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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 30 >> He tried 'everything that the homeopathic, herbalist, and internet has got to offer', but decided it was a waste of money.

Diagnosed '95 after severe ankle pain (maybe virus triggered). Subject in Anti-TNF trial. Pneumonia due to RA. Regular steroid injections prior to ankle fusion. Methotrexate/folic acid, Celebrex, Tramadol, Diazapan, Tomazapan, Prozac, Atenolol, Dothiepin.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 32 >> She liked the support group because there she could be a 'real' person and 'let her guard down'.

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 0-5 years >> Interview 37 >> Has used various sources of information but finds the leaflets answer most questions and are easy to read.

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 11-15 years >> Interview 06 >> Found important information on the internet about how to take her methotrexate.

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 6-10 years >> Interview 30 >> Used the internet to find out what was going to happen before fusion surgery, and also buys complementary medicines from websites.

Diagnosed '95 after severe ankle pain (maybe virus triggered). Subject in Anti-TNF trial. Pneumonia due to RA. Regular steroid injections prior to ankle fusion. Methotrexate/folic acid, Celebrex, Tramadol, Diazapan, Tomazapan, Prozac, Atenolol, Dothiepin.

• 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).

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 21-25 years >> Interview 36 >> Uses the internet to buy aids, including a power socket remote control, and other items related to her illness.

Diagnosed 1979 as a young child. Currently on Methotrexate 10mg & folic acid, tramadol 100mg 2/day, solpadol 7/day. 2 hips and 2 knees replaced under spinal anaesthetic in succession over 2 years. Broken femur complication of last knee operation.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 07 >> Uses the internet to check out media stories about 'miracle cures' for arthritis.

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 6-10 years >> Tara - Interview 53 >> Tara says that 'Googling' for information can give you the worst case scenario. Somehow what she found on the web was reinforcing her negative feeling

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 0-5 years >> Sandra - Interview 63 >> Sandra finds the exchange of information and ‘little tips’ though the chat room useful and reassuring. She has been contacted and replied to RA patien

Sandra was diagnosed in April 2010 and her current rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes: Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Methrotrexate, Sulfasalazine and Hydrochloroquine. Sandra’s consultant talked to her about reducing and eventually phasing out the last two drugs. She also takes painkillers; Diclofenac and Co-Codamol and Amitriptyline at night time.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Linda - Interview 60 >> Linda uses the internet mostly to find about complementary products but the leaflets provided by her rheumatology clinic have been one of her main sou

Linda was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in April 2010 and she is currently taking part in a clinical trial for Golimumab. This therapy, has significantly improved Linda’s quality of life. She no longer has flares ups that had previously affected her working life. She is awaiting a decision from her PCT as to whether they will pay for her to continue having this treatment.