A rheumatologist is an individual specializing in rheumatic conditions. They work in outpatient departments or facilities such as CCCHCLINIC. Do you need them to provide care for your ankylosing spondylitis? If yes, to help them have the right treatment for your arthritis condition, just make some effort to be ready for the appointment. The following are some steps to take to be prepared for the next visit to a rheumatology clinic.
Maintain A Written Record Of Symptoms
The medical professional will be unable to treat you properly without being aware of your existing state. So record your daily symptoms, including the following details, to help the medic know the efficiency of your treatment and whether the treatment plan requires some change.
- The particular joints that hurt;
- The starting time of the pain, and your activity then;
- Whether it feels achy, throbbing, dull, sharp, or tender;
- The severity of the pain;
- Whether it has changed in the past few days;
- The pain’s impact on your everyday routine; and,
- Whether it is worse when waking up from a night’s sleep.
List Out Your Existing Drugs
Prepare a list of every medication you consume for ankylosing spondylitis, and add in the drugs you use for other conditions. List out vitamins or herbal supplements that belongs to your everyday regimen too. Note the dosage and the time of the day you consume every single medication.
By knowing precisely what drugs you consume, the professional can decide on changing your medication schedule or adding something new to the list if required. Thus, they can tell instantly whether a new medication might affect the effects of your existing drugs.
Take A Loved One Along
Tell your relative, trusted pal or partner to accompany you to the clinic. They should note down anything your doctor says and help you focus more on the talk with the professional. They can tell you of anything you forget to ask your doctor or bring to his or her attention during the consultation.
Know What Tests You Will Need
The rheumatologist might utilize a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or X-ray to check changes in the joints or bones. You might have to avoid having food or drinks for certain hours or wearing anything that contains metal like dentures or hearing aids, as preparation for some imaging-based tests. Confirm that you are aware of the things you should do as preparing some days before the test.
