Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.
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...
Diagnosed '94 after flu like symptoms & joint problems for 6 weeks. Gold injections 50mg/week, slow release Voltarol 75mg/day, pain killers, Prozac 20mg/day (depression). Steroid injections when required. 3 bone removal operations from toes and ankle.
Retired (on health grounds) chef. Separated, living on own, 3 children.
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.
Tara is married with two young children. She was diagnosed shortly after her first child was born. She says that she and her husband experienced both parenthood and rheumatoid arthritis...
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.
Senior manager in bank working full time shifts. Married with 2 adult children.
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.
Housewife (previously secretary), married with 3 children (one born since RA diagnosis) and 2 step children.
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.
Full time Network Manager for arthritis charity, single, no children.
After several months of wrist/hand pains treated with NSAIDs and physiotherapy by GP, RA diagnosis made by private consultant. Mother had RA. Currently RA controlled on Sulfasalazine. Has returned to being active, playing golf, tennis, dog walking etc.
Retired electrical engineer, married with 4 adult children.
