Once I was diagnosed and on a treatment plan, even though I was a bit nervous and scared I was also relieved that I now knew the devil I was dealing with. Not knowing what was going wrong with me, was way worse. I have been diagnosed for three years now, and have multiple medication changes in a search for what will work. Started Humira last month. I thought I was doing pretty well but my Rheumatologist said I was not where she wanted me, so she added the Humira to the 3 drugs I was on. Don't be surprised if the first drug(s) are not the be all end all. Best of luck! Peggy

Good grief, GreenTea! You've got to reframe this into a positive thing.

TOMORROW YOU'RE GOING TO GET A DIAGNOSIS AND A TREATMENT PLAN. YOU'RE GOING TO GET BETTER.

Every time some one in their 20's or 30's or even a juvenile comes to the forum, I thank my luck stars I was 42 when I was diagnosed.

Just have a list of concise questions. Make them concise. When you're asked about pain, explain it in terms of how it affects your activities of daily living. For example: "It takes three times longer to walk up the stairs," or "Washing my hair in the shower is painful and my arms and shoulders are so heavy." Get the idea?

Like PoodleMom wrote: you need to know the devil you're dealing with.

You are right. I am happy about that. I have a diagnosis yet never went back for medication. (stupid I know-but at least I didn't wait a year). So, yes...treatment plan is amazing!
Thank you for the ideas. This is a different Dr from the previous so I need to explain myself all over again anyway. I will absolutely let him know how it affects my daily life. I want to get better. I will be concise. :)

Be very happy that if you had to get their disease you got it in 2016 when there are such good meds available! I was diagnosed in 1983 before they knew what caused RA to how to treat it. I suffered decades. I had a knee replacement, a plural effusion and wound up with permanently tripped, deformed hands!

Now I have been in revision basically 8- 10 years!

Good advice from all greenie. All I can add to your original post on this thread is that your life has already changed a couple of times, once when the disease became active and then again after your got the diagnosis so please realize that life is going to continue changing for you with every new med, whenever a med is dropped, whenever the disease takes a nap and when it awakens and becomes restless. Sometimes the change is good, sometimes it isn't. Expect the changes but don't dwell on all the numerous "what if's" or you'll go crazy. It is what it is, so if a change is good say "thank you" and if not say "well crap", but either way simply continue moving forward.

nightshades--Words of wisdom, my friend. Thank you :)
I need to stop with the 'what if's.' Every day is a new day and I will tackle it (or rest) best I can.
Yes, I am thankful to have this after new meds have come out.

I've always said that one of the good things about RA is that is makes you an excellent time manager. You start thinking outside the box about other ways to get things done.

GreenTea, we'll be anxious to hear from you tomorrow after your appointment.

bring a best friend as a second ear if possible. I go to the rheumie, with my best bud, who has RA also (go figure) and she never listens, she talks over the rheumatologist. she does not answer the questions her rheumie asks her and she does not ask the questions she had on her punch list. it's not my appt. so I find being an observer of their interaction wicked helpful and I take notes for her also.

no don't suck up. females always do that. the female subservient sweet gentle kind placating talker thing. bring your questions - a few key ones and do your research on what your questions are so you demonstrate your nimble knowledge of this freakin' disease (smile)

if you want to suck up do that to the front office, they are underpaid and overworked. there's where you can do your magic. with the MD be an equal.

depot

In my experience, rheumatologist have very little time. Maybe that's more a UK thing, but i doubt he'll have time for the sweet talking. As others say, he wants to know what pain, swelling and stiffness you have, which joints, how frequently, how it affects you, how it has changed since your last appointment. How you would score your overall pain. He needs to know you want effective treatment because you're only 44 and losing your functional ability!
You'll do great! Let us know how it goes!

Thanks guys! I will let you know.
:-)

A change of rheumatologist can be a good thing. I moved and left mine of 14 years. The new one takes me seriously, and is willing to think outside the box, as far as treatment options, especially because I don't have a lot left to try.

So just be happy and thankful. And it will take a while to work, so don't give up. As for those stupid side effects they advertise on American TV, just ignore them. A lot come from cancer patients, who take thousands of times more of the drug. And besides, no one gets most of them! I hope it goes well for you.

MarleneJ--> I cannot stand the obsession American culture has with side affects of drugs. Those commercials drive me insane. I actually laugh at the list of side affects and sometimes count how many they list...BECAUSE IT'S RIDICULOUS.
I do realize it may take many treatments to find the right one. I went through this with my blood pressure for years, they finally found a med that didn't make me break out in hives. I was only 27 when I was put on meds for that, so I know how this stuff goes with the meds.
I've researched (possibly too much) and I'm ready for the rollercoaster. I have to be. :)
Also ready to feel better. That would be amazing!!
My Rhuem Dr has good reviews online and I do live in an area where the Dr's seem to listen.
Will let you all know what happens. Thank you for comments & opinions.