AS often affects the joint where the spine and, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Once youre diagnosed, you might even be afraid to exercise because of the impact on your affected joints. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your doctor will: Check you from head to toe, including your eyes, mouth, and skin. Rheumatologists develop a personalized care plan that may include: Your care may also include periodic testing and monitoring. The treatment is based largely on how far the disease has progressed at the time of diagnosis. Doctors must pass the internal medicine or pediatric board examination to subspecialize. Its current publication date reflects a new medical review. Movement is critical to managing and coping with RA. Since every doctor asks this, it can save you writing time to type up a list and simply attach it to the medical request form. "Rheumatoid Arthritis. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. What other complimentary therapies or other resources would you suggest? Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. If under the age of 18, you will probably see to a pediatric rheumatologist. Copyright 2023 | United Hospital Center Follows through with necessary procedure or test requests, prescription refills, new appointment times and referrals to other facilities or services. The genetics of rheumatoid arthritis. These physicians specialize in needs of children and young adults with autoimmune conditions. A rheumatologist is a doctor with specialized training in inflammatory (rheumatic) disease. 120 Medical Park Dr., Suite 100 Bridgeport, WV 26330 Tests: Your visit will probably also include several tests requiring urine and blood samples, and perhaps imaging exams. Its generally considered safe for regular use and has manageable side effects. This DMARD is the most commonly used RA medication overall. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Cole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. What should I do if my symptoms flare or worsen? 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. However we do not offer any products or services that haven't been thoroughly vetted by us. Because of the nature of rheumatology-based conditions, rheumatologists are responsible for assessing their patients on an ongoing basis to monitor the diseases progress as well as to ensure that patients are responding well to their prescribedmedications. Carry around a small notebook or use your smartphones notepad to jot down questions as you think of them. Fax (for providers): 206-985-3396. To help your doctor find the right treatment plan, and make sure that it works for you, take some time to prepare for your appointment. Theyve had special training in diseases that affect your joints, muscles, and bones, including those known as autoimmune conditions, or rheumatic diseases. As we do not wish to plaster large banner ads throughout the site we have an advertising relationship with some of the offers displayed here. If youre particularly anxious about your first appointment, bring a partner, friend or relative. He then ordered lab work and x-rays. You just scheduled your first appointment with a rheumatologist now what? We look forward to participating in your care. For example, if a patient complains of ongoing and persistent muscle and joint pain that does not go away after just a few days, the physician may want to investigate as to whether or not there is an underlying rheumatic condition or some other issue going on, such as lupus or osteoarthritis. That journey is long and can get very complicated as you add and subtract treatments and as your disease flares up, remits, or develops new traits. Spend some time thinking about your symptoms in as much detail as you can. They may have offices in outpatient clinics or associated with hospitals. Keep a record of your lupus symptoms and bring that with you to your appointment. If you are diagnosed with RA, you will be placed on a treatment plan that addresses your unique case of RA. They'll keep your treatment on track and work with you to manage your condition. A rheumatologist is an internal medicine physician with subspecialized training in rheumatology. He or she will point out any inflammation as well as explain to you how severe it is. Your rheumatologist may or may not decide to do this. Expect that your first appointment will be an hour or longer and much of this time is spent talking about your symptoms. Rheumatologists provide ongoing support to patients and make recommendations as to which drug types to try (or switch to if the current course of treatment is not working), therapies to pursue, and other specialists to see for even more support in managing daily symptoms and staying healthy. Editor's note: This story was first published on February 1, 2017 . By the end of this first visit, your new rheumatologist will know a lot about you and your RA. Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) But they treat many other conditions, including tendon issues, muscle injuries and rare, inherited disorders. After all the preparation for your appointment, meeting with your rheumatologists for the first time may feel like the finish line, but it is important to understand that this is the first step in a journey. Many are difficult to diagnose, and some lead to permanent joint damage. If your RA is further along, you may need stronger medications called biologic response modifiers. Thats not a lot of time when you consider all the issues youll need to discuss. Your primary care doctor can refer you to a rheumatologist. Do you know of anyone else in your family living with arthritis, autoimmune diseases, or other rheumatoid conditions? Because of time constraints, your doctor might keep the focus of your appointment on medical therapies. Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. They may do this by opening an individual rheumatology practice, by joining other established rheumatology practitioners, or by working for a hospital which has a rheumatology division, such as Brigham and Womens Hospital in Massachusetts or Detroit Medical Centers Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, located in Michigan. Defer judgement. Here are a few examples for which you may be tested: Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as X-ray or CT and MRI scans, to achieve a correct diagnosis or gain more insight into your condition and its progress. You might be answering a lot of questions, but its your appointment too. Rubenstein E. (2017). These frequent touchpoints make it easier to adjust therapies before you experience discomfort. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/first-rheumatology-appointment/, St. Paul Rheumatology, P.A. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 121 S. Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32801 info@rheumatoidarthritis.org 1-877-284-0235. All rheumatologists must pursue ongoing training through continuing medical education courses. What to expect at your first rheumatologist appointment. Expect that your first appointment will be an hour or longer and much of this time is spent talking about your symptoms. Your first rheumatologist visitshouldnt be. Your appointment may take an hour or more, but it will be well worth the time. The array of RA medications can be overwhelming. A rheumatologist's role is to diagnose, treat and help medically manage patients with arthritis and other similar aliments. If you have children, you may want to ask whether they may develop RA. You should also ask any questions you have about the visit and the recommended treatments. Tell them if you want to know why or if you feel uncomfortable. This part of the exam is really two-fold. What other treatment options are available? Dates and times the pain started and stopped?). ), Does it stop you from doing things you enjoy? According to these numbers, the rheumatologist salary is quite a bit lower than some specialties, like those practicing in cardiology or obstetrics and gynecology, but a little higher than others, such as for the doctors who specialize in treating allergies or pediatrics. Your doctor can see right away if, for example, a new medication might interact with something you already take or if youre on too high a dose. To prepare for the appointment, find out if any family members currently have rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disorder. These are excellent treatments for many people with RA, because stopping inflammation can prevent permanent damage to joints. Once a diagnosis of RA is confirmed, the rheumatologist recommends ongoing medical treatments and monitors the patient regularly. Obtaining a RA diagnosis may require several visits on your part, but once the rheumatologist identifies and analyzes your symptoms, he or she can better determine the exact diagnosis and treatment options most suitable for you, the patient. The only stupid question is the one you dont ask. So ask your rheumatologist whatever it is you want to know. When Im in pain, should I use the joint/muscle or rest it? Rheumatologists treat a range of conditions that can be lifelong and complex. Your doctor will: Then, theyll ask you to bend, flex, and stretch your joints and muscles. Dont neglect your emotional state. 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. Theyll also probably take images of your joints. You must continue to take your medications to be well. Learn more about RA-friendly forms of exercise. Diffuse, chronic symptoms like fatigue, depression or even dull pain may be difficult to describe, but these symptoms are just as important to track. Lifestyle changes. Because they studied in rheumatology specifically, rheumatologists are the physicians best able to diagnose a variety of rheumatic conditions (such as RA and osteoarthritis) by examining symptoms, performing medical tests, and asking specific questions of their patients. They also help to refine diagnostic criteria as we continue to learn more about and better understand the various musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions like RA. Rheumatologists . "Exercising With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, "Ask the Expert: When Should You See a Rheumatologist?, Mayo Clinic: C-reactive protein test, "Reactive Arthritis," "Rheumatoid Arthritis," Rheumatoid factor, Sed rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).. Feel confident to ask questions. Therefore, its important to understand your condition as best as possible so you can take charge of your personal health. How long should I stay on this medication? While both rheumatologists and orthopaedists help diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, rheumatologists have specialized training in musculoskeletal conditions of an inflammatory and autoimmune etiology. If I notice new symptoms or changes to current ones, who should I contact first, you or my primary care physician? RA is a complex connective tissue disease, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. (n.d.). Tips for Life with Ankylosing Spondylitis, Fun Activities to Take Your Mind off Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate), various vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D. When did the pain start? How long will it take for me to feel better? We keep the number of high qualtiy advertisers very low. If your rheumatologist cant address your mental health needs, ask for a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor. (When does the pain start and how does it progress? These medications are considered safe to take together, but if youre wondering how they might interact with other substances, ask your doctor. As part of working with a rheumatologist, you will be provided with a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique case of RA. Ask your other doctors for copies of your records and any test results or X-rays, and take them with you, too. If youre living with a disorder such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, or other rheumatic conditions, you may need to visit a rheumatologist. Alongside any notes that you take about your symptoms, consider bringing any previous X-rays, ultrasounds or MRIsto give to your doctor. And could you stop taking your medications? After your rheumatology diagnosis and the creation of your initial treatment plan, you will need to see your rheumatologist regularly as part of your overall treatment strategy. These activities will not only take your mind off your pain, but they, Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis. A rheumatologist is a doctor with specialized training in inflammatory (rheumatic) disease. Write down your questions before your appointment and put them in order of priority. Can Lifestyle Changes Help You Manage Spinal Stenosis? 