Rheumatologist appointment

[Rena705]

Well I got a call this a.m. saying that they have moved up my first appointment from June to April 28th!  I really don't understand why I am wasting good healthcare dollars seeing this specialist to be honest with you...I like everyone else except my neuro thinks that my pain is a result of my MS and I think this is a case of blatant b.s. on the part of my neuro.

So what can I expect at a Rheumatologist appointment?  Should I take my timeline that I recently did with me?  This timeline basically deals specifically with the symptoms I feel are related to my MS but I guess it includes all the aches and pains I have been having...can someone give me an idea of what to expect?

Thanks,

Rena

[Want to feel well!!!]

Oh Sweetie...sorry you are down.  Please know we care about you and are just a keystroke away.

((((HUGS))))
Wanna

[Rena705]

Yeah...I am going to keep the appointment...don't expect much but am depressed today and not feeling optimistic about much.  My knee is better than yesterday but it will get bad again, it always does.

Rena

[Want to feel well!!!]

You are keeping this appointment, right?  

How is your knee today?

Wanna

[spastic]

And a rheumy can see degenerative changes a lot better than a radiologist.  Kind of like the same difference a neuro and ms specialist are.  They just have a better trained eye for these kind of things.  Of course I am prejudiced about mine, he is kind of like a superhero in my eyes.  I hope you get one as good as mine.  

[IUMOM2]

Hi Rena,

I'm so glad your appointment was moved up. I need to go back and read some of your posts because I'm not exactly sure of your situation. I'm guessing you are dx'd with MS, but they are thinking something else is going on because of the pain?

If that's the case, some neruos (and pcp's for that matter) seem to have a hard time believing that MS can cause some people tremendous pain. Those kinds of docs are always looking for another cause for the pain.

On the other hand, some people do have more than one auto immune disease at a time. If something else is going on, the Rheumy hopefully can find it and treat it.

My Rheumy has been great. Be prepared to "donate" plenty of blood. I had a ton of blood tests that I'd never had anyone else do.

I hope your knee pain isn't too severe. I just saw my knee doc yesterday and he thinks I have a torn cartledge and that I may need surgery (in addition to the osteoarthritis). Depending on your Rheumy, he or she may ordere and MRI and/or Xrays or refer you to an Orthopedist if you haven't already seen one.

Good luck!

[Want to feel well!!!]

A rheumatologist can be very helpful and insightful.  There are MANY things they look for and I was quite surprised when I first saw mine.    

Yes, take your timeline.  Many things a rheumy look for can only be diagnosed after time and symptoms pass and and pattern might develop.  If you have any blood work results, take them or get them!

Go to this appointment!  :)

Wanna
  

[Rena705]

I don't know why I didn't think of you when I heard my appt. had been moved up but then I am in a little bit of a cog-fog today.  Thanks for the information though honey...it helps to know what to expect don't you think?  I hate going in with blinder's on!

Loves ya.

Rena

[spastic]

I am so glad to hear its been moved up!!!!  Honey, rheumy's can explain things that other dr's cannot.  Well, I should say mine does that anyway and I hope yours does the same.  They can explain different kinds of pain like arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc and a whole slew of autoimmune disorders.  My very first visit was long, all my joints were touched, even all my fingers and toes,  my hair, and skin were evaluated, I had vials and vials of blood drawn.  He is going to look at your poor knee and probably take an x-ray, probably run a bunch of tests to check for inflammation.  And definately take your timeline.

Love Ya,

Ada