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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 24 >> She thinks that she couldn't have a sexual relationship and thinks that RA 'killed' that part of her.

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 30 >> Rheumatoid arthritis affected his marriage because he had to spend so much time resting.

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 suggests it is important to talk about sex, to be 'creative', to use humour and to have an open and honest approach.

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 48 >> His partner's pain had interrupted their sex life, which was frustrating for both of them.

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

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 26 years plus >> Interview 22 >> Was pleased to discover books about arthritis including one on physical relationships by Young Arthritis Care called 'Lovemaking and arthritis for you

Diagnosed 1964 Juvenile Chronic Arthritis. 11 years of steroids limited growth. NSAIDs 'til age 37. Now Methotrexate 10mg/wk + folic acid, daily Prednisolone 5mg, Naproxin 100mg, Niozadadine (anti-ulcer) & iron. 2 hips replaced age 26 & 2 knees, age 30.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Janet - Interview 56 >> She says that RA can affect relationships because it is difficult for others to 'see' how the condition effects you. She took her husband to a hospita

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 >> At the hospital they emphasised the importance of contraception when on methotrexate to which Tara replied, 'The best contraceptive we have are childr

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 >> Interview 33 >> Her sex life with her boyfriend was difficult for some weeks after a hip operation. Otherwise she does not think her arthritis has caused problems for

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 16-20 years >> Pearl - Interview 62 >> Pearl thinks that the issue of sex after being diagnosed with RA can affect relationships and should be discussed by doctors. It is an important subje

Pearl was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 1991, aged forty and was put on methotrexate. Eighteen months ago and initially as part of a clinical trial, she started to take a newer anti-TNF therapy; Simponi. Her current treatment also includes methrotrexate, but in a smaller dosage.