• Clip
• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 24 >> Was taken to hospital by ambulance and after 5 days of tests was found to have RA.

Diagnosed April 1997 after sudden onset of symptoms and admission to hospital. RA widespread leading to initial depression. Side-effects from Methotrexate so now taking Leflunomide 20mg/day, Rofecoxib 12.5mg/ alternate days and pain killers as required.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Interview 25 >> Rheumatologist told her the three likely outcomes of having RA.

Juvenile chronic arthritis diagnosed '85, on steroids since. Hip replacements age 23 & 32, 2 knees together at 36 & wrist/hand ops. Currently Methotrexate, Prednisolone, Rofecoxib & Tramadol. Cinnarizine & Stemetil for side effects - balance loss & nausea.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 07 >> After several visits to the GP with painful wrists and swollen joints she was referred to a specialist.

RA diagnosed 1998 after months of wrist pain and early morning stiffness. Initial steroid injections. Currently: Methotrexate 7.5mg /week & folic acid 5mg/day, Hydroxychloroquine 400mg/day and Ibuprofen as necessary. Exercise helps so swims 5 days a week.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Interview 47 >> Didn't appreciate the longer term consequences of his wife being diagnosed with RA.

Partner was diagnosed with RA at 33 has had the disease for 17 years.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 45 >> Was relieved that his wife had been given a diagnosis but worried about the long term prognosis.

Partner diagnosed with RA aged 27 has had the disease 4 years.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 20 >> The urgent referral to the rheumatologist worried her but getting a diagnosis was a relief.

Diagnosed September 2002 after few months of joint swelling/pain which was quite debilitating. Steroid injections helped and now pain and stiffness under control with Sulphasalazine (6 x 500mg/day) and Meloxicam (7.5mg/day). Life returned to fairly normal.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 26 >> The symptoms were really getting him down, so he saw a specialist privately.

Diagnosed '94 after flu like symptoms & joint problems for 6 weeks. Gold injections 50mg/week, slow release Voltarol 75mg/day, pain killers, Prozac 20mg/day (depression). Steroid injections when required. 3 bone removal operations from toes and ankle.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 32 >> Having sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis delayed a definite diagnosis for 9 years.

Diagnosed seronegative RA '97 but symptoms since '77 after flu-like virus. Took Opren but side-effects so chose homeopathy. Mid '90s significant disease progression & began DMARDS, but side-effects. Now 6 weekly Depomedrone injections (120mg), physio & hydrotherapy.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Interview 47 >> Didn't appreciate the longer term consequences of his wife being diagnosed with RA.

Partner was diagnosed with RA at 33 has had the disease for 17 years.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Interview 49 >> What is rheumatoid arthritis? - Introduced by Professor David Blake, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases.

Gives a video introduction 'What is Rheumatoid arthritis?'

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 37 >> The GP had her stiff neck x-rayed, thought it was RA, so sent her to a rheumatologist.

Diagnosed July 2001 after developing a stiff neck. Combination treatment of Sulphasalazine 2000mg/day and Methotrexate 10mg/week with folic acid 5mg 2/week. Rofecoxib 25mg/day, Ferrous sulphate 400mg/day (anaemia), Protium 40mg/day (indigestion).

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 30 >> Tells what happened when he first saw the rheumatologist.

Diagnosed '95 after severe ankle pain (maybe virus triggered). Subject in Anti-TNF trial. Pneumonia due to RA. Regular steroid injections prior to ankle fusion. Methotrexate/folic acid, Celebrex, Tramadol, Diazapan, Tomazapan, Prozac, Atenolol, Dothiepin.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Interview 25 >> Had many different treatment and tests in hospital to diagnose juvenile chronic arthritis.

