First rheumatology appointment

My recollections of my first rheumatology appointment many many years ago was that they did send me all around the hospital to do a number of tests and it all took a rather long time (I remember, because the hospital was so big and the corridors all looked the same so I kept getting lost!)

What I don't remember was whether all this happened in the course of one appointment or whether I had to go back for the results.

I imagine I'd have had to go back.

Actually, now I think about it, it's quite possible that my GP sent me to get the tests done, as with you, and then, when they were in, I saw the consultant rheumatologist.

Sorry. That's probably too vague to be of much help.

I have had a few referrals so therefore a few "first" appointments with different rheumatologists. They were all pretty different to be honest but the last one, and most thorough, did a physical examination, went through history, sent me for an immediate blood test and x-rays following the appt, so,I was there a good two hours. She also arranged scans of my hands, feet, spine  and abdomen. 

Thank you. The advice about taking someone is very useful. My husband will be coming with me but would normally wait in the waiting room so I'll get him to come with me to the consultation. It'll also prevent me from going through everything later.

At my first RA appointment, the Dr. gave me a physical examination and had blood drawn. We also discussed how I'd been feeling. 

Hi Matron, I live in the States, but my first appointment I actually wrote down my history for the past year and a half of how the pain started, when the weird flare ups began, how I relieved the pain through chiropractic and meds I was already taking for my back, and everything that had happened up to my appointment with him. I did take my husband with me, but I thought it best to write everything down so as not to leave anything out because I always forget stuff once I'm at the doctor's office.

He actually read it all before he came in to see me and then took a look at my hands, feet, and had already seen my blood work that my primary care doctor had run which showed an elevated RA factor. He said it was a no brainer; I had RA. My Rheumy then ordered a ton more blood tests and x-rays for both feet and hands. He told me about the Leflunomide and how I'd need to have lab work done each month to check my liver while on this med, as well as supplementing it with Folic Acid daily.

He went with the med he gave me because I do not have insurance and it's the only med that currently has a generic brand made. It's very inexpensive at just $19 per month.

The lab work and xrays were NOT inexpensive though. But worth doing so that I knew what I was up against. He was checking for any joint damage and did not find any, which was great news.

He made a follow up appointment with me for 3 months, as he said that is how long the med would take to start making a difference.

Sorry this is so long, but that was my experience.

When I went to a rheumatologist , she asked me a lot of question and thank god that I have all my paper work from a different doc so she went and looked at them ..she sent me to go and get my blood draw which they had to do like 13 tubs of blood ..Then I went to do x -rays of my hands , feet , knees , ankles , wrist ..Then to a eye doctor too ..I did all of these in different days ...

Thank you all for your replies you have given me some very good advice.

I recently was diagnosed with early onset inflammatory RA. The first meeting was to make sure I had blood tests and also to give me a kenalog injection to bring down the inflammation. If, like me, you are taking anti inflammatories, these will increase the CPF reading for inflammation. I didn't realise I was being placed on a trial (it seems most of the clinics are being paid to put RA people on clinical trials and this has to all be completed within a 12 week schedule) so thee is a standard staged approach. First of all you will be asked to meet with the rheumatologist and discuss your illness and rate it on various scales. You. Ay need a steroid injection and they will request both blood tests and X-rays of the hands and feet to see the erosion. Just make sure you receive copies of all this information because it is about YOU. They will make suggestions about medication and will likely tell you you must have methotrexate AND some combination drug. Now, this is where it gets tricky becUse you must make sure you understand these drugs. My experience was one of being told I absolutely MUST take them otherwise I would just get worse. Well, that was in September and we are now in December and I haven't wanted to start on the drugs because I don't like the sound of them. In actual fact, my last 2 blood tests have shown a massive 'natural' drop in the CRP and the ESR and an increase iron (you are likely to have iron deficiency anaemia and they are likely to prescribe tablets but you can take natural iron supplements like Floridix) and my sense was had I been  on medication they would have said the drop was down to the meds. I also took someone with me and they were basically very rude to her. Despite the fact she works with people with RA the consultant treated her like she was an imbecile. Needless to say, don't be cajoled into anything and make sure you are clear about all your options. I have now dropped the lot and gone to Chinese Medicine. I feel like a new person altogether and have decided to stay with that. Completely different approach that is both holistic and works on the body not just the disease. It is worth looking at because my consultant warned me away from Chinese herbs which led me to think there may be a reason for doing that. I now realise there was an option for me (not anyone else if this isn't their thing) but I just feel 100% cared for and my body is just back to normal!!!! So never be afraid of checking the alternatives. Just to add, I have religiously stayed with a diet of high omega 3 (3500mg per day) iron and vit B alongside my chinese herbs and acupuncture. Every day gets better!!!