Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to seek advice from your primary care provider, but he or she might refer you to a specialist in joint diseases (rheumatologist).

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

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fast for a specific test. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including when they started and how often they flare
• Key medical information, including any other health conditions with which you've been diagnosed
• All medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including the doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you get.

For adult Still's disease, basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's likely causing my symptoms?
• What other possible causes are there?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What's the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the approach you're suggesting?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

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

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Do your symptoms come and go, or are they continuous?
• When are your symptoms most likely to flare?
• What treatments or self-care measures have you tried?
• Have any treatments or self-care measures helped?
• Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?