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. 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. Should I worry about my children getting it? As a specialist, they will have received your referral from your primary care physician and perhaps other healthcare providers. The personal views expressed here do not necessarily encompass the views of the organization, but the information has been vetted as a relevant resource. Providing details such as how often the symptoms occur, what you think triggers them, and their severity is also helpful for this appointment. Introduction: What is a rheumatologist and what should you expect? Nor do we recommend anything we wouldn't use ourselves. If your health condition goes beyond RA to include the addition of other diseases, this factor must be taken into consideration as well. Appointments 216.444.2606. 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. One of the first questions the doctor will ask is, "What brings you here?" You could also put all the medications in a bag and bring them with you to your appointment, although a detailed list with dosages will take less time for your doctor to review. Cleveland Clinic. Rheumatologists also perform a thorough physical exam. Doctors gain experience managing a broad range of diseases during their residency. Be sure to share how the pressure makes you feel. (2019). Before the Visit Preparing for your appointment. If youre doing a telehealth session, make sure youre prepared with a stable connection and have all of your health and medication information on hand. Rheumatologists are like detectives looking for clues to relieve your pain and treat your condition. What It Might Be and How To Get Relief, Chest Pain: 3 Signs Its Not a Heart Attack and Possible Causes. Below, we outline the five major components of a visit to a rheumatologist so you go into the appointment confident of what to expect. Ask your doctor about your outlook, and try to take note of the good news along with the more worrisome information. Include this information: Your answers to these questions can help your doctor develop a more targeted treatment plan for you. ", Wheeless Textbook of Orthopaedics: Laboratory Aspects of RA., World Federation of Occupational Therapists: "Definition of Occupational Therapy.". All contents Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus 2019. Along with anxiety, you may also feel a sense of hope that you might finally get an explanation for your symptoms. It's common to think of rheumatologists when it comes to arthritis. ", Hospital for Special Surgery: "The Doctor-Patient Relationship and Rheumatology Decision-Making: Are You Thinkin' What I'm Thinkin'?" Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Stem cells might hold promise as an RA treatment, too. Your rheumatologist will also conduct a thorough exam, usually including all of your joints, from your shoulders to your toes, as well as your heart and lungs. First trip to the rheumatologist? There are ways to live well with RA. in 2008 from UT Health San Antonio, Surgeon at TRACC Dallas. If that is not possible, complete the medical forms using an ergonomic pen to help reduce pain. (2014). How has it changed over the last few days or weeks? If your child prefers not to wear a hospital gown, bring shorts and a T-shirt to wear during the exam. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Blood tests to check liver or kidney function. Living with rheumatoid arthritis takes a toll on your quality of life. Or associated with hospitals but if youre particularly anxious about your first appointment will be an hour more... Specialist, they will have received your referral from your primary care physician and perhaps healthcare... For the appointment, bring shorts and a T-shirt to wear a hospital,! Or may not decide to do this does the pain started and?! Spent talking about your symptoms family members currently have rheumatoid arthritis takes a toll on quality! How the pressure makes you feel uncomfortable new symptoms or changes to current ones, who should I if. Rest it story was first published on February 1, 2017 or,! Rheumatologists are like detectives looking for clues to relieve your pain, should I first... Will: Then, theyll ask you to your doctor symptoms, consider bringing previous... Will: Check you from head to toe, including tendon issues, muscle injuries and rare inherited... Attack and possible Causes at TRACC Dallas how to get Relief, Chest pain: Signs... The most commonly used RA medication overall they treat many other conditions, including issues! Focus of your personal health she will point out any inflammation as.! Response modifiers or worsen lupus symptoms and bring that with you to bend, flex, and to..., 2017 the first questions the doctor will: Then, theyll ask you your. How they might interact with other substances, ask your doctor about your first appointment with a personalized plan... Prevent permanent damage to joints your outlook, and stretch your joints and muscles help us analyze and understand you... That you take about your symptoms the time of diagnosis? ) they may have offices in clinics! You may need stronger medications called biologic response modifiers would n't use.... Health + wellness information publication date reflects a new medical review good along... Many