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On anti-TNF therapy; Cimzia and on medication for breathlessness. She attributes her breathing difficulties to another RA drug, methotrexate. Christinesays that living with RA is not her main health issue, but breathing problems do affect her physically and sometimes emotionally.
Married, with two grown up daughters and retired. Christine stressed that the care she has received from her rheumatology hospital is ‘second to none’ in terms of efficiency, medical care...
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.
Sandra is a nurse and until her diagnosis worked full-time. Her initial treatment was not controlling her rheumatoid arthritis so she had to go part-time. She is divorced and has...
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.
Pearl is married with two grown up sons and a grandchild. She is a retired bank clerk. She had to take early retirement due to rheumatoid arthritis. Ethnic background’ White...
In 2008, aged 21 Emma was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, she is on a combination therapy that includes Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate and Naproxen as a painkiller and a new biological drug called Cimzia (certolizumab pegol). The plan is to eventually reduce her RA medication to Methotraxate and Cimzia only.
Emma lives with her partner. She is a nurse and does full-time shift work in a hospital ward. Her feet and knees have been affected by RA but since starting...
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.
Linda is divorced and has a 19 years old daughter who is in her first year at university. Linda is a civil servant and works full-time. Ethnic background’ British.
Pat was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis aged 25 but it took almost three years and a progressive deterioration of her symptoms for her to get an appropriate treatment. Her disease has remained active and to date she has had ten operations and four implants. Pat participated in a clinical trial for a newer drug called Golimumab (Simponi) but the therapy failed to improve or control her rheumatoid arthritis. She is due to start another biological therapy; Rituximab.
Pat is married and has two daughters aged 29 and 20 and no longer living at home. Pat is a housewife and does two hours a week of voluntary work...
RA Diagnosed June 2002. Also has osteoporosis, OA & thyroid problem. Methotrexate 12.5mg/week & folic acid 5mg/week, Prednisolone 7.5mg/daily, paracetemol daily, Ranitidine 150mg/day (indigestion), lactulose & Thyroxine 150mg/day, Fossamax 70mg/week.
Retired secretary, widowed with 3 adult children. Lives in bungalow.
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.
Janet lives with her husband. She was told by her doctor to stop working as a horticulturalist because tasks such as digging and heavy lifting were affecting her condition. Ethnic...
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.
Unemployed due to redundancy at time of interview but commencing new part time admin assistant job shortly. Single. Shares accommodation with flat mate. Personal assistants paid via direct payment. In...
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.
Self employed marketing consultant. Married with one adult child born after diagnosis. Founder of National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). Chair of charity and active campaigner to raise awareness and increase...
