Your relationship with your rheumatologist will set the stage for your rheumatoid arthritis progress and the best way to ensure that relationship is tight is by asking questions! Go beyond the basics with these 5 questions that will help you understand how your doctor thinks.
Understanding Your RA Diagnosis: How Certain Are You?
First things first, let’s talk about the diagnosis. RA can be tricky to pin down, and it’s essential to understand how certain your rheumatologist is about your diagnosis. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like, “How did you come to this diagnosis?” and “How confident are you about it?” Knowing where you stand can help guide your treatment plan and ease any uncertainties you may have.
Treatment Strategies: What’s the Plan?
Your rheumatologist isn’t just throwing darts blindly at a board—they’ve got a plan in mind. But do you know what that plan is? To understand your doctor’s goals you can ask questions like, “What are we working towards” or “What medication will we be using and what will we do if it doesn’t work” Understanding the treatment strategy empowers you to be an active participant in your own care and ensures you’re on the same page as your doctor.
Tracking Progress: How Will We Know If It’s Working?
RA treatment isn’t a one-and-done deal—it’s a journey, and tracking progress is key. But how do you know if your treatment is doing its job? Simply ask your rheumatologist what they will be tracking (most likely blood tests) and what you can track at home. Whether it’s monitoring inflammatory markers or keeping tabs on your symptoms, understanding the benchmarks for success is crucial for staying on track.
Medication Side Effects: What Should I Watch Out For?
Ah, medication side effects—the not-so-fun part of RA treatment. But knowledge is power, my friends! Don’t hesitate to ask your rheumatologist about potential side effects and what to watch out for. But I recommend going beyond the common question, “what are the side effects?” Instead, ask how the medication could impact a certain priority of yours. Do you like to travel? Do you have pets? Do you like to drink wine or other fine spirits? Do you like going to concerts? Asking how the medication could potentially affect what is important to you can help you decide if this medication will work for you.
Lifestyle Changes: What Can I Do to my Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about lifestyle changes. RA isn’t just about popping pills—it’s about making holistic changes to support your overall well-being. Ask your rheumatologist, “What lifestyle changes can I make to complement my treatment?” Whether it’s quitting smoking, watching your diet, or managing stress, these small tweaks can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.
Remember, your rheumatologist is your partner in this journey, and open communication is key. So don’t be shy—ask away!