{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T16:10:26+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T16:10:26+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:06:35+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34095"},"slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095},{"name":"Diseases","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34139"},"slug":"diseases","categoryId":34139},{"name":"Arthritis","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34145"},"slug":"arthritis","categoryId":34145}],"title":"Diagnosing Arthritis: Prepare for Your First Doctor's Appointment","strippedTitle":"diagnosing arthritis: prepare for your first doctor's appointment","slug":"diagnosing-arthritis-prepare-for-your-first-doctors-appointment","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"If you think you have arthritis, get the best chance for help by being fully prepared for your first doctor's appointment. 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That list may include some of these:\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n <li>How did you determine that I have this particular kind of arthritis?\n </li>\n <li>What's causing my arthritis?\n </li>\n <li>What kinds of treatment do you recommend?\n </li>\n <li>What outcome can I expect?\n </li>\n <li>Will I need surgery? If so, how long can I wait before I have it?\n </li>\n <li>What will happen if I do nothing?\n </li>\n <li>What will my treatment cost?\n </li>\n</ul>","description":"If you think you have arthritis, get the best chance for help by being fully prepared for your first doctor's appointment. 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Diagnosing Arthritis: Prepare for Your First Doctor's Appointment

By: Barry Fox and Nadine Taylor and Jinoos Yazdany and

Updated: 03-26-2016

From The Book: Arthritis For Dummies

Arthritis For Dummies

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If you think you have arthritis, get the best chance for help by being fully prepared for your first doctor's appointment. Diagnosing arthritis — or any other medical condition — is easier if your doctor has your full medical history, including:

Any accidents or injuries that you've sustained
Diseases that run in your family
Illnesses you've had (especially recently)
Other problems, including recent weight loss, depression, sleep disturbances, aches and pain, skin changes, and fatigue

Before your talk to a doctor about arthritis, you should also consider compiling a list of questions you want answered. That list may include some of these:

How did you determine that I have this particular kind of arthritis?
What's causing my arthritis?
What kinds of treatment do you recommend?
What outcome can I expect?
Will I need surgery? If so, how long can I wait before I have it?
What will happen if I do nothing?
What will my treatment cost?

About This Article

This article is from the book:

Arthritis For Dummies ,

About the book authors:

Nadine Taylor is a registered dietitian and contributing editor to the bestseller The Arthritis Cure. She is also author of Green Tea: The Natural Secret to a Healthier Life.

Barry Fox, PhD, is a best-selling writer who has authored or co-authored 20 health books and over 160 health-related articles. His works include the New York Times #1 bestseller, The Arthritis Cure, and many more.

Nadine Taylor is a registered dietitian and contributing editor to the bestseller The Arthritis Cure. She is also author of Green Tea: The Natural Secret to a Healthier Life.

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Arthritis ,

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