37yo female, going to rheumatologist for 1st time next week. what should i prepare to discuss. not a fast thinker, will write it down before. -kt?

Lots of details: Rheumatologists like details to help diagnose a problem... when did symptoms start; was there an accident or illness when it all started; what parts of the body hurt; is pain worse in the beginning, or middle, or end of the day; is there stiffness, and when does that happen; what activities have one stopped due to pain; are there fevers, rashes, fingernail changes, vision changes, dry mouth, etc..

Good history: For a good history, be prepared with all the questions: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW? When did the problem start? How long? How often? How bad is it? What does it stop you from doing? Where does it happen? When does it happen? What makes it better or worse? How do you know you have the problem? If you can prepare a timeline and list of medications, that is also very helpful.

Depends : on why the patient is seeing the Rheumatologist. Usually it is important to bring all the medications patient takes, all the labs or previous work up and list all symptoms and response to treatment and factors that make symptoms worse.