I have just been told i have arthritis-they are not sure what type as yet but have been refered to a rheumatologist. Does this referal mean that i definately have arthritis?

What will the rheumatologist do?

Can i prepare/take anything along that will help?

Anyone who has been to a rheumatologist please help!

Hello Holly,
when you go to the rheumatologist i would take an account/diary of all symptoms you have experienced eg. swollen joints-which ones, how long they swell for and how bad is the pain etc... then this will help the consultant to decide on action needed. I think the consultant looks at the signs/symptoms and blood results to help determine which type of arthritis you might have.

Goodluck and do post back with your progress.
WenXXX.

any xrays mri bloodwork up bring with you or have sent to them

keep a list of everything that hurts, when it hurts most (ie mornings late night ect) what activities u do that make it hurt worse

what youve done to try & lessen the pain & stiffness (ie arthritis creams patches otc painkillers)

good luck & let us know what happens

Don't forget any medications that you have taken in the past on a regular basis and for how long, that includes herbal meds (ex: Glucosamine, flaxseed, Tylenol, ect). Also a list of past surgeries.

The Rheumatologist will be the one to determine 100% if you have arthritis and what type. My Rheumatologist did a huge complete blood work up, xrays of my knees, hips, pelvis, lumbar, chest, hands & wrists. It was a very long visit, but real complete too. Don't worry it will all go fine :)

Thanks everyone, i've just got my appointment through-it's not until next year though in January :(

I have to keep calling hoping for a canclation. Fingers crossed.

One of the drugs i'm taking now is for swelling-it's worked so well that i have no visable swelling!

I've also been wearing support bandages on both wrists throughout the day which enables me to use my wrists for a longer period of time without pain. I'm trying not to rely on them. Has anyone else found that support bandages help with pain?

Holly

ive used support gloves @ times & they help but what i found was @ night i have a habit of bending my wrist under my pillow & omg the pain in the morning was unbareable so i got a wrist brace & wear it to bed, i only bend the right one so i use it every night & now it doesnt hurt any worse then the left one

im sorry u have to wait so long for the appointment & i hope they get a cancellation to get u in earlier

can u ask them to call u if someone cancels?

I have just been told i have arthritis-they are not sure what type as yet but have been refered to a rheumatologist. Does this referal mean that i definately have arthritis?

What will the rheumatologist do?

Can i prepare/take anything along that will help?

Anyone who has been to a rheumatologist please help!

Hi Holly,

Upon your first visit at the rheumy, most likely he'll take a FULL medical exam, health questions, and family history, and perhaps even bloodwork. This is what I recall many years ago, when I first saw my rheumy. He'll note any, and all joint pain, where etc. any swelling etc......I think if one has RA, its far bettr now to treat, unlike 20-30 years ago when aspirin was basically what was given with gold shots.....God Bless....Vergie

Thanks vergie...it all sounds very thorough, which i guess is good. I really hope there will be no more blood work...i don't mind it but last time they took 7 bottles of the stuff and as i'm quite small it had an interesting affect on me!

Venusrose: unfortunatly they wont call me if they recieve a canclation, it'll down to me to do the phoning, will just have to keep trying:confused:

Holly,

Count your blessings my dear. In my area it is not unusual to wait 1 yr for a really good Rheumatologist. I waited 11 months, and well worth the wait :) . I was first seen 5/06, diagnosed at that time with RA & Systemic Lupus. At that time I already had Osteo for 18 yrs (TKR 6/07) & diagnosed with diabetes 5/06...I'm 46 now.

I hope your pain eases up some.:angel:
Take Care