The Rheumatology Center at Grace Health System® diagnoses and treats more than just people with arthritis. They also treat other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones, including osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases like lupus and fibromyalgia. There are more than 200 types of these conditions, some of which can be difficult to not only diagnose but treat as well.

Before you come to your appointment with the Grace rheumatologist, you’ll need to do your homework. The staff suggests writing down a timeline of when you started having your symptoms and when they started getting worse. Also, be sure you know your family history of other relatives who may have experienced the same condition. Be sure you bring a list of current medications you’re taking, including any over-­the­-counter and herbal products. Much of your first appointment will be a combination of examination and talking. You’re invited to answer the doctor’s questions as thorough as you can. You can expect to be asked about the pain­­­ where is it, how do you describe it, what makes it worse, how does it make you feel, and how does it limit the activities that you do. Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor will work with you to develop the best treatment options for your lifestyle. This may include prescription medications, as well as physical therapy.