What do I need to know when I visit my doctor?

 

Visiting your doctor about your arthritis is very important. Make sure you are prepared when you go. Bring this check list and ask questions. Be prepared to tell the doctor a bit about your condition as well.

 

10 Question to ask your doctor

• What type of arthritis do I have?
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rhuematoid Arthritis
  • Other
• What is arthritis?
• Do I need an arthritis specialist (rhuematologist)?
• What three things do I need to do to manage my arthritis?
• Do I need medication? If so, what?
• Do I need to excercise?
• What kind of excercise should I do and for how long?
  • walk
  • swim
  • bike
  • join an arthritis aquatics class
  • join and arhritis exercise class
  • other
• Are there classes I can take to help?
• Are there resources available to me in the community?
• Should I tell my family about my arthritis?

Questions you should be able to answer for you doctor

• Where do you feel the pain?
• When do you feel the pain?
• When did the pain begin?
• How long have you had the pain?
• Have you noticed any swelling?
• What daily tasks do you find difficult now?
• Have you ever injured your joints in an accident or overused them?
• Has anyone in your family had similar problems.