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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 32 >> She used to take anti-inflammatories especially before exercising but after a time found she didn't need them.

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 11-15 years >> Interview 33 >> Found Indometacin the most effective NSAID in reducing swelling and early morning stiffness.

Juvenile chronic arthritis diagnosed 1990. Initially NSAIDs, then methotrexate but nausea & then oral steroids from age 15. Finger tendon repair & hip replacement (01) Currently Anti-TNF Humira injected 2/month, indometacin, co-codamol & Lansoprazole.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 26 years plus >> Interview 16 >> Slow release anti-inflammatories help with early morning stiffness and the working day.

Diagnosed 1977 after shoulder pains. Diclofenac retard 100mg/day, Methotrexate 15mg/week & 5mg/day folic acid. Partial wrist & 2 finger joints replaced, thumb tendon repairs, 6 toe joint operations, ankle fusion & a back operation (not due to RA).

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 11-15 years >> Interview 08 >> Describes ineffectiveness and side effects of anti-inflammatories including worrying chest pains from diclofenac.

Polyarthralgia 1983 & '90. RA diagnosed '91 after knee pain & general decrease in mobility. Side-effects from Gold injections & some NSAIDs; knee injections helped. Now Methotrexate10mg/wk (+folic acid) & Ibuprofen 1/day & pain killers. Sjogren's syndrome.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 21-25 years >> Interview 04 >> Describes intense pain - counted the hours between taking the pain killers.

Diagnosed '79 with rapid onset after glandular fever. Various foot surgery undergone and hand surgery planned. Symptom relief from physio/ hydrotherapy & some complementary therapies/diets. Currently Coproxamol, Methotrexate, folic acid & occasional NSAID.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 20 >> She tried different types of anti-inflammatory to get the right one and the right dose for her.

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 0-5 years >> Interview 18 >> Wonders if the anti-inflammatories have any real effect.

RA diagnosed October 2001 after reduction in mobility and general lethargy. Had side-effects from Sulfasalazine so is currently taking Methotrexate 10mg/wk +folic acid (2 tablets/week), Rofecoxib (NSAID) 25mg/day & Ramopril (blood pressure).

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 21-25 years >> Interview 13 >> Describes the effect of not taking his anti-inflammatory medica.

Diagnosed '78 after various joint pains. Knee synovectomy age 18; then 8 years quite symptom free; since RA in many joints. Some steroid pulses/joint injections. Now Gold injected 50mg/month, Meloxicam 15mg/day & Coproxamol if required. Thumb fusion operation.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 26 years plus >> Interview 17 >> Discovering a stomach ulcer.

Diagnosed 1970. After early years, had 15 yrs when relatively well on NSAIDs. Flared up 99/00. Methotrexate 25mg/wk, daily Rofecoxib 25mg, Tramadol 200mg, anti-depressants & HRT. Awaiting 1 hip & 2 elbow replacements, wrist & finger straightening surgery.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 26 >> Taking herbal remedies for stomach problems didn't seem to work but he had an MRI scan to assess the cause of his stomach bleeding.

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 28 >> Talks about the relief she gets from anti-inflammatory creams she puts on her joints.

RA Diagnosed June 2002. Also has osteoporosis, OA & thyroid problem. Methotrexate 12.5mg/week & folic acid 5mg/week, Prednisolone 7.5mg/daily, paracetemol daily, Ranitidine 150mg/day (indigestion), lactulose & Thyroxine 150mg/day, Fossamax 70mg/week.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 21-25 years >> Interview 05 >> She tries to take the smallest dose of anti-inflammatories for fear of side effects although she hasn't experienced any.

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 21-25 years >> Interview 05 >> Experienced side effects of sickness and headaches from anti-inflammatory drug - Indocid.

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 21-25 years >> Interview 05 >> Her flare ups often come on over night, are very painful, restrict mobility and she has to rest.

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.