Preparing for an appointment

You might be referred to a doctor who specializes in joint diseases (rheumatologist).

What you can do

Have a friend or relative accompany you to your appointment to help you retain the information you get.

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason why you scheduled the appointment, and when they began
• Key medical information, including other conditions you have and whether anyone in your family has had similar problems
• All the medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Some basic questions you might want answered include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• What treatments are available?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

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

• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve or worsen your symptoms?