Once you have been referred to a consultant rheumatologist you may wonder what to expect and what treatment may be provided. The rheumatologist treatments available to you will vary dependent on your condition and you may find your rheumatologist also refers you onto further specialists for the best management of your condition.
Treatment from your Rheumatologist
Your Rheumatologist may review your medication and offer alternative suggestions, new treatments or a different combination of your standard prescription. Their drug treatment suggestion may also alongside lifestyle alterations and tips to help your day to day management of the condition. Most people also find complimentary treatments or therapies are recommended and involve bringing other health professionals into your care plan.
Further Specialist Treatment Referred by your Rheumatologist
There are some treatments your rheumatologist can’t do for you as they aren’t a specialist in this area but they may be able to refer you onto another professional. The most common specialists you’ll be referred to with most rheumatic conditions are physiotherapists, podiatrists and occupational therapists.
Some rheumatic conditions also have elements which effect other parts of your health in addition to your joints. When this is the case your consultant rheumatologist will make sure you are referred to the right specialists.
Once you have been referred to your rheumatologist you can expect regular appointments. They will monitor your condition and see how any changes to treatment are effecting you. Their focus remains your joints but they can discuss other health complaints related to the condition too. This is to help ensure you are getting exactly the treatment you need.
The path to the right treatment plan isn’t always fast but once you find it, you will feel immeasurably better. Rheumatologist treatments go a long way to handling your rheumatic conditions and helping you manage on a daily basis.