can't think of any other specifics to add, others have done such a thorough job.

as to what to expect? think it depends on the combination of a patient's symptoms and the doctor's approach. i've been to 4 rheumies, all four approached it differently. every time i thought i knew what to expect, thought i was prepared, the new doctor was different than the last. none of them made me feel like it was "all in my head" yet none could diagnose me either. the first 3 let me go saying "sorry, i can't help you, have a good life." but the 4th agreed to stick with me, so that's something. he's been really slow to prescribe meds to help me, but now on LDN and flector patches and though it doesn't prevent all the inflammation, i'm somewhat functional again. and i suspect if i were to go to a 5th rheumy, i'd have a 5th approach, as so many of my other specialists treat me so much differently, so many of them seem so frustrated that i can't find a rheumy to help me the way they feel a rheumy should be able to.

but if your symptoms are more clear cut than mine, blood markers more obvious, imagining more obvious, then it can be a lot easier. or if you find a doctor that bases things more on reported symptoms, you will probably find it easier. and even if not, even someone like me has never been made to feel like i was "faking it." they all felt something was wrong but were all baffled.

good luck, hope you have something that makes the dx obvious so you can get on with serious treatment that is actually effective.


sue

Spondyloarthropathy, HLAB27 negative
Humira (still methylprednisone for flares, just not as often. Aleve if needed, rarely.)
LDN/zanaflex/flector patches over SI/ice
vits C, D. probiotics. hyaluronic acid. CoQ, Mg, Ca, K.
chiro
walk, bike
no dairy (casein sensitivity), limited eggs, limited yeast (bread)