Juvenile chronic arthritis diagnosed '85, on steroids since. Hip replacements age 23 & 32, 2 knees together at 36 & wrist/hand ops. Currently Methotrexate, Prednisolone, Rofecoxib & Tramadol. Cinnarizine & Stemetil for side effects - balance loss & nausea.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 01 >> Was initially told she had psoriatic arthritis but she read about it and thought it was rheumatoid arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis diagnosed at 15 then RA at 25 ('99) but delayed as negative blood tests. Initial treatments DMARDs and steroid pulses. Currently steroid tablets, NSAIDs, Methotrexate injected weekly & Anti-TNF Infliximab infusions began 2 months ago.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 11-15 years >> Interview 06 >> After an initial diagnosis and flare 11 years ago, she was re-diagnosed and told it could be lupus.

RA began with stiff neck and initial severe flare lasting months; 11 yrs - no further symptoms; then 2 acute flares in 2 years. Steroid injections helped. Currently on Methotrexate 10mg /week & daily hydroxychloroquine 400mg, Ranitidine 300mg & folic acid.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 21-25 years >> Interview 11 >> Felt a fraud with no visible symptoms but went into hospital for rest then finally asked what was wrong.

RA diagnosed after months of knee and elbow pain and reduced mobility. Many joint injections. Took steroids & Penacillamine for 10 years but chose to stop. Now Co-odamol 4/day and blood pressure drugs. 2 Carpal tunnel operations & wrist bone removal.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 20 >> Was relieved to receive the diagnosis and discover that the problem wasn't all in her head. Initial treatment made her feel better.

Diagnosed September 2002 after few months of joint swelling/pain which was quite debilitating. Steroid injections helped and now pain and stiffness under control with Sulphasalazine (6 x 500mg/day) and Meloxicam (7.5mg/day). Life returned to fairly normal.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Interview 23 >> Thought it was only a temporary illness but felt she could deal with it once it had a name. Didn't want to imagine the worst case scenario.

Psoriasis age 17. Rapid onset RA diagnosed seronegative '86. Various DMARDS tried and complementary therapies/diet helped. Stroke '00, blood disorder & Sjogrens. Currently Steroids, Dihydrocodeine, Vioxx. 2 new knees/1 hip/2 shoulders & right thumb fusion.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 11-15 years >> Interview 02 >> Realises that there are worse things than RA that could affect her in her 60s.

Polymyalgia/palindromic arthritis episodes '88-92, RA diagnosed '94 & OA. Daily Voltarol 75mg, Defalzacort 6mg, pain killers & Methotrexate 25mg/wk (folic acid 5/7 days). Some steroid pulses. 2 hips, 2 knees replaced due to OA & shoulder operation proposed.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 30 >> He had been shocked at the impact of RA on different aspects of his life.

Diagnosed '95 after severe ankle pain (maybe virus triggered). Subject in Anti-TNF trial. Pneumonia due to RA. Regular steroid injections prior to ankle fusion. Methotrexate/folic acid, Celebrex, Tramadol, Diazapan, Tomazapan, Prozac, Atenolol, Dothiepin.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Interview 03 >> Learnt she has a 'weak positive' result and decided to look for an alternative cure instead of talking to her doctor.

RA diagnosed '86. For 10 years chose NSAIDs/pain killers and complementary therapies. DMARD treatments started 1996 (various). 2 replacement shoulders 2000. Started Infliximab 9/02. Less pain/tiredness but pre-existing damage means hip replacement '04.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 12 >> Was very ill at first but was comforted by getting information about the disease and knowing new treatments exist.

Diagnosed mid-2000 after rapid onset. Side-effects from sulphasalazine with hydroxychloriquine. Currently Methotrexate, NSAID, Losec, Celeximab and Paracetemol. Some steroid pulses and planned knee replacement.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 38 >> Relieved at knowing diagnosis and feels excused by friends when she can't do things.

Diagnosed 2 years ago but symptoms for 4 years. Currently on no medication but did take Sulphasalazine for 5 months before stopping because of side-effect of flaky skin. She has also had steroid joint injections and taken NSAIDs.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Interview 03 >> It is important to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible and to get it treated quickly.

