It won't be so bad. Rhuemy will make you fill out a lot of paper work, he will move your joints around, check your hands and feet, that's where RA is mostly. You will get blood work, and some x-rays.

Medicine will be given for sure, how much and what kind, depends on your blood work, pain, and how advanced your RA is. They get pretty aggressive with bios, so you won't get joint damage. Usually starting drug is humira.

Funny, I have an appointment same day. =)

Lin

Lin,

Thanks for the info. I did receive quite a bit of paperwork from the Rheumatology office...the standard HIPAA and communication forms as well as an extensive medical history form to do...I just wish I wouldn't have to wait so long to see them. I would like some definite answers as to why I feel so bad...every bone in my body hurts right now....but this shoulder/arm pain is a nightmare!

I was relieved when I saw my Rhumy for the first time. At least I knew what I was at war with. My new doc that I got when I moved was awesome. I hope you are blessed with a doc that will work with you and listen as well. I have to say most RA doc's are really great and will do all they can to make it livable for you.

It's already been said about the paper work, blood work and x-rays. Mine did a bone density scan as well.

((((hugs)))) I hope you get the relief your needing. You are not alone. If you ever need to vent we are here to listen.

I too have been strugling with shoulder pain. I am on remicade infusions every 4 wks, got my last infusion Friday but left shoulder little to no relief. I couldn't even get dressed it undressed, so I sent to rheumy today and she gave me a cortisone injection directly into my shoulder joint. I feel a tad better now I can raise my arm now but dr said it will take couple days for full effect.

I wish you well,
Roni

I had read so many horror stories about bad rheumies that I was horrified I'd have to fight for years to get some kind of result. But I got very lucky. I have normal RF (seronegative), which can make it tougher to get a diagnosis. So, pretty much what the others have said, nothing to worry about but perhaps some more doctor bills. After a year of it, Im actually surprised how little I've had to pay on those (even getting MRI's and blood tests constantly).

I had a lot of shoulder issues, mostly swelling causing pinched nerves. That was one of the first issues to go. Now it only happens rarely. Does it feel like it needs to pop?

So far for me, the worst part has been the waiting game. I've been unable to work and remain antsy to either get back to work or get used to not working. I miss my routines, and living without so much pain. But I am improved, and will hopefully continue improving as they find the drug cocktail that best suits me. Best of luck!!

One "sure fire" way to know - get the primary doctor to prescribe prednisone. If it helps, well, then autoimmune it is.
It rescues most folks when they are in severe pain (aka flare).

Thank you to everyone for your advice and support. Saw my family doc for the shouoder pain yesterday. I have to go for an x-ray. She did give me a cortisone injection which helped A LOT. I am going to keep calling the Rheum office to see if they had any cancellatios so that I can try to get in sooner than the end of September....