Rheumatologist – What’s it Like?
I’ve had enough symptoms that match rheumatoid arthritis in the past year or so that I finally signed up for an appointment with a rheumatologist. This was a new doctor, so naturally I was nervous. I was shown to the typical doctor’s office and asked to put on the typical gown.
Since it was my first appointment, I had to go through the normal blood pressure (high), heart rate, and weight. Then the doctor listened to my heart and lungs. This was followed by going over the lengthy questionnaire I had filled out prior to the visit. I had answered questions about my health, daily habits, supplements and medications I take, symptoms I was experiencing and my family history.
The rheumatoid check included:
1. Checking all my joints for nodules
2. Squeezing my joints looking for pain and/or swelling
3. Moving my head, arms and legs to check for mobility
4. Finally I stood and did some stretching different ways
5. My supplements were checked for dosage
A blood test and x-rays were ordered, but my initial diagnosis was no rheumatoid arthritis. And with this doctor, I was done. I say this doctor because I was pretty disappointed in him. He made it obvious that he completely discounted alternative medicine and pretty much told me that everything I had been told about my ailments was wrong.
The visit itself was pretty routine, nothing to be nervous about. I will be interested in seeing the results of the tests and x-rays and will be bringing the results to my alternative doctors. From them I get understanding, explanations and compassion. For more information on rheumatoid arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation.
April 6th, 2009 at 4:50 am
[...] may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!The only good thing that came out of my rheumatologist appointment was the assignment of physical therapy for my back. Ever since I trained for the Hood [...]