RA diagnosed '86. For 10 years chose NSAIDs/pain killers and complementary therapies. DMARD treatments started 1996 (various). 2 replacement shoulders 2000. Started Infliximab 9/02. Less pain/tiredness but pre-existing damage means hip replacement '04.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Charlotte - Interview 55 >> She was shocked when recently (2007) was diagnosed with RA. Says that she was down and later angry but now she is determined not to be 'rule by it'.

Charlotte was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in July 2007. The first time she saw her consultant was as a private patient because on the NHS there was a waiting period of three months. She is on Methotrexate. She feels more tired than before her diagnosis.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Tara - Interview 53 >> Weeks after her first child was born Tara began to experience severe pain and joint inflammation and, initially her GP gave her Ibuprofen. She says th

Following her diagnosis Tara was put on Methotrexate and this controlled her illness very well. She came off Methotrexate after deciding to have a second child. She describes her antenatal care as 'excellent' and felt safe and reassured. She is currently on anti-TNF treatment: Humira.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Kate - Interview 52 >> She prefers not to tell acquaintances because in her experience they react in disbelief and it's difficult to explain to them that RA can make you ver

None of her previous non-biologic treatments have worked long-term. Her condition deteriorated to such an extent that she was housebound and needed help with most things. Currently she is on Enbrel and Methotrexate and her condition is much improved.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Charlotte - Interview 55 >> Thinks that before diagnosis her boyfriend thought she might be pretending to get out of doing work. Says that after diagnosis her family, boyfriend a

Charlotte was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in July 2007. The first time she saw her consultant was as a private patient because on the NHS there was a waiting period of three months. She is on Methotrexate. She feels more tired than before her diagnosis.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Charlotte - Interview 55 >> Talks about the changes she has made to her social life following her diagnosis and the advice she got from her consultant about drinking alcohol.

Charlotte was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in July 2007. The first time she saw her consultant was as a private patient because on the NHS there was a waiting period of three months. She is on Methotrexate. She feels more tired than before her diagnosis.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Pat - Interview 59 >> Six weeks after her first child was born Pat woke up with stiffness in her arms and legs, she went to her GP who told her it was ‘just being a mum’. I

Pat was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis aged 25 but it took almost three years and a progressive deterioration of her symptoms for her to get an appropriate treatment. Her disease has remained active and to date she has had ten operations and four implants. Pat participated in a clinical trial for a newer drug called Golimumab (Simponi) but the therapy failed to improve or control her rheumatoid arthritis. She is due to start another biological therapy; Rituximab.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 21-25 years >> Interview 05 >> Was devastated when RA was diagnosed at the age of 27 and thought she would end up in a wheelchair.

RA diagnosed as significant symptoms after birth of 2nd child. Complementary treatments used. Takes Diclofenac 15mg & 2 Coproxamol daily. 10 operations: hips, knees & shoulder replacement/revision; neck, ankle & toe fusions, and removal of bone in 1 elbow.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Janet - Interview 56 >> Janet says that initially her stepchildren couldn't understand why she was unable to do those activities they had all previously enjoyed.

Diagnosed in 2006. Janet takes Methotrexate 15 mg but experiences severe sickness and nausea. She will start taking Methotrexate in injection form and hopes this will reduce its side effects. She also takes: Tramadol with paracetamol; folic acid and amitriptyline at night when needed.

• Topic
• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Impact of diagnosis on family & others >> Impact of diagnosis on family & others

Impact of diagnosis on family, friends and others

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Impact of the diagnosis >> Impact of the diagnosis

Impact of the diagnosis

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 11-15 years >> Sarah - Interview 54 >> She thinks that despite all the difficulties and initial denial RA has made her a stronger person.

Until two years ago Sarah had very bad arthritis and was in severe pain. Her consultant applied and was granted funding to put her on anti-TNF treatment: Enbrel. Sarah describes Enbrel as 'completely and totally changing her life'.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Referral to a rheumatologist, tests & diagnosis >> Referral to a rheumatologist, tests & diagnosis

Referral to the rheumatologist, tests and diagnosis