Getting ready for any doctor’s appointment can be stressful; seeing a specialist, even more so. Taking the time for a few simple preparations before your appointment rolls around can save you time and tension on the day of your appointment.
Personal History
Compile a complete report on your condition, making sure that you are being completely honest. For example, don’t minimize how much over-the-counter medication you take or how much alcohol you consume, and don’t overestimate how much healthy food you eat or how much you exercise. Even a small inaccuracy could have serious and direct repercussions. Your doctor is there to help you, and he or she needs to see the complete picture to give you the best care.
In addition to describing the specific condition that is the reason you are seeing a rheumatologist, include a brief but complete general medical history. Your comprehensive medical history will help your doctor understand your entire situation, including what treatments can or cannot be used or what has already been tried.
Family Matters
In addition to your own medical history, include a list of any conditions that seem to run in your family. You may even want to bring a family member with you to your appointment–having another person who cares about you there can help you understand what is being recommended, help you make decisions, and help you remember family medical issues.
What To Expect During Your Appointment
The rheumatologist’s job is finding and diagnosing which of the hundreds of rheumatic diseases may be causing your issues. Expect a long and detailed conversation–to help the process along, saving time for you and your doctor, prepare a brief statement describing your chief complaint, how severe it is, when you experience it, and what you’ve already tried to remedy it. Write down any questions you have so you can present them rationally (and you don’t forget them!).
At your appointment, your doctor may do a few tests that examine things like reflexes and muscle action. Your doctor may also recommend more tests, such as MRIs or CAT scans, to help create a more detailed idea of what the problem may be.
Conclusion
When you’re trying to figure out what’s wrong with you, a doctor visit can be stressful. Remember that you both want to discover what’s causing your problems and get them under control as soon as possible. Taking the time to properly prepare for an appointment can help calm your nerves and save time for you and your doctor.
Written by Shlomo Witty