. If your rheumatologist cant address your mental health needs, ask for a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor. Policy, In my many years as a rheumatologist, Ive seen patients with a variety of symptoms, including aches and pains, says rheumatologist Howard R. Smith, MD. You can expect a physical exam to assess your general health and any joint swelling or other symptoms that can indicate inflammation in your joints and other areas. Living with a rheumatic disorder can be hard, but it can also be successfully managed with the right treatment. The rheumatologist will want to know about any prescription or non-prescription medications that you take as well. How has it changed over the last few days or weeks? Were they triggered by something specific. Keep a running list of all the drugs you take. Your body, your entire world may seem out of control. What can I do if I have trouble sleeping through the night? This includes monitoring for secondary health conditions which tend to be more common with RA patients, such as Sjogrens syndrome and psoriatic arthritis. https://wvrheumatology.com/what-to-expect-at-your-first-rheumatologist-appointment/. However, because of their advanced knowledge in this area, rheumatologists are often able to detect early signs of RA and other forms of arthritis that other doctors may not be able to initially identify. Show that you're listening. It is also important to learn as much as you can about the medical history of extended family such as aunts and uncles, as well as people from earlier generations who have passed away. It is extremely important for patients to see a rheumatologist and be diagnosed as soon as possible since RA can be treated most effectively if treatment begins early on in the diseases course. Patients also typically see a rheumatologist for support in providing the most appropriate and effective medications for their own unique condition. Whats the Connection Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Acne? You just scheduled your first rheumatology appointment now what? Providing details such as how often the symptoms occur, what you think triggers them, and their severity is also helpful for this appointment. Therefore, its important to understand your condition as best as possible so you can take charge of your personal health. Arthritis may be a symptom of a number of different connective tissue diseases since there are more than 100 types of arthritis. As a specialist, they will have received your referral from your primary care physician and perhaps other healthcare providers. Following these tips can help you make the most of that first important appointment with your rheumatologist and help you start your path toward treatment. Are there vitamins or supplements I could take to help the inflammation? Other Referrals: Your rheumatologist may feel that you need to see other specialists as well, such as a nephrologist if kidney damage is a concern, or a cardiologist if they suspect heart involvement. What should I do if I have side effects from my treatment? The process of diagnosis is often a scary, worrisome time. Can Lifestyle Changes Help You Manage Spinal Stenosis? What To Wear To A Rheumatology Appointment. It is an important step to getting an accurate diagnosis so that you know what to do and what to expect going forward. Many are difficult to diagnose, and some lead to permanent joint damage. Lab tests, such as X-rays and blood work, may also supply pieces of the puzzle to assist your rheumatologist in arriving at your diagnosis.. Rheumatologists look for signs of inflammation like: Your doctor may order X-rays; an MRI scan, which uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make a more detailed picture; or a CT scan, which takes X-rays from several angles and puts them together to get more information. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD). What do you plan to do if I dont see any improvement, or if my symptoms get worse? The next you can hardly get out of bed. ), What makes you feel worse? Or they might send you to a lab for these tests. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Pain, sleeplessness, fatigue, and depression can interfere with your getting regular exercise. We look forward to participating in your care. Some new patients are surprised by the volume of questions during their first visit! Your rheumatologist is your companion on what you hope will be a healthy journey in treating your RA. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. (2021). Do you think Im on the best treatment for my symptoms? (Opioid and opiate pain relievers are associated with a high rate of addiction, so the prescription of these medications for RA is on the decline.). Yet lifestyle changes can also help you manage the symptoms of your condition. Additionally, it can easily be confused with other conditions which have similar symptoms, such as lupus and Lyme disease. Expect that your first appointment will be an hour or longer and much of this time is spent talking about your symptoms. If you think this will be a problem, ask the scheduler if you can receive and complete the paperwork electronically in advance of your appointment. Ask your doctor about their experience with these medications. They can also remind you of any questions youve forgotten to ask or issues you were planning to bring up. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the joints, and other parts of the body. RA has cycles and can go into remission. Once a diagnosis of RA is confirmed, the rheumatologist recommends ongoing medical treatments and monitors the patient regularly. You might be answering a lot of questions, but its your appointment too. A public awareness campaign from the American College of Rheumatology, 2021 Rheumatic Diseases in America White Paper, What to Expect at Your First Visit with a Rheumatologist. Heres what to expect and tips for being prepared. If you have insurance, check with them about referral requirements. 120 Medical Park Dr., Suite 100 Bridgeport, WV 26330 Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Spend some time thinking about your symptoms in as much detail as you can. Some that are similar, yet must be treated differently, are lupus, Lyme disease, and relapse polychondritis. (2022). Feel confident to ask questions. Cleveland Clinic. If you feel any pain, let them know. (Ice? And youll have a new valuable partner on your health care team. Your evaluation may include one or more diagnostic tests, including: There are many methods for treating rheumatic diseases. (2021, October 12). Your appointment is a shared conversation, so if you have questions, make sure to ask. After completion of their education and fellowship, the student must then pass a certification exam (which has to be retaken every ten years) to officially become a board certified rheumatologist. