You've been experiencing a variety of different symptoms. You may
or may not suspect that you've got lupus. Now you've got an appointment
to see a specialist to try and get a diagnosis. But what will happen
at this visit, and how can you prepare?
Here are some general guidelines to help you to prepare
for your visit. It will help to know what sort of questions you'll
be asked, as if you're anything like me, your mind goes blank as
soon as you enter the room! Go through the questions below and work
out how you'd answer them, it may help to write some important points
down.
A first consultation typically consists of questions
on symptoms and medical history, physical examination and medical
tests.
Questions you may be asked
What are
your main symptoms (it may help to write down all of your symptoms,
even those that seem insignificant)?
How long
have you had these symptoms?
[joint pain]
Is it worse at any particular time of day?
Do you get stiff or swollen joints in a morning or at night?
What is the pain like (throbbing, sharp, dull ache, etc)?
Do you get
fatigue?
Have you
suffered from unexplained weight loss or weight gain?
Do you suffer
with mouth ulcers?
Do you get
a rash in the sun?
How long does it last?
Which areas are affected?
What does the rash look like?
Have you
ever noticed a rash on your face (butterfly rash)?
When does it occur?
How long does it last?
Do you get
any other rashes?
Do you get
dry eyes or mouth?
Do you have
any allergies?
Are you allergic to any prescription medications?
Do you suffer
from frequent infections?
Have you
ever had pleurisy (pain on taking a deep breath)?
Have you
had recurrent miscarriages?
Do your fingers
change colour (white, blue, red) in cold weather?
Do you have
any other illnesses?
Is there
a family history of arthritis or auto-immune diseases?
This list is not exhaustive, you may be asked more
questions depending on your symptoms and history.
If you have any questions you want to ask, write those
down too, as you may forget them when you're in with the doctor.
If you do forget to ask him anything, speak to the nurse before
you leave (or ring later). Many rheumatology departments have specialist
nurses who can offer advice and answer any questions you may have,
and can be reached by phone during office hours.
Physical Examination
The doctor may do any or all of the following-
- Feel your joints
- Bend and move your joints
- Look for any joint swelling
- Listen to your heart and lungs
- Take your blood pressure and pulse rate
- Look at any rashes you have
- Look in your mouth if you have mouth ulcers
- Feel your neck and armpits for any lymph node swellings
Tests that may be carried out
Blood tests - ANA, ENA, ESR,
Rheumatoid Factor, CBC, Renal and Live profiles, Anti-dsDNA, Complement
studies, etc.
ECG - to test for any heart
irregularities.
Chest X-Ray - if you've
had any chest/lung problems
Schirmer's Test - to test
for dryness of the eyes.
Urine Test - dipstick test for protein and glucose
levels. May also be sent to lab for further tests. I'd advise taking
a fresh urine sample to every hospital appointment, just in case!
Further information
Diagnosis
Blood Tests
Procedures
Is It Lupus?
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