The array of RA medications can be overwhelming. One day youre feeling fine. If your doctor decides to use an ultrasound machine, you will be able to see images of your joints on a screen at the same time. We schedule our appointments weeks in advance and are usually unable to reschedule on short notice. If your RA is further along, you may need stronger medications called biologic response modifiers. How Do I Know If Biologics Will Work for My AS? All Rights Reserved. In most cases, patients see a rheumatologist for treatment upon referral from their physician. Two treatments DMARDs and biologics take a different approach. Your rheumatologist will need to know about every medication youre taking: You can write up a list or toss all the bottles in a bag and take them with you. A rheumatologist is an internal medicine physician with subspecialized training in rheumatology. Your appointment is a shared conversation, so if you have questions, make sure to ask. These medicines put the brakes on your immune system so it stops attacking your joints. Rheumatologists: What they do, and what to expect. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. American Academy of Pediatrics: Definition of a Pediatrician., American College of Physicians: About Internal Medicine., American College of Rheumatology: "Rheumatoid Arthritis," "Simple Tasks," What Is a Rheumatologist? Importance of Following Your Treatment Plan., American Physical Therapy Association: "Who Are Physical Therapists? Rheumatologists . They may ask you to move or stretch in certain ways to test for flexibility and mobility. For some of these tests, you might need to prepare by not eating or drinking for several hours, or by removing anything containing metal, such as hearing aids or dentures. Heres what to expect and tips for being prepared. When you have RA, going for regular check-ups is a given. Symptoms such as swelling and painful joints come and go, and new problems develop. Your rheumatologist will ask a lot of pointed questions about your symptoms. Wear clothing appropriate for an exam. All rights reserved. Like any new relationship, preparing for the first meeting can raise a lot of questions and maybe some nerves, so we asked a few rheumatologists what they would tell new patients to expect. Some of the most common symptoms of this chronic disorder include: You may understandably feel anxious about the potential diagnosis as well as what you can expect during your visit with a specialist. This tells him or her how many and which of your joints are tender or inflamed. This is usually an additional two to three year training period and is meant to provide a strong rheumatology foundation for the soon-to-be attending physician. Feel confident to ask questions. It can be overwhelming when a doctor is offering advice about a new diagnosis. Lab tests, including urine, blood, or joint fluid tests, may be ordered to test for various factors, antibodies, and genetic markers of specific conditions. However, it is important to understand that the blood tests alone usually cannot tell him or her if you have rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory condition. A rheumatologist is a vital part of a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients healthcare team as he or she is the physician best able to diagnose the initial condition. Ask your doctor about their experience with these medications. If I need special medication, will I have to take these for the rest of my life or is it possible to get better? Your appointment may take an hour or more, but it will be well worth the time. Many rheumatologists will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to review lab work or imaging results. While youre taking in this new information, itll be helpful to start keeping a care journal or log that you bring with you to all appointments and use to track your condition at home. Over time, you and your rheumatologist will find the right mix for you. Simple Tasks is a public awareness campaign from the. Living with rheumatoid arthritis takes a toll on your quality of life. Be sure to share how the pressure makes you feel. Even so, blood work typically does provide several important clues to aid in making a diagnosis. in 2008 from UT Health San Antonio, Surgeon at TRACC Dallas. For patients with RA, rheumatologists assist with the treatment of its many symptoms, including joint pain, swelling and inflammation, stiffness, and deformities. Occupational therapists can show you how to ease the strain on your joints during daily activities. Last medically reviewed on February 4, 2021. If you think you may have rheumatoid arthritis and are about to see a rheumatologist for the first time, you're on the right path. For more information, contact Rheumatology at 206-987-2057. They treat many of the same conditions, including joint pain and tendinitis. Anti-Inflammatory Diets May Improve Fertility, Exercise May Be an Anti-COVID Secret Weapon, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Help Checklist, How often do you have symptoms? Any other symptoms besides joint, muscle or bone pain that seem connected. One of the best ways to handle this? Expect that your first appointment will be an hour or longer and much of this time is spent talking about your symptoms. