Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.
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.
Diagnosed September 2002 after few months of joint swelling/pain which was quite debilitating. Steroid injections helped and now pain and stiffness under control with Sulphasalazine (6 x 500mg/day) and Meloxicam (7.5mg/day). Life returned to fairly normal
Cleaner, married with one daughter and 2 step-children.
RA diagnosed October 2001 after reduction in mobility and general lethargy. Had side effects from Sulfasalazine so is currently taking Methotrexate 10mg/wk +folic acid (2 tablets/week), Rofecoxib (an NSAID which had now been withdrawn) 25mg/day & Ramopril (blood pressure).
Self-employed carpet fitter who has had to reduce work to part time since onset of RA. Married with two adult children.
She encouraged her husband (interview number PSA27) to have a PSA test, but with the wisdom of hindsight she regrets this. Says that the consequences of the test (her husband's biopsy and its side-effects), affected her husband's sexual confidence for months.
Occupation’ Psychosexual therapist & relationship counsellor. Marital status married. Number of children’ 2. Ethnic background’ White British.
Did not have any symptoms, but having read articles about prostate cancer and the PSA test in the national press he decided to ask his GP for the test. The result was 'normal'.
Occupation’ Acupuncturist. Marital status married. Number of children’ 1. Ethnic background’ White American.
He had lost weight and had erectile problems. In 2004, at his annual check up, he asked for a PSA test, which was slightly raised. After a biopsy he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and treated with hormones and brachytherapy.
Occupation’ Retired engineer. Marital status married. Number of children’ 3. Ethnic background’ White British.
He had mild urinary symptoms, and backache. Knowing that bone pain can be due to the spread of prostate cancer he asked his GP for a PSA test. This was "raised", but when repeated six months later was lower, so he was reassured.
Occupation’ Retired teacher. Marital status Married. Ethnic background’ White British.
He asked his GP for a PSA test because he had prostate cancer in the family and because a colleague persuaded him that it was a good idea to have regular health checks. PSA tests in 2001 and 2004 were 'normal'.
Occupation’ Retired police officer. Marital status Married. Number of children’ 2. Ethnic background’ White British.
Ten years ago had urinary symptoms and had TURP operation for enlarged prostate. In 2002 he found blood in his urine. His PSA was "raised" so he had a biopsy, and prostate cancer was diagnosed. This has been treated with hormones.
Occupation’ Retired police officer. Marital status widower. Number of children’ 1. Ethnic Background’ White British.
He decided to have a PSA test because of a family history of prostate cancer. The PSA result was slightly raised, so he had a biopsy. Cancer was diagnosed. In May 2005 he had a radical prostatectomy.
Occupation’ Sales manager. Marital status married. Number of children’ 2. Ethnic Background’ White British.
