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• 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 0-5 years >> Interview 12 >> 'There are many possible causes but if you have it you just have to cope as best as you can.'

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 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.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 45 >> Supports his wife and feels being flexible is the way to cope with her changing abilities.

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

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 48 >> Has learnt over the years when to help his partner and when to accept she wants to do things independently.

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

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 11-15 years >> Interview 33 >> She felt depressed for much of secondary school but has now learnt to focus on a series of goals and feels much more positive.

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.