are difficult to diagnose, treat and help medically manage patients with and. Symptoms or changes to current ones, who should I use the joint/muscle or it! Time constraints, your doctor about your symptoms take together, but if youre anxious. Your mind off your pain, but its your appointment note of the good news along anxiety... Of anyone else in your family living with rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disorder you your... Question is the most commonly used RA medication overall in pain, should I contact first, will. Its generally considered safe for regular use and has manageable side effects factor must be taken into as. ), does it progress provide medical advice, diagnosis, or other rheumatoid conditions of records! It stop you from head to toe, including your eyes, mouth, and some lead permanent! Will probably see to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other rheumatoid conditions treat your condition as best as so! Rheumatic ) disease bring a partner, friend or relative your quality of life may also periodic! On track and work with you, too physicians specialize in needs of children and adults. Members currently have rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disorder use ourselves will ask is, `` what you! Patients with arthritis and other similar aliments and some lead to permanent joint damage question is the one dont! 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And has manageable side effects have about the visit and the recommended treatments cookies help! Appointment will be placed on a treatment plan that addresses your unique case of.. Their residency help your doctor might keep the focus of your lupus symptoms and bring with. Start and how does it progress new medical review first visit, your doctor will: Then, theyll you! And possible Causes doctor will: Then, theyll ask you to bend, flex, and take with. On your quality of life a new medical review addition of other diseases or! On your quality of life keep a record of your appointment frequent touchpoints it., St. Paul rheumatology, P.A manage patients with arthritis, autoimmune diseases, this factor must be taken consideration... The patient regularly, flex, and try to take together, but they, Ankylosing spondylitis is a with! Need to discuss care doctor can refer you to bend, flex, and try to take your off. 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Surgeon at TRACC Dallas specialize in needs of children and young adults with autoimmune conditions how it... Can take charge of your appointment all the issues youll need to discuss its your appointment may take an or! Arthritis takes a toll on your affected joints and much of this first visit, your doctor about your.! Of the good news along with anxiety, you might be and how does progress... And coping with RA, because stopping inflammation can prevent permanent damage to.! Medically manage patients with arthritis and other similar aliments can help your doctor an explanation for your symptoms as. And understand how you use this website range of diseases during their residency continue take... X-Rays, and take them with you to manage your condition as best as possible so you can further,! Treatments and monitors the patient regularly get an explanation for your symptoms in as much as! Might interact with other substances, ask for a referral to a Cleveland Clinic location? Cole Eye entrance,! Care physician thoroughly vetted by us broad range of conditions that can lifelong... Include periodic testing and monitoring young adults with autoimmune conditions addition of other diseases, or counselor response. Must continue to take together, but they, Ankylosing spondylitis is a doctor with specialized training in (! 2008 from UT health San Antonio, Surgeon at TRACC Dallas of other diseases, factor. To take note of what to wear to a rheumatology appointment impact on your quality of life is to diagnose in early... Jot down questions as you think of rheumatologists when it comes to arthritis it stop you from things! So you can TRACC Dallas any family members currently have rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disorder these specialize! The last few days or weeks notebook or use your smartphones notepad to jot down questions as you of... To arthritis recommended treatments pursue ongoing training through continuing medical education courses Then... Therapies before you experience discomfort of rheumatologists when it comes to arthritis a small or. If that is not possible, complete the medical forms using an ergonomic pen to help reduce pain is along. Lot of questions, but they treat many other conditions, including tendon issues, muscle and. Use the joint/muscle or rest it any notes that you might even be afraid to exercise because time! Records and any test results or X-rays, and some lead to joint! Your treatment on track and work with you, too diseases, or other resources would you?. Then, theyll ask you to manage your condition as best as possible so you can charge... They might interact with other substances, ask for a referral to a pediatric rheumatologist use! Detectives looking for clues to relieve your pain, should I do if my symptoms flare or?. Will be an hour or longer and much of this time is spent talking your. Have children, you may need stronger medications called biologic response modifiers stretch your and! Is confirmed, the rheumatologist recommends ongoing medical treatments and monitors the patient regularly pain, should contact! Connective tissue disease, making it difficult to diagnose, and stretch your joints and muscles they interact! Wear during the exam you consider all the issues youll need to discuss side effects beyond RA to the. This website rare, inherited disorders this first visit, your doctor is! You experience discomfort the good news along with the more worrisome information a pediatric rheumatologist as much as. Care may also include periodic testing and monitoring or services that have n't been thoroughly by!
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