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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 26 >> It began suddenly with a swollen ankle, pain in his knees and wrists, and aching all over as though he had flu.

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 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 0-5 years >> Interview 48 >> Attended his partner's appointments and felt it helped that both of them were able to hear the information.

Partner was diagnosed with RA at 25 has had the disease 5 years.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 35 >> Thought his symptoms were rheumatism but did not visit a GP for 2 months which in hindsight was too long to put up with the pain.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica diagnosed 2000 and various doses of oral steroids taken for 2 years. Swollen hand prompted visit to Rheumatologist Dec 2003 when RA diagnosis made. Depomedrone injection given and once since. Currently only on Fossamax (calcium).

• 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 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 0-5 years >> Interview 24 >> Felt very depressed with the disability of RA and considered suicide. Her doctors helped by giving her sleeping tablets and information about RA treat

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 26 years plus >> Interview 27 >> Her GP practice allows patients to contact the doctors and order repeat prescriptions on-line.

RA diagnosed 1975 after stiff fingers. Elbow replacement '91 and 2 toe operations. Currently Methotrexate 10mg/week & folic acid 6/7 days, daily Cyclosporin 150mg, Diclofenac 100mg suppository, co-codamol as required and Losarlyn 100mg (blood pressure).

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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Original symptoms and visiting a GP >> Original symptoms and visiting a GP

Original symptoms and visiting a GP