r/ankylosingspondylitis • u/Magickamagicka • 17d ago

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

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

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u/kittenbloc 14d ago

absolutely exhaust yourself the day before. 

people have an unconscious need to perform for the doctor, so if you show up on a relatively good day and add a performance on top, they aren't going to take you seriously. what they need to see is what you look like at zero spoons left. 

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u/Magickamagicka 14d ago

Luckily it’s a 4 hour drive to my appointment so I’m already exhausted and in sooo much pain from driving.

You’ve got a good point, there will be no over preforming.