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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou'll probably first bring your symptoms to the attention of your family doctor. After an initial examination, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (rheumatologist).
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, as well as what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:
- When did your symptoms begin?
- Have these symptoms ever occurred before?
- Does any activity or position make your joint feel better or worse?
- Have you ever injured this joint?
- Do you have any other medical conditions?
- Has anyone in your family had joint problems?
- What medicines or supplements do you take regularly?
What to expect from your doctor
A doctor who sees you for symptoms common to pseudogout may ask a number of questions, such as:
- What are your symptoms?
- What part or parts of your body are affected?
- Do your symptoms come and go?
- When symptoms occur, how long do they last?
- Have your symptoms gotten worse over time?
- Does anything seem to trigger your symptoms, such as certain foods or stress?
- Have you tried any treatments so far? Has anything helped?
References
- Pseudogout. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/pseudogout.asp. Accessed May 1, 2012.
- Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed May 1, 2012.
- Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1807/0.html. Accessed May 1, 2012.
- Becker MA, et al. Pathogenesis and etiology of calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed May 1, 2012.
- Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2012:5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05611-3..C2009-0-38601-8--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05611-3&uniqId=291436269-101. Accessed May 1, 2012.
- Becker MA, et al. Treatment of calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed May 1, 2012.
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