[barita_lola]

Well friends, I have my first appointment Wednesday with the rheumatoid specialist, does anyone know what they do for the first visit and what should I expect? Do they do a bunch of tests? Does the visit take long? I am nervous about the visit. I guess many of you know the answer of these question… so I will be very happy if anyone answer and help me to reduce my tension.

[jannaw]

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???

[sharky]

I went to the reumy about 4 yrs ago ... it was alot of paperwork but the dr time was about 40 minutes...

[Lindaluhoo]

Originally Posted by sharky

I went to the reumy about 4 yrs ago ... it was alot of paperwork but the dr time was about 40 minutes...

I too will be seeing a rheumy soon and am wondering an average length of time before a possible diagnosis/answers.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by Lindaluhoo

I too will be seeing a rheumy soon and am wondering an average length of time before a possible diagnosis/answers.

That will depend on what all needs to be done and what kinds of assets the rheumy is set up with. Some have x-ray machines on-site, and will do that (and interpret) during that first appointment. With others, you may have to go to a lab/imaging ctr. to have films done. If other imaging is required, it could take a week or two to schedule (depending on your location and local equipment demands) and a few days for interpretation. Blood tests may take up to a week after draw.

Take someone with you if possible, or take P&P to take notes. Ask during that first appt. how long dx/answers (if they are possible) may take.

Google: rheumatologist first appointment

Doc

[Peter B]

My visit was largely a waste of time. Looked at the x-rays, agreed that I had arthritis, and referred me to a rehab place.
Spoke to the rehab doctor and he said that the waiting list was extremely long, and after looking at my notes suggested that he could do nothing for me as it was just wear and tear and I'd never get well enough to work again.

Wasn't until several years later that a new pain doctor correctly diagnosed my problem as muscular, saying my arthritis wasn't all that bad. I'd have been able to keep working if this had been done all those years previously.

It's getting to be more of a problem now, but still just an age thing for me.
Magnesium has cured my muscle problems.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by Peter B

My visit was largely a waste of time.

What all were you expecting?

Doc

[razzle51]

talk and he ordered blood work