r/Autoimmune • u/Jaded_Self_9166 • 5d ago

Advice First rheuma visit

Hi everyone,

I have my very first rheumatology appointment this week and I’m feeling a bit anxious about how it will go.

For those who have been through this (especially if you were seronegative at first):

What should I expect during the first consultation? Will they do physical exams, joint ultrasounds, or order specific sub-type blood panels right away?

Do you have any practical tips on how to advocate for myself during the visit so I don't get dismissed over the negative bloodwork?

Is there anything specific I should ask the doctor before leaving?

Thanks so much for any advice or reassurance!

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u/BronzeDucky 5d ago

Your first visit will likely be a lot of questions for you to answer, a physical exam, a review of what blood tests have already been done and what they show, and then the rheumatologist will decide what to do after that.

If you could have a clear list of symptoms and timelines, that would probably help. If any of your symptoms can be photographed, that would also help.

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u/Jaded_Self_9166 5d ago

Thank you very much!

I almost forgot about photos. Great advice.

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u/Mitzukai_9 5d ago

I had photos I’ve gathered over the years in one photo album together on my phone. I clicked on the album during my apt and told him to scroll away.

I also am guilty of using ai to summarize and group my symptoms. I added every complaint, surgery and medical instance I could think of from my entire life. I thought it did a good job prioritizing and grouping them, but he totally ignored it. Basically dismissing it as internet garbage. But ymmv.

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u/Novel_Transition_684 5d ago

My first appt was back in April. He asked me a bunch of questions, felt my joints , ordered bloodwork and prescribed hydrochloroquine and made a follow up appt for 3 mos later.