Rheumatoid Arthritis what to expect!

I'm guessing it depends where you live..Ive lived in Margate and now Portsmouth... And at both of my first appointments with rheumatology it involved getting undressed, a full examination of all my joints...and a chest xray... Followed by a chat about what type of arthritis I had and the medication they wanted to try... So make sure you wear something that's easy to get off and on in case your hospital works on the same policy...

I had a similar appointment to Debbie. I saw the Rheumatologist and was given the results of my blood tests and x-rays,  was started on anti-inflammatories and had a follow up appt in 6 weeks. I hope you are in a good area for Rheumatology care. Wishing you success on yoour journey.

Hi, it depends on your Rheumatologist, a good one will explain the nature of the desease, show you your ex Rays, explain them & discuss your options. Good luck to you.

I live in Reading- very pleased with my care. But I was told not to take NSAIDs eg ibrufen  but to use paracetamol if nec. I was happy with this as didn't want irritated stomach. Anyway at the first appt he looked at joints, X-rays- blood test had been done earlier. He made a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis( psoriatic or RA but treatment the same anyway)

then I was given a cortico steroid jab in backside which greatly relieved pain and stiffness. I was in quite a bad way. I was started on methotrexate- a disease modifying drug and given a follow up with rheumy nurse 6 weeks later. That s when I had all the questions ! I think it's a good idea to take someone with you who can take notes about what they say. It was hard to take things in. I took a friend on initial appt and husband on second one. Hope it goes well for you.

Hi, I'm in Australia so may be a bit different to your care. I finally saw a Doc who sent me to a rheumatologist but she only scanned one hand (in her office) to see if the RA was present and sent me for xrays of all other joints. Started me on Methotrexate immediately and on subsequent appt. modified the meds until she and I were happy with the results. Part of ongoing treatment was a bone scan as inflammation didn't reduce and I was started on Cimzia injections which have helped. A lot of what your rheumatologist will go on is from what you tell them so please write down all your symptoms, even those you may not think are RA related as there are such things as nodules that can form within your body with this disease and affect  liver, kidney etc. good luck.