As communication is the key to opening solutions to myriad problems, for that matter of fact, any ailment if consulted with the doctor at the right time can bring out the right treatment. For an ailment like Rheumatoid Arthritis, following are the 7 questions you should ponder and tell your rheumatologist about to get the right course of treatment:
- Where exactly is your pain?
The first and the most important thing for your Rheumatologist to know the site of you pain and if the pattern of your pain is symmetrical or asymmetrical. And, if the pain at all is widespread or localized? Factually, in rheumatoid arthritis, the pain is usually on both sides of the body i.e. symmetrical.
- How much would you rate your pain on a scale of 10?
Your rheumatologist would ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 10. This helps the doctor to understand your pain perception and threshold. For instance, you may rate pain 3 on the pain scale. However, if you are still using medication for allaying your pain, the doctor would judge what your pain threshold is like.
- Does the pain interfere with your daily chores and activities?
This would help your doctor understand the impact of pain on your functional aspect. For instance, you might experience pain while doing following daily chores:
- Getting up from a lying position
- Dressing or bathing
- Engaging in social activities
- Exercising
- Stair climbing etc.
- How do you feel about the pain?
As such, there is no way one can define pain. However, letting your doctor know about the physical sensations of the pain in the forms like aching, throbbing, grating, deep, dull, nagging etc. would help the doctor identify the main cause of your pain.
- When do you feel your pain is getting better or worse?
This is a very important question for the doctor to figure out if the pain stems from Rheumatoid Arthritis or due to some other reason like Osteoarthritis or Fibromyalgia, to name a few.
- Are the medications you are consuming working for you?
If you are taking any medication to allay your pain, do not hesitate to tell the doctor about the same. It helps your rheumatologist understand which medication should be added or changed or bumped up.
- How do you feel emotionally?
Another important aspect of your treatment comprises of your mental state if you are overtly anxious, sad or depressed due to rheumatoid arthritis as your doctor would help you counsel or get you an adjuvant therapy to help you support throughout your treatment.
