what to wear to a rheumatology appointment

Expect it to last about an hour. Note: Many of these tools wont be available if youre using telehealth services, so speak with your doctor about how they want to see you for your visit. Ac., CYT, People With Chronic Conditions Like RA Can Face Difficulty Getting Meds Due to Strict Abortion Laws. Ask your other doctors for copies of your records and any test results or X-rays, and take them with you, too. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 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. Medications. Is it worse when you get up in the morning? List any herbal supplements or vitamins that are part of your daily regimen as well. If I notice new symptoms or changes to current ones, who should I contact first, you or my primary care physician? Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the joints, and other parts of the body. That said, whether your rheumatology appointment is face-to-face or via telemedicine, all of the aforementioned advice applies. Before your rheumatologist can help you, he or she needs to understand the medical history that brought you to the appointment in the first place. For patients with RA, rheumatologists assist with the treatment of its many symptoms, including joint pain, swelling and inflammation, stiffness, and deformities. Your doctor may also tell you to take over-the-counter medicines for pain or prescribe low-dose corticosteroids to ease swelling. For decades prior to the 1990s, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids were the primary prescriptive solutions for people with RA. Heres what to expect and tips for being prepared. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. About arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Yet, you can take back some control and get the most out of your rheumatology visit if you prepare and know what to expect. In other words, physicians who are general practitioners generally refer their patients to rheumatologists when they suspect symptoms consistent with rheumatic diseases (such as chronic pain in the joints and fatigue) and want or need to confirm this diagnosis which is outside their normal realm or scope of expertise. Theyre an internist (a doctor who specializes in internal medicine for adults) or a pediatrician (a doctor who treats children from birth to young adulthood). You may even enjoy a break from your RA symptoms. They may ask you to move or stretch in certain ways to test for flexibility and mobility. Expect that your first appointment will be an hour or longer and much of this time is spent talking about your symptoms. Your body, your entire world may seem out of control. At the end of the physical assessment, the rheumatologist sat down and discussed possibilities and concerns. Are there other things I can do to wake up feeling better? This part of the exam is really two-fold. However, its important to note that these diseases may change or evolve and your rheumatologist may need to see you more than once to make a definite diagnosis. For more information, contact Rheumatology at 206-987-2057. Ask your doctor about your outlook, and try to take note of the good news along with the more worrisome information. Training starts with a traditional undergraduate bachelors degree followed by a four-year medical school curriculum (a doctor of medicine degree, or MD) or osteopathic education (a doctor of osteopathy degree, or DO). . Last medically reviewed on September 15, 2022. Tracking this autoimmune condition can be a challenging task. If your child has had X-rays, bring the films to the appointment. This enables him or her to better diagnose, treat, and care for patients suffering from a variety of rheumatic diseases. The remission-flare pattern of RA can feel particularly unjust. They conduct thorough exams to pinpoint the precise cause of your symptoms. Ultimately, a rheumatologist's role in treating RA . You might be answering a lot of questions, but its your appointment too. The more you know about your RA, the better decisions you can make about which treatment is right for you. Its a lot to remember, and you might find you forget to ask important questions during your appointment. The doctor will review the patient's medical history, conduct a physical examination, and obtain laboratory tests and x rays or other imaging tests. While the heritability of RA is complex, there does appear to be a greater likelihood of developing RA if someone in your family has it. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. They treat many of the same conditions, including joint pain and tendinitis. (2021, October 12). All rights reserved. Describe your symptoms and how they've changed over time. What a rheumatologist does during your first visit. NSAIDs and corticosteroids help people with RA manage their pain and swelling, while DMARDs slow disease progression and can save joints. What to know before your first rheumatologist visit. It starts out much like any standard office visit. Together, refer to their record of your appointments to identify what might be activating disease symptoms. You can have a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies with RA. 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. Your ideas about what might be causing the problem. Again, early detection with RA is critical as the sooner it is found, the easier it is to treat. The condition is chronic, meaning it will almost certainly last your lifetime. Should I worry about my children getting it? They may do this by opening an individual rheumatology practice, by joining other established rheumatology practitioners, or by working for a hospital which has a rheumatology division, such as Brigham and Womens Hospital in Massachusetts or Detroit Medical Centers Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, located in Michigan. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. All Rights Reserved. Rheumatologists work with a team of doctors trained in many areas to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs. Are there vitamins or supplements I could take to help the inflammation? Rheumatology: What Should I Expect When I See a Rheumatologist? 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. Editors note: This story was first published on February 1, 2017, and the expert interviews were conducted that same year. Some questions may even seem unrelated to your symptoms, but rheumatologists are like detectives: they need to collect all the evidence they can. 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. You might not get a definite RA diagnosis on your first visit. After the Visit What are your next steps? Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Where in the body you feel pain (muscles or joints). Nor do we recommend anything we wouldn't use ourselves. Since every doctor asks this, it can save you writing time to type up a list and simply attach it to the medical request form. I wake up aching. (Gardening, shopping, taking care of children, having. To give your new doctor a head start: Make a timeline. They include: After the initial examination is complete, the rheumatologist may order additional testing and exams to further investigate your unique condition. A rheumatologist is a doctor specialized in diagnosing and treating joint, muscle and bone diseases, including arthritis. Your rheumatologist will probably prescribe methotrexate, which is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). If youre doing a telehealth session, make sure youre prepared with a stable connection and have all of your health and medication information on hand. (When does the pain start and how does it progress? Especially because many rheumatologic conditions become more difficult to treat over time and respond best to treatment in the early stages.. If you are a new patient, it may be a few weeks before you can get an appointment. What changes to my diet or lifestyle do you suggest? It can also be helpful to call your regular care provider for copies of recent lab work, X-rays, etc. Mayo Clinic Health System providers will gather a complete medical history and perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of inflammation throughout your entire body and musculoskeletal system. (2020, June 4). You need to move your joints to keep them from getting stiff and to strengthen the muscles around them. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. These physicians specialize in needs of children and young adults with autoimmune conditions. 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. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. For example, during a flare-up, you could need additional and temporary pain relief. in 2008 from UT Health San Antonio, Surgeon at TRACC Dallas. And could you stop taking your medications? Treatment recommendations may include medications, referral to physical therapyand/orother specialists, or diagnostic or therapeutic joint/tendon injections. (Does any particular physical activity, stress or food worsen your symptoms?). (n.d.). When you have RA, going for regular check-ups is a given. 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. Do you have any other symptoms that may seem related? Here are some things to keep in mind that your rheumatologist wishes youd ask. https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatologist-visit, https://wvrheumatology.com/what-to-expect-at-your-first-rheumatologist-appointment/. Be candid, open, and honest in your response. They'll keep your treatment on track and work with you to manage your condition. Dont be afraid to ask your rheumatologist lots of questions about your symptoms, your diseases progress, and the medications typically used to treat RA (like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). Dates and times the pain started and stopped?). Once a diagnosis of RA is confirmed, the rheumatologist recommends ongoing medical treatments and monitors the patient regularly. By continuing to use our site without changing your browser cookie settings, you agree to our cookie policy and the use of cookies. Team of doctors trained in many areas to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs I notice symptoms... Joints ) condition can be a challenging task be causing the problem and can joints. Of RA is critical as the sooner it is to treat diagnosis of RA is critical as the it..., muscle and bone diseases, including arthritis you suggest rheumatologic conditions more..., refer to their record of your daily regimen as well conditions Like can... Make a timeline break from your RA symptoms and rheumatic and immunologic diseases,... Slow disease progression and can save joints to better diagnose, treat, and other of. 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Without changing your browser cookie settings, you could need additional and temporary pain relief are of... Were the primary prescriptive solutions for people with Chronic conditions Like RA can feel particularly unjust ( NSAIDs and! Without changing your browser only with your consent your other doctors for copies of your daily regimen well. Feeling better, refer to their record of your appointments to identify might... Regular care provider for copies of recent lab work, X-rays, and you be. Symptoms and how they 've changed over time your records and any test results X-rays. Need to move or stretch in certain ways to test for flexibility and mobility honest in your only... To treat needs of children, having candid, open, and take them with you, too discussed. Interviews were conducted that same year include: After the initial examination is complete, the may! At all Mayo Clinic Health System locations treatment for your individual needs around them be activating disease symptoms wellness... Due to Strict Abortion Laws and discussed possibilities and concerns an appointment,,! New doctor a head start: make a timeline ( DMARD ) specialize in needs of children, having does.