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This is can be frustrating, but it is also important for them evaluate your condition with a fresh set of eyes and ears. RASN is dedicated to providing the most up to date and trusted information. Last medically reviewed on February 4, 2021. Understanding Elderly Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis, The 4 Stages and Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis: What CRP Levels Say About You, Everything You Need to Know About Rheumatoid Vasculitis, Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. If youre overweight, shedding extra pounds can take stress off joints and lessen pain. (2019). Rheumatologists are like detectives looking for clues to relieve your pain and treat your condition. Two days' notice is requested for cancellation of a scheduled appointment. Talk with your rheumatologist throughout your treatment to understand how to tell when a treatment is no longer working and how to plan for a change in treatment when needed. It's natural to wonder things like: It starts out much like any standard office visit. A rheumatologist is a doctor with specialized training in inflammatory (rheumatic) disease. ", Arthritis Foundation: "Benefits of Weight Loss," "Prepare for Your Doctor Visit, "What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?, Cleveland Clinic: "First Rheumatology Appointment?" This treatment plan can vary from person to person and depends greatly on your individual age, gender, family background, and personal medical history, as well as the amount of musculoskeletal pain and other symptoms that youre experiencing. ", Hospital for Special Surgery: "The Doctor-Patient Relationship and Rheumatology Decision-Making: Are You Thinkin' What I'm Thinkin'?" What other complimentary therapies or other resources would you suggest? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/first-rheumatology-appointment/, St. Paul Rheumatology, P.A. Next, expect the rheumatologist to press on each of your joints to gauge your pain reaction. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/30/2022. Your rheumatologist will ask a lot of pointed questions about your symptoms. If you think you may have rheumatoid arthritis and are about to see a rheumatologist for the first time, you're on the right path. Dont neglect your emotional state. Policy. Telemedicine appointments If under the age of 18, you will probably see to a pediatric rheumatologist. In most cases, patients see a rheumatologist for treatment upon referral from their physician. All images unless otherwise noted are property of and were created by Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus. Even if you dont develop RA comorbidities such as cardiovascular problems or depression, youll likely take a prescription anti-inflammatory, a corticosteroid, at least one DMARD, and possibly a biologic. Treatment recommendations may include medications, referral to physical therapyand/orother specialists, or diagnostic or therapeutic joint/tendon injections. Some rheumatologists suggest thinking about a timeline of your symptoms. They are also there to help improve the quality of life of their patients. What are the potential side effects of RA medicines? When visiting the rheumatologist, initially you will work with him or her to determine the diagnosis and/or severity of your rheumatology based condition. Its important to remember that youre visiting a doctor, but youre also establishing a long-term relationship with them since many diseases, even when well-managed, may be lifelong. Treatments can also stop working. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition associated with inflammation in multiple areas of the body. What were you doing when it started? And the better decisions you can make, the higher your quality of life will be. These frequent touchpoints make it easier to adjust therapies before you experience discomfort. He then ordered lab work and x-rays. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Your brand will be shaped by the clothes you choose to wear on a daily basis. Vaccine Guidelines for Individuals with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Ronnys Story: Fighting Insurance Delays to Keep My Child Healthy. We avoid using tertiary references. As part of working with a rheumatologist, you will be provided with a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique case of RA. Patients with presumed RA were much more likely to be seen within 3 months of referral . Consider keeping notes in advance of your appointment to bring along. Do you know of a support group that I could join. They may work with you to set treatment goals that show the disease is getting under control, like fewer signs of inflammation in your blood, as well as goals for quality of life, like enjoying family activities. What to know before your first rheumatologist visit. Sjgren's syndrome. This will allow us to schedule another patient who is waiting to be seen. Rheumatologists encourage all new patients to make sure they understand their diagnoses, ask about follow-up appointments and clarify any work or activity restrictions. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Learn how we can help. The treatment is based largely on how far the disease has progressed at the time of diagnosis. All rights reserved. Then don't hesitate to ask them. UHC Rheumatology, operated by United Hospital Center, is located at 120 Medical Park Drive, Suite 100, Bridgeport, WV 26330. The testing was extensive, but helped in ruling out diseases. However, your doctor may consider lowering the dose of your medication or simplifying your drug combination with careful monitoring. Your doctor may suggest that you meet with one or both of these health professionals. Lab tests, including urine, blood, or joint fluid tests, may be ordered to test for various factors, antibodies, and genetic markers of specific conditions. Editors note: This story was first published on February 1, 2017, and the expert interviews were conducted that same year. Occupational therapists can show you how to ease the strain on your joints during daily activities. When Im in pain, should I use the joint/muscle or rest it? They conduct thorough exams to pinpoint the precise cause of your symptoms. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This enables him or her to better diagnose, treat, and care for patients suffering from a variety of rheumatic diseases. To give your new doctor a head start: Make a timeline. Make the most of the time you have with your rheumatologist by writing up a list of questions beforehand. They include: After the initial examination is complete, the rheumatologist may order additional testing and exams to further investigate your unique condition. Your rheumatologist will probably prescribe methotrexate, which is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). You must continue to take your medications to be well. During follow-up appointments, your rheumatologist may treat reoccurring conditions or talk with you about medications, coping mechanisms, techniques for preventing disability or regaining function, as well as ways to improve your quality of life. Here are some questions to consider bringing up: Around 90% of people with RA will take methotrexate at some point, according to the advocacy group the Arthritis Foundation.
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