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• 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 >> 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 >> Tara managed to breastfeed both her daughters for several months and the use of a breast pump and freezing her milk ensured that she could keep feedin

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 6-10 years >> Tara - Interview 53 >> Tara thinks that having a young family restricts one's social life anyway. She has learnt the importance of taking it easy.

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 11-15 years >> Sarah - Interview 54 >> In her experience boyfriends and friends do understand but up to a point. She would like to think that she will meet someone who will accept her limit

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 >> 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 26 years plus >> Interview 34 >> She feels there are 3 ways to approach RA but living with it is the way she has chosen.

Diagnosed 1957. Had one of the first knee replacements (R) in 1961 but restricted movement since. First left knee replacement lasted approx 30 years and revision 10 years. 8 toes removed. Has taken Prednisolone (5mg) for 41 years.

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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Attitude to RA & facing the future >> Attitude to RA & facing the future

Attitude to RA and facing the future 

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Interview 23 >> Explains feelings towards her joint operation, not wanting to know details and seeing it as a positive step.

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.