Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who treats arthritis and other rheumatic illnesses (rheumatologist).

Depending on your signs and symptoms, you might also need to see an ophthalmologist for eye problems, a gynecologist or urologist for genital sores, a dermatologist for skin problems, a gastroenterologist for digestive difficulties, or a neurologist for symptoms that involve the brain or central nervous system.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including when they began and how severe they are
• Key personal information, including major stresses and recent life changes
• All medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Ask a family member or friend to come along to help you remember the information you receive.

For Behcet's, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What do you think is causing my symptoms?
• What tests do I need? Do they require preparation?
• Is my condition temporary or long lasting?
• What are my treatment options, and which do you recommend?
• I have another medical condition. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Do you have brochures or other printed material that I can take? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• Do you have your symptoms all the time, or do they come and go?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to worsen your symptoms?
• Does anyone in your family have a similar illness?