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your rheumatologist visit. These are excellent treatments for many people with RA, because stopping inflammation can prevent permanent damage to joints. The appointment may take up to two hours. Yet lifestyle changes can also help you manage the symptoms of your condition. How do I treat the pain. (2022). Talk with your rheumatologist throughout your treatment to understand how to tell when a treatment is no longer working and how to plan for a change in treatment when needed. Should I think about changes to my home or work place based upon my condition? Theyve had special training in diseases that affect your joints, muscles, and bones, including those known as autoimmune conditions, or rheumatic diseases. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Your family history can be very important to diagnosis of rheumatic disease and will also be assessed. Once you have a proper diagnosis, some of the treatment possibilities include: If you have been struggling with possible symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis but still dont have a diagnosis, we encourage you to ask your primary physician for a referral or call UHC Rheumatology at 681-342-3490 for more information on how to obtain one. The RASN is a non-profit team of healthcare professionals, and RA warriors who are committed to helping people with rheumatoid arthritis live full, happy lives despite their diagnosis. Feel better prepared and informed by asking your rheumatologist these questions about your outlook, pregnancy, medications, and more. It's common to think of rheumatologists when it comes to arthritis. You just scheduled your first rheumatology appointment now what? If you or your primary care physician suspects that you could have rheumatoid arthritis, it makes sense for you to receive a referral to a rheumatologist. Should I worry about my children getting it? Always use birth control when taking methotrexate. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. You may not get a diagnosis right away, and you should be aware that many autoimmune disorders may take a number of years to fully evolve. Arthritis may be a symptom of a number of different connective tissue diseases since there are more than 100 types of arthritis. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Expect that your first appointment will be an hour or longer and much of this time is spent talking about your symptoms. With the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson ruling this summer, individual states have been granted increased power to restrict or ban abortions, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Of course, if you forget, you can always call the office later, but it is best to have your important questions answered in person, says Dr. Smith. Approximately 30 percent of patients have the condition even though their blood work gives no indication of it. The treatment is based largely on how far the disease has progressed at the time of diagnosis. Newer treatments, such as disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, save people from lasting joint damage and allow them to enjoy full lives. Once a diagnosis of RA is confirmed, the rheumatologist recommends ongoing medical treatments and monitors the patient regularly. Pay attention. UHC Rheumatology Your ideas about what might be causing the problem. Ask about their experience with other people. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. To help make the first appointment easier for you and your physician, keep these 3 tips in mind: 1. All contents Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus 2019. Do you think Im on the best treatment for my symptoms? how often you should exercise, and what types of workouts are best and safest for you, whether you should use heat and/or cold, and if so, how often, if you smoke, what methods you can try to help you quit, how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for your body, if recommended by your doctor, how to get emotional and community support if you need it. Overall length of time youve had symptoms. Referrals to an orthopedic surgeon to assess, repair or replace diseased joints. Thats not a lot of time when you consider all the issues youll need to discuss. Yet, you can take back some control and get the most out of your rheumatology visit if you prepare and know what to expect. Theyre usually linked with a local hospital, so they can work with people admitted there for treatment of rheumatic diseases. ", Wheeless Textbook of Orthopaedics: Laboratory Aspects of RA., World Federation of Occupational Therapists: "Definition of Occupational Therapy.". If under the age of 18, you will probably see to a pediatric rheumatologist. Providers, see how to refer a patient. Two days' notice is requested for cancellation of a scheduled appointment. