Talking to your doctor
Speak up
You're the only one who really knows how you feel from day to day. This kind of information is extremely valuable for your doctor. In addition to lab tests and a physical exam, the conversation you have with your rheumatologist will play a large role in determining the best possible treatment for you. So share how you feel, and don't be afraid to ask questions — it can make all the difference.
Visiting the doctor can be stressful. The exam and your time with your rheumatologist can go by so quickly. That's why it's important to be prepared, and to raise any issues you may have about your disease and current treatment.
Below are some tools that can help you in your conversation with your doctor.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Profile Sheet, or R.A.P. Sheet, is an interactive tool that can help you and your doctor assess your symptoms. Once you’ve answered the questions, you can print them out and bring them with you to discuss at your next appointment.
This diary will help you track your symptoms over time. Rheumatoid arthritis can progress very slowly, so it might be helpful to have a record of how you were feeling. This way, you and your doctor can get a better understanding of how you're managing your condition.
This page can serve as a starting point for a conversation with your rheumatologist. It has questions you may want to ask about the disease and treatment options. There is also a space to write down questions of your own, so you can make sure to get all of the answers you're looking for.
This checklist contains some things you'll want to keep in mind for your next visit to your rheumatologist.
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Glossary Of Terms
family doctor
A doctor whose practice is not limited to any specific branch of medicine. More…
rheumatoid arthritis
A long-term condition where the body’s immune system attacks not only foreign substances like bacteria and viruses, but also attacks the body itself. More…
rheumatologist
A doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the joints. More…