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None of her previous non-biologic treatments have worked long-term. Her condition deteriorated to such an extent that she was housebound and needed help with most things. Currently she is on Enbrel and Methotrexate and her condition is much improved.
Kate lives with her partner and works full-time as a sales consultant. Says that her partner and the nurses at the clinic provided the emotional support she needed when she...
Michelle is currently on anti-TNF treatment' Humira. She has taken Methotrexate for a number of years but has had breaks in between following a biopsy that revealed liver scarring. Michelle was diagnosed with osteopenia (a milder form of osteoporosis) in her spine and needs to take calcium tablets regularly.
Michelle is a university graduate and works in the field of education at university level. She is planning to move to France and to work either teaching English or doing...
Melissa was first diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and later with rheumatoid arthritis. She was on Methotrexate for about eight years. She has been on two Anti-TNF treatments etanercepts (Enbrel) and adalimumab (Humira) and expects to be started on influximab soon.
Melissa lives with her parents and would like to do a writing course. She uses the Internet a lot emailing and talking to her friends abroad. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
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so is currently taking Methotrexate 10mg/wk +folic acid (2 tablets/week), Rofecoxib (an NSAID which had now been withdrawn) 25mg/day & Ramopril (blood pressure).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.
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.
Polymyalgia/palindromic arthritis episodes '88-92, RA diagnosed '94 & OA. Daily Voltarol 75mg, Defalzacort 6mg, pain killers & Methotrexate 25mg/wk (folic acid 5/7 days). Some steroid pulses. 2 hips, 2 knees replaced due to OA & shoulder operation proposed.
Retired journalist/shopkeeper currently studying for an Open University degree. Married with 4 adult children.
RA diagnosed 1998 after months of wrist pain and early morning stiffness. Initial steroid injections. Currently' Methotrexate 7.5mg /week & folic acid 5mg/day, Hydroxychloroquine 400mg/day and Ibuprofen as necessary. Exercise helps so swims 5 days a week.
Housewife, retired air stewardess, married with one child.
RA began with stiff neck and initial severe flare lasting months; 11 yrs - no further symptoms; then 2 acute flares in 2 years. Steroid injections helped. Currently on Methotrexate 10mg /week & daily hydroxychloroquine 400mg, Ranitidine 300mg & folic acid.
Pre-school assistant (part time), married with 3 young children (all born since RA diagnosed).