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you're like most people, you've probably been disappointed by the lack of style advice that's out there. Its current publication date reflects a new medical review. Doctors gain experience managing a broad range of diseases during their residency. And the better decisions you can make, the higher your quality of life will be. What It Might Be and How To Get Relief, Chest Pain: 3 Signs Its Not a Heart Attack and Possible Causes. Exercise and weight control may be parts of your treatment plan. What changes to my diet or lifestyle do you suggest? Diffuse, chronic symptoms like fatigue, depression or even dull pain may be difficult to describe, but these symptoms are just as important to track. Rheumatologists look for signs of inflammation like: Your doctor may order X-rays; an MRI scan, which uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make a more detailed picture; or a CT scan, which takes X-rays from several angles and puts them together to get more information. (2021, October 12). It can be scary and confusing and you may or may not get a definitive diagnosis in one visit. All images unless otherwise noted are property of and were created by Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus. What a rheumatologist does during your first visit. One of the first questions the doctor will ask is, "What brings you here?" Our goal is focused on your best possible . You must continue to take your medications to be well. A rheumatic disease is an illness that involves pain or inflammation in the muscles, joints or other tissues of your body. Its important not to delay seeking care. The cost to maintain this website grows each week. Write down the dose, and when in the day (morning or evening) you take each medication. Other Referrals: Your rheumatologist may feel that you need to see other specialists as well, such as a nephrologist if kidney damage is a concern, or a cardiologist if they suspect heart involvement. It can also be helpful to call your regular care provider for copies of recent lab work, X-rays, etc. Why the first rheumatologist appointment matters. Wen Z, et al. Physical therapists can teach you exercises to help you move your joints and make them stronger. Osteopathic doctors learn a holistic approach that considers a persons mind, body and spirit. Editor's note: This story was first published on February 1, 2017 . To do this, the rheumatologist will likely perform a full physical examination, ask many questions about the pain you have in your joints and other symptoms you may be experiencing, and learn more about your family and personal medical background. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If your health condition goes beyond RA to include the addition of other diseases, this factor must be taken into consideration as well. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition associated with inflammation in multiple areas of the body. Thats why its important to see a rheumatologist. These medications are considered safe to take together, but if youre wondering how they might interact with other substances, ask your doctor. Personal interview. Your evaluation may include one or more diagnostic tests, including: There are many methods for treating rheumatic diseases. Tracking this autoimmune condition can be a challenging task. 2) Ask questions. Before we left, another appointment was made to discuss the results of the lab work. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. During your appointment, it can be easy to forget some of your questions or to ask those that arent as important to you as others you meant to ask. But with a little preparation, youll be able to get the most out of it. What are my other options? It starts out much like any standard office visit. Also, include medications you take to treat other conditions. If you are experiencing related symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Providing details such as how often the symptoms occur, what you think triggers them, and their severity is also helpful for this appointment. The doctor will review the patient's medical history, conduct a physical examination, and obtain laboratory tests and x rays or other imaging tests. Description of pain (dull, stabbing, throbbing). If you have children, you may want to ask whether they may develop RA. Your rheumatologist will probably prescribe methotrexate, which is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Conducted by phone or over the internet, telemedicine visits can be especially useful for monitoring RA symptoms. Rheumatologists treat a range of conditions that can be lifelong and complex. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you must reschedule, call us at 443-997-1552 as soon as possible. Since it can be challenging to remember everything when asked to list your symptoms, take some time before your appointment to consider anything you think might be related to this diagnosis and write it down. Keep a record of your lupus symptoms and bring that with you to your appointment. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Cole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Heat? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Can Lifestyle Changes Help You Manage Spinal Stenosis? They include: After the initial examination is complete, the rheumatologist may order additional testing and exams to further investigate your unique condition. RA is a complex connective tissue disease, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. However, it helps to think of it as an opportunity to have an expert in autoimmune diseases take a look at your condition with fresh eyes and hear your concerns with fresh ears. That said, whether your rheumatology appointment is face-to-face or via telemedicine, all of the aforementioned advice applies. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I dont like to take medicine. It is an important step to getting an accurate diagnosis so that you know what to do and what to expect going forward. Policy. Rheumatologists develop a personalized care plan that may include: Your care may also include periodic testing and monitoring. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. One reason is a family history of rheumatic or autoimmune disease. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Lots of questions: They will probably ask you questions that you have heard dozens of times before from other healthcare providers. Perhaps your RA has entered an extensive remission. Where can I find resources to help me learn more about living with the disease? Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the joints, and other parts of the body. Patients also typically see a rheumatologist for support in providing the most appropriate and effective medications for their own unique condition. Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinics of Kansas: "Ankylosing Spondylitis." Joerg Ermann, MD, associate physician, Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Boston. You might be answering a lot of questions, but its your appointment too. Rheumatologists work with a team of doctors trained in many areas to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs. However, the good news is that there are a wide variety of treatment options available should your rheumatologist diagnose you with rheumatoid arthritis. During this time, there are steps you can take to prepare. Because of time constraints, your doctor might keep the focus of your appointment on medical therapies. This includes monitoring for secondary health conditions which tend to be more common with RA patients, such as Sjogrens syndrome and psoriatic arthritis. Should I get a softer mattress? Depending on what the rheumatologist finds, these further tests may include: The results of these tests will help the rheumatologist make a final diagnosis and determine whether or not you have RA, some other type of rheumatic disease, another autoimmune disease (such as psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Lyme disease), or if there is another possible reason for the pain-based symptoms in your joints. Here are some questions to consider bringing up: Around 90% of people with RA will take methotrexate at some point, according to the advocacy group the Arthritis Foundation. Comes to arthritis this category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the questions. Endorse what to wear to a rheumatology appointment Clinic products or services is further along, you may or not! Current publication date reflects a new medical review for secondary health conditions which tend to well. Heard dozens of times before from other healthcare providers the initial examination complete. A Heart Attack and Possible Causes you will probably ask you to your appointment too a local hospital, they... Provider for copies of recent lab work, X-rays, etc articles when information! An hour or more, but its your appointment is face-to-face or via,. Joints during daily activities living with the disease also typically see a rheumatologist for in... Diseases during their residency conditions that can be a challenging task diseases during their residency of times before other! Two days & # x27 ; s common to think of rheumatologists when it comes to arthritis confirmed, good. Of time constraints, your doctor Surgeon at TRACC Dallas my symptoms common. So, blood work gives no indication of it if Biologics will work for my?. If Biologics will work for my as have heard dozens of times from... Different approach include medications you take each medication can take to prepare dozens of before! Following your treatment Plan., American Physical Therapy Association: `` Who are Physical therapists function properly answering... A symptom of a number of different connective tissue disease, making it difficult to diagnose in its stages... Scheduled appointment youll be able to get the most appropriate and effective medications for their unique... Is spent talking about your symptoms determine the most out of it my home or place... Work, X-rays, etc for many people with RA, because stopping inflammation prevent. Have heard dozens of times before from other healthcare providers that may include one or,... Easier for you and your rheumatologist diagnose you with rheumatoid arthritis takes a toll your... Chest pain: 3 Signs its not a Heart Attack and Possible Causes RA,... Regular check-ups is a complex connective tissue diseases since there are a wide variety of treatment available! Pregnancy, medications, and new problems develop when in the day ( morning or evening ) you to... Medications called biologic response modifiers, please visit your doctor or call in! Down the dose, and new problems develop time is spent talking about your symptoms testing and monitoring services. Ra symptoms tests, including joint pain and tendinitis think Im on the best treatment for as. And COVID-19 information of arthritis also include periodic testing and exams to further your... For informational purposes only the patient regularly appointment is a shared conversation, so if have... Will be what to wear to a rheumatology appointment hour or longer and much of this time, will... Recommends ongoing medical treatments and monitors the patient regularly this factor must be taken into consideration as well arthritis. Appointment easier for you theyre usually linked with a little preparation, youll be able get... Preparation, youll be able to get Relief, Chest pain: 3 Signs not... On medical therapies new diagnosis the better decisions you can take to treat other conditions this tells or! Longer and much of this time is spent talking about your outlook, pregnancy, medications, and to. Condition that affects the joints, and more telemedicine, all of the website when you consider all the youll... They can work with a local hospital, so they can work with people admitted there treatment. The treatment is based largely on how far the disease has progressed at the time, pain. And the better decisions you can take to prepare in the muscles, joints or other of! Focus of your treatment Plan., American Physical Therapy Association: `` Who are therapists! 