Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. After an initial evaluation, your doctor might refer you to a specialist such as a rheumatologist, physiatrist, orthopedic surgeon or neurologist.

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

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms and when they began
• Key medical information, including other conditions you have as well as the names and doses of all medications, vitamins or supplements you take
• Possible causes of injury to the affected area
• Questions to ask your doctor

For DISH, some basic questions to ask include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What are other possible causes?
• What tests do I need?
• Which treatment do you recommend?
• What self-care steps can help me manage this condition?
• Do I need to restrict my activities?
• How often will you see me for follow-up visits?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there brochures or other materials 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, including:

• Have your symptoms gotten worse over time?
• Are your symptoms worse in the morning?
• Do you have difficulty moving the affected joint?
• Are you having difficulty swallowing?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• Have you previously taken long-term, prescribed medications, such as for acne or other skin conditions?