Working well with your healthcare team

Important information to give your healthcare team

When you're going to see your GP or rheumatologist - whether it's for the first time with symptoms that might be rheumatoid arthritis or for a follow-up appointment - it will help if you are prepared. Try to think about what you want to say, and how your symptoms have been affecting you recently.

Here are some things you may want to think about:

• What are your symptoms? Pain, swelling or stiffness? Don't forget to mention other symptoms that you think are commonplace, such as headaches and problems sleeping. For some people these symptoms could indicate an underlying health problem.
• Which of your joints are affected by these symptoms? Think about your hands, feet and wrists.
• Are your joints just painful in the morning? Or at other times of the day too?
• Do you feel tired a lot of time? If so, how often?
• How often do you get symptoms?
• How long do your symptoms last? Do they come and go, or are they there all the time?
• Do your symptoms get better when you exercise?
• Do your joints become stiff if you rest during the day?
• Do your symptoms stop you doing anything? For example, if you played golf can you still do that?
• How do your symptoms make you feel? Do they make you feel down, anxious or upset?

If you have already been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis you might want to think about some other things as well:

• How have your medicines been working? Do they stop your symptoms coming back until you need your next dose? Or do you experience breakthrough pain (pain that comes back before it's time for your next tablet)?
• Have your symptoms changed since your last visit? Are they worse or better?
• How is your mobility? Are you still able to do all the things you were doing last time you saw the doctor?
• Have you experienced any side effects from your medicines? For example, stomach pain, indigestion, rash?
• Do you think you might benefit from seeing an occupational therapist (who can help you with adaptations in your home), or a physiotherapist (who can help you with exercises to improve your strength)?

There's a lot to remember when you go and see your doctor. It might be worth keeping a diary of symptoms and how they make you feel, and how your medicines have been working.

Questions you might be asked

Here are some questions your GP or rheumatologist may ask you to help him or her decide if you have rheumatoid arthritis?

• What are your symptoms?
• Which of your joints are affected by these symptoms?
• How often do you get symptoms?
• Do you get symptoms on both sides of your body?
• Do your joints get swollen and warm?
• Are your joints just painful in the morning? Or at other times of the day too?
• How long do your symptoms last? Do they come and go, or are they there all the time?
• Do your symptoms get worse when you exercise?
• Do your joints become stiff if you rest during the day?
• How is your overall level of fatigue/tiredness?
• Do your symptoms stop you doing anything? For example, if you played golf can you still do that?
• Have you been taking painkillers to help with your symptoms? If so, which ones? Paracetamol? Aspirin? Ibuprofen?
• Do these medicines help?
• How often do you take them?
• Do you get any side effects from any of these medicines?

Questions you might want to ask

Often, the time you spend with your healthcare professional is limited. It may be a good idea to think about the questions you would like to ask them before your appointment and write them down. Take these along with you to your appointment.

It is important that you can leave your appointment feeling satisfied that you were able to ask and have answered all of the questions appropriate to that healthcare professional. Knowing what you want to find out before you go in can help achieve this.

Questions you may want to ask include:

• What lifestyle changes can I make to help me cope with my symptoms?
• Why have you chosen this particular treatment for my condition?
• Can I use other medicines while I am taking this treatment?
• How long will it typically take to see results?
• How will my progress on this treatment be monitored?
• Will I need any tests while I'm on this treatment?
• What will happen if I stop using this treatment?
• What are the potential side effects of any treatment you are prescribing?
• What other treatments are available?
• Can I take this medication if I am trying to get pregnant or father a child?
• Who can I speak to if I have any questions after this visit?
• Are there any activities or situations I should avoid?
• When should I come back to see the doctor? You may want to know what symptoms mean you need the doctor again.

It's important not to think you are wasting your doctor's time. Your health is important, so if you do feel that you need more time with the doctor you could always ask whether a double appointment is available.

And if you are not sure about your diagnosis and/or the treatment prescribed and think a second opinion might help, don't be worried about asking for one. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist or another GP in the practice. A second opinion can help ensure that your treatment and care are successful.

Role of the pharmacist

If you and your doctor decide you need some medicines for your rheumatoid arthritis, you may find that the healthcare professional you have the most contact with is your local pharmacist.

It's good to remember that your pharmacist is more than just someone who sells you your medication. A pharmacist is an expert on how medicines work and interact, and can advise you about any safety concerns - especially important if you're taking more than one medicine at the same time.

Read more about how your pharmacist can help you (PDF)

As part of the service to make sure your medicines are right for you and that you're getting the best from them, your pharmacist can offer you a free Medicines Use Review (MUR). Find out more about the Medicines Use Review (PDF)

Navigate the NHS

Understanding how the NHS works - and what NHS services are available in your area - can help you to get the most out of your interactions with healthcare professionals. This will enable you to manage your rheumatoid arthritis better and live your life in the best possible health.

See our guide to finding your way around the NHS (PDF)