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@onetowatchst

I will be uninsured until I meet the requirements of my new employer. Once I can receive care, I plan on scheduling a rheumatologist appointment

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Replies to "I will be uninsured until I meet the requirements of my new employer. Once I can..."

Wish you all the best @onetowatchst. A sympathetic and kind Rheumatologist makes all the difference. Especially one who will ask what matters most to you and what kind of side effects are deal-breakers for you. There are so many different biologics these days you should be able to find one that suits you even if you do have to swap and change. There is fairly strict qualifying criteria here (not sure what the situation is where you live), but like I said - a sympathetic Rheumatologist will advise on what you can do. x

@onetowatchst Until your health insurance comes through, maybe you could look at this site.
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/
This link is for GARD (genetic and rare diseases). They should be able to find a good rheumatologist for you. Then you’ll be ready. In fact, try to make an appointment even before our insurance comes in: sometimes there are long waits to see the doctor.
In the meantime, start a journal listing symptoms, what you do to care for yourself, activities that are difficult because of pain, and what you do to relieve pain. All of this gives the doctor a good view of what you’re dealing with and how he can help.
Here is another discussion with ideas on how to prepare for the doctor visit:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-getting-a-proper-diagnosis-of-an-autoimmune-disease/
Will you start a journal?