so i am new here, i have my first rheumy visit on the 29th and was jsut wondering if you all could help to know what to expect on the first visit? thanks for any help.

sharon

Welcome Shellis.
Do you have your medical records (blood tests, xrays, mris or cat scans)? I had a very long appt. had to discuss how i felt, what other dxs i had, what was going on, where the pain area was, had to walk, bend, FMS check,had my body examed(fingers, feet, legs,neck,back,etc) then i waited till my test results were examed. Then alot more blood tests were done. And then we discussed what the possible dxs were thought to be. But had to wait till bllod tests can back(for the next visit). It was long but thourogh. Hope things go ok for you. Let us know.
There are alot of knowledgeable people here that will be along to help advise you. Maybe they can add to what i left out.

Yes i have a copy of blood test results both mri's brain and c-spine and a copy of the results of the emg ncv that was done. But i just have the report for the mri's do i need to go get a copy of the films? thanks for the help i am very nervous but anxious for this appt. i have been through so much and to so many drs. i just hope that there are some answers here.

sharon

Hi Shellis-

At my 1st rheumy visit, it went pretty much like countrygal was saying...thourough examination of joints, a lot of question and answer b/t you and the doc, and some x-rays since I had some inflammation and pain in my feet/ankles. We did some blood work also. Once this all came back (about a week or so later) I went back in for the follow up. Had some abnormal results (ANA+) meaning I had an autoimmune disorder and some other flags were raised as well in the blood work. Once my rheumy had this info, he had some idea of where to take the next round of blood work and what to look for. He then tested me for some other things to see any abnormities. Each time I went back to the rheumatologist we went over my last blood test results and talked about the outcome of them, then had to get more done b4 the next visit. It takes quite a while in some cases to determine the actual diagnosis and problem. Just be prepared to be very patient with the whole process. In the beginning, I just wanted answers and I wasn't getting them but after the blood tests, and numerous visits to the rheumy and of course making myself knowledgeable on the medications prescribed for me and the outcome of the abnormities in my blood work I have found it much easier to understand and deal with. There are some really good people that know a lot about arthritis on this board. So this is definately one of the best places for any questions you might have. Hope all is well with your first visit! Don't be nervous, you are taking the first step towards treating your pain! :) Good Luck.

South

shellis, i did take mine and he reread all of them. I assume because he was more familiar with what he was looking for. But it did not take him long to do this. But as far as yours i dont know, but hey, it couldnt hurt.
I do know what you are talking about how long and hard it is to find answers. I saw many many docs and i am so glad i found this one. Good luck and let us know.