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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Charlotte - Interview 55 >> After her diagnosis her employers and family have each helped her in different ways to manage her working life.

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 0-5 years >> Charlotte - Interview 55 >> After her diagnosis her employers and family have each helped her in different ways to manage her working life.

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.

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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Financial implications & financial support >> Financial implications & financial support

Financial implications and financial support 

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Melissa - Interview 50 >> Melissa talks about the application and assessment process for Incapacity Benefit and thinks that the system is fair.

Melissa was first diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and later with rheumatoid arthritis. She was on Methotrexate for about eight years. She has been on two Anti-TNF treatments: etanercepts (Enbrel) and adalimumab (Humira) and expects to be started on influximab soon.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Sources of support >> Sources of support

Sources of support

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 11-15 years >> Interview 06 >> Got encouragement and support from family and friends who knew of her diagnosis.

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 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 16-20 years >> Interview 25 >> She attended a support group for others with rheumatoid arthritis but didn't like it.

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 21-25 years >> Interview 36 >> Depending for help on her parents was hard, especially having to fit into their timetable.

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 11-15 years >> Interview 33 >> Talks about the benifits of Tai Chi.

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 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 07 >> Swimming has helped her physically and she enjoys the social side too.

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 21-25 years >> Interview 05 >> Her parents helped her with the housework, shopping and childcare.

RA diagnosed as significant symptoms after birth of 2nd child. Complementary treatments used. Takes Diclofenac 15mg & 2 Coproxamol daily. 10 operations: hips, knees & shoulder replacement/revision; neck, ankle & toe fusions, and removal of bone in 1 elbow.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 26 years plus >> Interview 34 >> Her children offered help, which she needed, but sometimes she found the role reversal hard to accept.

Diagnosed 1957. Had one of the first knee replacements (R) in 1961 but restricted movement since. First left knee replacement lasted approx 30 years and revision 10 years. 8 toes removed. Has taken Prednisolone (5mg) for 41 years.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 31 >> Although very supportive, she thought her mother felt sorry for her due to the role reversal.

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 11-15 years >> Interview 46 >> Gives practical and emotional support but finds it distressing to see his wife in pain.

Partner was diagnosed with RA at 58 has had the disease for 11 years.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 26 years plus >> Interview 27 >> Family, friends and neighbours offered to help but sometimes she wanted to be independent and refused help.

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 16-20 years >> Melissa - Interview 50 >> She went to her local college but found the teacher unsupportive and felt the teacher discriminated against her. She wrote a letter of complaint to th

Melissa was first diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and later with rheumatoid arthritis. She was on Methotrexate for about eight years. She has been on two Anti-TNF treatments: etanercepts (Enbrel) and adalimumab (Humira) and expects to be started on influximab soon.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Charlotte - Interview 55 >> Her previous school allowed her to arrive late on those days when she had free periods in the morning. Her new school has asked if there is anything t

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 0-5 years >> Georgina - Interview 57 >> She met her husband only six months before becoming very ill and he has become her carer.

Diagnosed two years ago Georgina has been on B-cell therapy rituximab since November 2007. Previously she was on anti-TNF therapies; Humira and Enbrel. Her diagnosis of RA came about after her Pain Syndrome consultant referred her to the rheumatology clinic.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Kate - Interview 52 >> She attended a five weeks course organised by her hospital about the practical side of living with arthritis.

None of her previous non-biologic treatments have worked long-term. Her condition deteriorated to such an extent that she was housebound and needed help with most things. Currently she is on Enbrel and Methotrexate and her condition is much improved.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Georgina - Interview 57 >> Her son does not mind going into town with her when she is using her scooter. She says that she 'plays' football with her son in her scooter.

Diagnosed two years ago Georgina has been on B-cell therapy rituximab since November 2007. Previously she was on anti-TNF therapies; Humira and Enbrel. Her diagnosis of RA came about after her Pain Syndrome consultant referred her to the rheumatology clinic.

• 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 0-5 years >> Sandra - Interview 63 >> Sandra’s employers have been supportive and agreed for her to return to work part-time but she was expected to work mornings and it was not negotiable

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 16-20 years >> Interview 47 >> A supportive family and teamwork as well as mutual support between him and his wife help them cope with her RA.

Partner was diagnosed with RA at 33 has had the disease for 17 years.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 6-10 years >> Interview 31 >> Taking her young baby out in the car and shopping was frighteningly difficult, so she stayed in the house.

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 26 years plus >> Interview 34 >> She attended a support group for others with rheumatoid arthritis but didn't like it.

Diagnosed 1957. Had one of the first knee replacements (R) in 1961 but restricted movement since. First left knee replacement lasted approx 30 years and revision 10 years. 8 toes removed. Has taken Prednisolone (5mg) for 41 years.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 26 years plus >> Interview 22 >> She joined a Young Arthritis Care support group which helped her greatly.

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 >> Interview 12 >> The six week Arthritis Care course called Challenging Arthritis did him 'the world of good'.

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 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 6-10 years >> Tara - Interview 53 >> Weeks after her first child was born Tara began to experience severe pain and joint inflammation and, initially her GP gave her Ibuprofen. She says th

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 16-20 years >> Interview 23 >> She made friends at the support group and felt it was the best thing she did as it helped her accept her RA.

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 >> The six week Arthritis Care course called Challenging Arthritis did him 'the world of good'.

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 26 years plus >> Interview 34 >> She attended a support group for others with rheumatoid arthritis but didn't like it.

Diagnosed 1957. Had one of the first knee replacements (R) in 1961 but restricted movement since. First left knee replacement lasted approx 30 years and revision 10 years. 8 toes removed. Has taken Prednisolone (5mg) for 41 years.

• 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 16-20 years >> Interview 25 >> She attended a support group for others with rheumatoid arthritis but didn't like it.

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 6-10 years >> Interview 32 >> Has set up hydrotherapy sessions for people with disabilities which have also become a support group.

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 26 years plus >> Interview 22 >> She joined a Young Arthritis Care support group which helped her greatly.

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.