the Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Cappelli also advises printing articles and jotting down internet tips for your doctor’s visit. You may explain why a treatment may or may not work for you. Dr. Cappelli tells SELF that patients should feel empowered and seek their own knowledge. She advises patients to consult their doctors about outside information.
Bring A List Of Talking Points
Rheumatoid arthritis reading may raise concerns. You have to make sure you have questions to ask, so here are other questions to ask your doctor:
- Is my rheumatoid arthritis advanced?
- What lifestyle modifications will simplify my condition?
- How frequently should I schedule follow-ups?
- Which therapy is best for me?
- What are its side effects?
- When will my therapy work?
- What may I do after treatment?
Dr. Cappelli recommends asking your doctor about your long-term prognosis. He believes individuals have more information and expectations. “Often the rheumatologist will bring those things up themselves, but it’s a good idea for a patient to raise those concerns, even if they’re terrified of the response.”
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Clarity On Your Goals For Treatment
Your desire to operate a bakery may seem unconnected to your medical condition. Yet, it may help customize your treatment approach.
A doctor must know who you are and what physical activities you like. Not only for pleasure but also to perform at your job or care for your family at home because those are tangible things you can work on together. Chefs chop, mix, and carry heavy cookware for hours, which may be hard on stiff joints. Your doctor may give medicine to minimize flare-ups and suggest workplace adjustments like ergonomic equipment.
Consider your physical accomplishments, too. It’s good to hear how rheumatoid arthritis has impacted patients who can no longer run. You may be recommended to a runner or arthritis-focused physical therapist in addition to providing medicine.
Your doctor can help you set reasonable goals.
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Bring Medications Information To Your Appointment
Your doctor will want to know about your medicines, including supplements, O.T.C. drugs, and prescriptions for other ailments since some might interact and produce significant negative effects. Patients’ medication bottles let your doctor know what they’re taking. Instead of bringing drugs, take photographs of each pill container. Bring your rheumatoid arthritis diary to your visit to document medication details.
All drugs and health issues should be disclosed to your doctor. You want to make sure they’re part of your medical record because it can change how your doctor manages your rheumatoid arthritis and what meds they use in the future.
Drugs might have major negative effects on people with specific medical problems. In such cases, start with a lesser dosage or a different drug. Your rheumatoid arthritis doctor needs to know whether you have high blood pressure since certain corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medications) might raise it.
With a little planning, you can improve your doctor-patient relationship and create a treatment plan that makes you feel your best.
