A couple of months ago I went for my yearly checkup and my doctor did some blood work. My ANA came back positive and she was able to determine it was in the Mixed Connective Tissue Disease family with her thinking it's lupus. Tomorrow I go to my first rheumy appointment and I am a little nervous. My question is what should I expect? Is there anything I should do to prepare for this? Anything I should bring? I am ready to find out exactly what is wrong but kind of scared because of things I have read online. Thank you in advance for your help.
Hello Kirsten!!
One thing that I have found that helps me is to write down your questions before you go to the doctor so you don't forget them when you get there. Typically when I go to Rheumatologist, my doctor checks out my joints, we talk about my pain, what symptoms I am having, how my meds are going and what my blood work is showing. Ask as many questions as you can. Also you need to make sure you feel comfortable with your doctor, you need an open supportive relationship with your Rheumatologist.
I remember when I found out I had lupus...I read everything I could and kinda freaked out. It has been seven years since I was officially diagnosed, and one thing I have learned is that every case is different. But this is a really great site and people are so kind and supportive. It is a great place to get advice and ask questions.
I find that it is helpful for a new doctor’s appointment to take copies of my lab reports. The more tests you happen to have, the better. I also contact all my doctors and instruct them to send copies of their records to the new doctor. Finally, I take a typewritten list of all my meds organized by the doctor who prescribed them, along with phone numbers for those doctors. Hope this helps a bit!
Hi! , don't get yourself wended up !!! Stay calm , (really ) . Of course NO TWO people LUPUS is the same BUT they have common affects . So Don't stress - Yes! it is to esay say than do - (i've been there myself , and it is NORMAL )! Wait , let the doctor do what he/she has to do , but keep in mind to ask QUESTION's - don't just take what they say in medical term's ,have them to explain( break it down) to you . Hope that this help's somewhat and my Prayer's go out to /for you ....Beverly L.
Don't let the things you read online freak you out....some of it isn't true....everybody is different. If you want true info, go to the Lupus Foundation of America...any good Medical sight..Mayo, Johns Hopkins, etc. Write down your questions.. list your symptoms, along with having your labwork. You'll be fine. Good luck.
The best thing I ever did was keep a journal of doctor appointments, medication when its added or taken away, and for me pain. I agree with bev. don't panic and remember there are no two cases a like. I pray that it will be mild for you.
The first thing is not to panic! My doc is fantastic and asked me a tonne of questions, he went through everything with a fine tooth comb! He was with me for nearly an hour! He ordered a bunch more, very specific blood tests, then discussed starting me on plaquenil.
He ended to check some if the blood results before I started this drug, so in the mean time, he gave me a cortisone shot to help my inflammation ( I the the choice of the shot or prednisone…)
Anyway, there’s really nothing to worry about! I am just so delighted that I finally have a dr who listens to me and gets it! It’s such a relief!
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
Get a notebook to keep all your symptoms, tests and results in . Keep a running track of your weight blood pressure and pulse. Knowing all this helps you have more control over the situation . Good luck and God Bless Julie
Thank's Julie, for the support for helping ease the thought for our family member whom has the question of worry upon her , to hear and to know that we all stand for the purpose of FIGHTING LUPUS together is what we all are here for, to help one another !Thank's again for the backing support of my statement ... Beverly L. P.S. Kristen , hope that some of your worries have went away with the advice from your LUPUS FAMILY... xoxo
zippy said:
The best thing I ever did was keep a journal of doctor appointments, medication when its added or taken away, and for me pain. I agree with bev. don't panic and remember there are no two cases a like. I pray that it will be mild for you.