Before I went to the rheumy my regular doctor had already done blood tests for sed rate, RA factor, and CRP (which were all high). The rheumy asked me my symptoms and history and did a physical exam including taking off my socks and checking my feet, which he does on every office visit. He said yes you have RA and gave me paperwork to get baseline tests for more blood work including a complete blood count, CCCP, thyroid, and hepatitis tests. My doc also did foot, ankle, hand, wrist and chest xrays (he said sometimes RA affects the lungs). I had read on one of the RA websites what to expect on your first visit so I was quite pleased that my rheumy actually did the baseline tests mentioned on the website and didn't just blow me off. I returned to the doc a week later to get my results and was immediately started on mtx and folic acid. I go back in a couple weeks for blood tests to make sure the mtx isn't causing any liver problems or anything. Since you are going to the rheumotologist already you should find out some good info right away. I hope you like your doctor. Oh yeah - also pick up any of the free magazines and pamphlets at the doctors office. I've been reading anything I can get my hands on. Best wishes.

same here in canada
you get the bend and fold the pokey pokey
blood tests
xrays
the whole shooting match
how did i find out i had it?

I got really sick my dr was flippin couldn't explain it..
he checked almost every box on the blood test requisition and TADA!!!! RA toobad he had to dx fibro as well at the same time

My GP did blood tests because I came in with symptoms of horrible pain and inflammation. She did xrays too. When the blood work came back I had clear markers for RA. She sent me to a specialist who did a physical examination and ordered xrays of my feet and hands to check for joint damamge.
Every time I visit the rheumatologist I get a physical examination of my joints and we discuss how I have been feeling. Hopefully it won't take a long time for you to find out for sure. Some people don't show positive blood tests, so it can really rely on the physical examination and your story regarding your aches, pains and limitations.

My story is much like Jilly's. My GP ran tests as he suspected RA. My RA facor was elevated though not by much but he advised me that the blood tests are not always positive and only ONE indicator of RA. He suggested I visit a rhuematalogist and the rest is history. Like Jilly I had x rays of hands and feet. I suggest you write down questions you may have for the doctor. That way you won't forget to ask. Also you should write down pertient symptoms and patterns you see forming regarding the symptoms. This will help the doctor make determinations about what you are suffering from. Be proactive read read read and be armed with interesting thoughts based on those readings. I have a wonderful relationship with my rhuemy. I know she respects me and that allows for good dialogue and listening on both ends of the stethoscope! Good luck let us know what happens.