| Re: Just dx'd
Dear Michele, Welcome! I'm glad you found the group here.
Expect lots of questions. A good rheumie will take a lifelong medical history. A brief physical exam, probably (rotating your joints---that sort of thing).
Also, many rheumies RE-DO all bloodwork & urinalysis. Many seem to prefer their own specialized labs. "Their" labs may perform tests that run-of-the-mill labs don't. IF NEEDED, the rheumie will refer you to other specialists, e.g., neurologist, dermatologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, nephrologist, etc. (Don't panic! Again, only if indicated!)
Good news: many people with SLE remain mild. And even when major organs are affected, meds & care today are *much* better than in decades past. Also, there are "lesser" forms of lupus possible (like DLE & SCLE).
You could ask---What your tests have "proved" so far. But keep in mind that there is no one definitive test for systemic lupus: it's Dx'ed by meeting "4" or more of the "4 of 11" ACR criteria sometime in your life. (See the sticky post at the top of the thread list.) When & how you'll get the results of any new labs. Whether you'll have regular check-ups. Who you should call if something new happens (e.g., GP or rheumie). Any changes you should make (many people MUST avoid sun, alas).
Hope this helps a little. Honestly? I bet ALL of us were scared & worried, especially at first. (Too odd if we weren't, huh?) The people here are always willing to talk, I've found---so please post whenever the mood strikes, OK? Drop another post when you can, OK? Wishing you luck with your appt, from Vee (P.S. I was dx'ed in 2000 with the SCLE "subset" of SLE & have taken Plaquenil since, plus I must practice strict sun avoidance---bah! But I got a new lease on life & am very grateful for that.)
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