I too have my first rhuemy appt. I have neuropathy but lately my hands and knees have been stiff and swollen. Have had two injections for "trigger thumb" and the ortho told me the third time I would be looking at a small surgery to release the tendon. My sed rate taken by my pain management nurse was 7.5 whatever that means but he said the rheumy was the logical place to send me next. I already have me reg. dr., a neuro, pain management specialist and now another dr. I don't know if it means anything but my normal temp has always been about 97.1, now it runs 99. to 100., could be menopause however. Don't know what to think and what to tell them tomorrow either???