Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Sandra - Interview 63

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.

  • Background

    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...

  • Age at interview 51
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Emma - Interview 61

    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.

  • Background

    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...

  • Age at interview 24
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Linda - Interview 60

    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.

  • Background

    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.

  • Age at interview 44
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Interview 37

    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).

  • Background

    Financial administrator, married with no children.

  • Age at interview 50
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Interview 38

    Diagnosed 2 years ago but symptoms for 4 years. Currently on no medication but did take Sulphasalazine for 5 months before stopping because of side-effect of flaky skin. She has also had steroid joint injections and taken NSAIDs.

  • Background

    Child minder, married with 2 children

  • Age at interview 47
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Interview 35

    Polymyalgia Rheumatica diagnosed 2000 and various doses of oral steroids taken for 2 years. Swollen hand prompted visit to Rheumatologist Dec 2003 when RA diagnosis made. Depomedrone injection given and once since. Currently only on Fossamax (calcium).

  • Background

    Part-time catering, married with one adult child.

  • Age at interview 70
  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Interview 28

    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.

  • Background

    Retired secretary, widowed with 3 adult children. Lives in bungalow.

  • Age at interview 74
  • Sex/Gender Female