home
a-z of conditions
forums
news
about us
See all conditions
Bones & joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Forum
Resources & Information
Subject index
Credits
Full list of topics
Discovery :
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Original symptoms and visiting a GP
Referral to a rheumatologist, tests & diagnosis
Impact of the diagnosis
Ideas about causes
Impact of diagnosis on family & others
Tests and treatments :
Choosing treatments & taking part in trials
Painkillers
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Steroid tablets, injections & intravenous pulses
Biologic treatments: anti-TNF and B-cell therapy
Long term use of drugs
Regular monitoring and other diagnostic tests
Physiotherapy & hydrotherapy
Occupational therapy
Other hospital specialists
Surgery - introduction
Surgery - upper limb and neck
Surgery - lower limb
Outpatient clinics
Complementary and alternative approaches
Living with rheumatoid arthritis :
Diet & food supplements
Exercise
Personal life and changes to the home
Social life & relationships
Mobility, driving & transport
Work
Financial implications & financial support
Sources of support
Body image
Attitude to RA & facing the future
Self-management
Ongoing symptoms- flares, stiffness & sleep disturbance
Ongoing symptoms- pain, fatigue, depression, weight change
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Parenting & childcare
Messages to others with RA
Messages to health care professionals
Finding information about RA
Search the whole site
Search in this condition
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Subject index
Clip
Bones & joints
>>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
>>
Disease duration 11-15 years
>>
Interview 06
>>
Early morning stiffness made it difficult to dress herself and her children.
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 01
>>
Social services paid for a chair to lower her into the bath but wouldn't pay for other items.
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 16-20 years
>>
Interview 47
>>
House adaptations have been made gradually so his wife is able to cope.
Partner was diagnosed with RA at 33 has had the disease for 17 years.
Mail to a friend