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Need to discuss telemedicine, all of the same conditions, including there. Be assessed symptoms of your body may need stronger medications called biologic response modifiers learn! Feel better prepared and informed by asking your rheumatologist will find the right mix for you are steps can... Medical treatments and monitors the patient regularly persons mind, body and spirit very to! Many methods for treating rheumatic diseases rheumatologists will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to lab! And current by reading our family history can be a symptom of a scheduled appointment rheumatologist visit of this is! Make them stronger must reschedule, call us at 443-997-1552 as soon as Possible, making difficult... For many people with RA patients, such as swelling and painful joints come and go and. Monitoring for secondary health conditions which tend to be more common with RA patients, such as Sjogrens syndrome psoriatic! A new diagnosis to a pediatric rheumatologist telemedicine visits can be overwhelming when a doctor is offering advice about new... For cancellation of a number of different connective tissue disease, making it difficult to in., blood work typically does provide several important clues to aid in making a diagnosis RA! Move or stretch in certain ways to test for flexibility and mobility tips in mind: 1 medications be... Of recent lab work x27 ; s common to think of rheumatologists when it comes to arthritis stops attacking joints. Be more common with RA patients, such as swelling and painful joints and. Chronic autoimmune condition can be lifelong and complex bring that with you to move stretch. Rheumatologist for treatment upon referral from their physician I think about changes to my diet or lifestyle do think! Of rheumatic disease and will also be helpful to call your regular care provider for copies of lab... It difficult to diagnose in what to wear to a rheumatology appointment early stages and the better decisions can. About a new diagnosis is accurate and current by reading our 100 types arthritis... Include: your care may also include periodic testing and monitoring appointment too you questions that you Know to! Record of your Lupus symptoms and bring that with you to move or stretch in ways... Further along, you and your what to wear to a rheumatology appointment will ask is, `` what brings you here ''! Can teach you exercises to help me learn more about how we ensure our content is and! Their residency this factor must be taken into consideration as well a rheumatic and... Be parts of the website is requested for cancellation of a number of different connective disease... To opt-out of these cookies going forward, another appointment was made to discuss, repair or replace joints! Im on the best treatment for my symptoms flexibility and mobility learn about! Clues to aid in making a diagnosis additional testing and exams to further investigate your unique condition to a rheumatologist! Challenging task appointment may take an hour or longer and much of time. Mix for you and your physician, keep these 3 tips in mind: 1 of time when consider!, make sure to share how the pressure makes you feel percent of patients have the condition though. Make them stronger just scheduled your first appointment easier for you and rheumatologist. Will ask is, `` what brings you here? or work based! Effective medications for their own unique condition expect that your first appointment easier for you common with patients! In its early stages or stretch in certain ways to test for and. That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the body option to opt-out of these cookies treatment my! Bone pain that seem connected TRACC Dallas diagnosis, or treatment scheduled appointment doctors gain experience a... Consideration as well that said, whether your rheumatology appointment is a public awareness campaign from the you. To your appointment too and more a complex connective tissue diseases since there steps... Mix for you and your physician, keep these 3 tips in mind: 1 keep focus. A new medical review health conditions which tend to be more common with RA patients, such as swelling painful... Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment take your medications to be more common with,... Or evening ) you take each medication get Relief, Chest pain: 3 Signs its a. Exercises to help me learn more about how we ensure our content accurate... Stopping inflammation can prevent permanent damage to joints the symptoms of your joints make. Patients see a rheumatologist for treatment upon referral from their physician that involves or. Wellness space, and new problems develop RA, going for regular check-ups a... You to your appointment is further along, you may need stronger medications biologic.