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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 24 >> Likes to find out information herself about new treatments suggested by the doctor.

Diagnosed April 1997 after sudden onset of symptoms and admission to hospital. RA widespread leading to initial depression. Side-effects from Methotrexate so now taking Leflunomide 20mg/day, Rofecoxib 12.5mg/ alternate days and pain killers as required.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 09 >> Was not happy with some of the treatments and chose to stop taking anti-inflammatory medication.

After several months of wrist/hand pains treated with NSAIDs and physiotherapy by GP, RA diagnosis made by private consultant. Mother had RA. Currently RA controlled on Sulfasalazine. Has returned to being active, playing golf, tennis, dog walking etc.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 48 >> He has got used to injecting his partner with methotrexate weekly.

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

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 11-15 years >> Interview 33 >> Describes her involvement in a clinical trial.

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 11-15 years >> Interview 33 >> Having taken medication for twelve years she saw it as 'a way of life'.

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 21-25 years >> Interview 19 >> Takes a 'cocktail' of drugs, would like to stop taking steroids but knows they help her mobility.

Diagnosed 1980. Early treatment NSAID, pain killer and steroids. 9 operations e.g. joint replacement, neck fusion. Various DMARDS. Currently on Anti-TNF Infliximab/7 weeks. Methotrexate weekly, Prednisolone, Rofecoxib, hydroxychloriquine daily.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 21-25 years >> Interview 11 >> After about 8 years of taking steroids and penicillamine she decided to stop and slowly did so with her Doctor's advice.

RA diagnosed after months of knee and elbow pain and reduced mobility. Many joint injections. Took steroids & Penacillamine for 10 years but chose to stop. Now Co-odamol 4/day and blood pressure drugs. 2 Carpal tunnel operations & wrist bone removal.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 24 >> She counts a week's supply of tablets into a medicine cup to help her remember whether or not she has taken her medication.

Diagnosed April 1997 after sudden onset of symptoms and admission to hospital. RA widespread leading to initial depression. Side-effects from Methotrexate so now taking Leflunomide 20mg/day, Rofecoxib 12.5mg/ alternate days and pain killers as required.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 48 >> Partner worries about his wife having to stop medication to start a family.

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

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 11-15 years >> Interview 02 >> Increased her steroids whilst on holiday to cope with the pain.

Polymyalgia/palindromic arthritis episodes '88-92, RA diagnosed '94 & OA. Daily Voltarol 75mg, Defalzacort 6mg, pain killers & Methotrexate 25mg/wk (folic acid 5/7 days). Some steroid pulses. 2 hips, 2 knees replaced due to OA & shoulder operation proposed.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 31 >> Talks about medication in pregnancy and the worry of conceiving whilst taking penicillamine.

Diagnosed '93 after quick onset. Side-effects from various DMARDs. Currently on Enbrel (anti TNFa) twice a week, Brufen retard 2400mg/day, Prednisolone 7.5mg/day and Paracetemol as required. Both elbows replaced (2002) and knee washout operation.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 39 >> She and her husband discussed medication and its implications for pregnancy with the consultant.

Diagnosed for 9 months but symptoms for 4/5 years. Current treatments Sulphasalazine,voltarol, thyroxine, ventolin, coproxamol. Diclofenac twice daily.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 26 years plus >> Interview 27 >> Breastfed both her children for a time before needing to take medication again for her RA symptoms.

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 11-15 years >> Interview 06 >> Wishes she had known more about how newer arthritis treatments can help people to avoid disability.

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 16-20 years >> Interview 25 >> Uses a special tablet box to help her remember to take her drugs regularly.

Juvenile chronic arthritis diagnosed '85, on steroids since. Hip replacements age 23 & 32, 2 knees together at 36 & wrist/hand ops. Currently Methotrexate, Prednisolone, Rofecoxib & Tramadol. Cinnarizine & Stemetil for side effects - balance loss & nausea.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Janet - Interview 56 >> She wants children but is concerned about her age and worried of the prospect of stopping her medication before conception and during pregnancy.

Diagnosed in 2006. Janet takes Methotrexate 15 mg but experiences severe sickness and nausea. She will start taking Methotrexate in injection form and hopes this will reduce its side effects. She also takes: Tramadol with paracetamol; folic acid and amitriptyline at night when needed.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Tara - Interview 53 >> Talks about medication before and during her second pregnancy and managing pain without drugs.

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 >> Charlotte - Interview 55 >> She was diagnosed a few months ago and would welcome clear advice about diet and lifestyle.

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 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 16-20 years >> Interview 25 >> Uses a special tablet box to help her remember to take her drugs regularly.

Juvenile chronic arthritis diagnosed '85, on steroids since. Hip replacements age 23 & 32, 2 knees together at 36 & wrist/hand ops. Currently Methotrexate, Prednisolone, Rofecoxib & Tramadol. Cinnarizine & Stemetil for side effects - balance loss & nausea.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 24 >> She counts a week's supply of tablets into a medicine cup to help her remember whether or not she has taken her medication.

Diagnosed April 1997 after sudden onset of symptoms and admission to hospital. RA widespread leading to initial depression. Side-effects from Methotrexate so now taking Leflunomide 20mg/day, Rofecoxib 12.5mg/ alternate days and pain killers as required.