Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor, who then might refer you to a specialist in the lungs (pulmonologist); ear, nose and throat (otolaryngologist); kidneys (nephrologist); or bones and joints (rheumatologist). A specialist will likely be the one to diagnose you.

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

What you can do

Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if you need to do anything in advance, such as restrict your diet.

If you've had any recent blood tests or chest X-rays at another medical office or hospital, ask the staff to forward the test results and X-rays to the doctor you're seeing. Or pick up the material yourself to be sure it gets to your doctor.

Get a referral if your insurance company requires it for visits to specialists. Be sure a letter of referral has been sent to the doctor, or bring it with you.

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms and when they began
• Key personal medical information, including other recent health problems and major stresses you've had
• Medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Consider taking a family member or friend with you to the appointment to help you remember the information you receive.

For granulomatosis with polyangiitis, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms? What are other possible causes?
• What tests will I need? How do I prepare for them?
• Is my condition temporary?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• What are alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• How long will treatment last?
• I have another medical condition. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Do you have brochures or other printed materials to give me? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask questions, including:

• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Have you been running a fever?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Do you smoke?

What you can do in the meantime

If your symptoms are worsening, tell your primary care doctor so that he or she can try to get you to a specialist quickly.