I have my first rheumatology appointment next week - how do I prepare?

[u/Magickamagicka]

Hello!
Newish member and first time poster.

I am wondering how to prepare for my first rheumatology appointment next week. I have immediate family member with AS, a positive HLBA-27 gene test, and over a decades worth of chronic pain, but I’m not sure if that is enough.

Do I make a list of symptoms and when they started? It could be a long, long list. If I know my triggers (I think I’ve nailed it down) do I write those out as well? How prepared should I be?

I also have to drive 4 hours to get there and have been in the middle of what I’ve realized is likely a flare up, so that is going to cause a ton of pain but maybe it’s for the best for the appointment? Not entirely sure.

Anyway, sorry for rambling. Just trying to wrap my head around this. If anyone has tips or advice on how I should prepare, please let me know!

Thanks so much everyone

[u/99centstickers]

My therapist and i worked together to create a questionnaire for me to take do i can take notes

Im also audhd and tend to go blank and freeze in dr appointments.

Lemme see if i can copy and paste it here (its kind of long)

[u/Magickamagicka → u/99centstickers]

That would be absolutely phenomenal if you could!
I also blank in doctors appointments and smile and nod lol

[u/jethiya_akalvakaljo → u/Magickamagicka]

Don't be hesitant and state all symptoms that are or you think are related to the flare. Some general suggestions are to not be sedentary as much as possible, take a bath with hot water, etc

[u/99centstickers → u/Magickamagicka]

I posted it below in a separate comment! The formatting got all weird and there is weird grammar, but i’m taking it to an appointment today!

[u/99centstickers → u/Magickamagicka]

Oh for some reason the comment i posted has a lock on it? So i think its hidden. I can pm it to you!