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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.
Student, single, no children. Lives at home with mother.
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.
Retired clerical worker, widowed with 2 surviving adult children. Diagnosed whilst living abroad with husband and 3 children. Returned home to more moderate climate.
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).
Part-time catering, married with one adult child.
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.
Not employed. Single lives at home with parents
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.
Child minder, married with 2 children
Partner was diagnosed with RA at 58 has had the disease for 11 years.
Partner’ Environmentalist (retired), married with 1 adult son and 3 adult step children.
Partner was diagnosed with RA at 33 has had the disease for 17 years.
Partner’ Educationalist (full time), married with three children.
Partner was diagnosed with RA at 25 has had the disease 5 years.
Partner’ Pensions administrator, lives with partner, no children.
Until two years ago Sarah had very bad arthritis and was in severe pain. Her consultant applied and was granted funding to put her on anti-TNF treatment' Enbrel. Sarah describes Enbrel as 'completely and totally changing her life'.
Sarah lives at home with her parents and works part-time. She is planning to go back to college to do an animal care course. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
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...
