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• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 0-5 years >> Interview 37 >> She often has to wait, but the clinic doctors and nurses are always friendly and helpful.

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 29 >> She had to wait hours in outpatients and was not told that the clinic was running late.

RA diagnosed '90 & Juvenile RA age 8-11. Significant DMARD side-effects. Had breast cancer '98 & drugs also relieved RA. Methotrexate 15mg/week, folic acid 5mg 6/7 days, daily Diclofenac, Tamoxifen 20mg & Nibedipine 20mg. Paracetemol & Zantac as required.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 16-20 years >> Interview 25 >> Self referral to a specialist rheumatology physiotherapist is much better because the wait is much shorter than elsewhere.

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 26 years plus >> Interview 17 >> Was shocked at how many operations the surgeon thought she needed and wished the wait were shorter.

Diagnosed 1970. After early years, had 15 yrs when relatively well on NSAIDs. Flared up 99/00. Methotrexate 25mg/wk, daily Rofecoxib 25mg, Tramadol 200mg, anti-depressants & HRT. Awaiting 1 hip & 2 elbow replacements, wrist & finger straightening surgery.

• Bones & joints >> Rheumatoid Arthritis >> Disease duration 21-25 years >> Interview 36 >> Waited several years for hip and knee replacements. Waiting led to increasing disability and her life went on hold.

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.