True stories
Precision medicine research offers hope that future patients will be placed on the most effective medication to alleviate their symptoms explains Ricky Chotai
I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 25 years old. Unlike many, who wait an average of seven years according to a survey of LUPUS UK members, I was fortunate to receive my own diagnosis within a few months. Unfortunately, my mother wasn’t as lucky, experiencing a similar diagnosis in her twenties but facing a much longer path to confirmation. Now, I am trying to raise awareness and support other patients with lupus through my work as a LUPUS UK Trustee. Continue reading
Conquering psoriatic arthritis: a journey from pain to triumph, by Katarzyna Lachawiec
When I was a young and hopeful 21-year-old in 2003, the unexpected onset of psoriatic arthritis symptoms sent shockwaves through my life. Little did I know that it would take two long years for a confirmed diagnosis. Continue reading
I assumed I was in so much pain because I needed another increase of drug dose; it never occurred to me that the pain medicines were not working, says Louise Trewern
Six years ago, I went into my local community hospital for a rapid taper of high dose prescription opioids, due to my deteriorating health. I had been on prescription opioids for over 12 years for pain due to fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. As well as severe pain, I was sensitive to absolutely everything. I couldn’t even bear the cat walking across my lap.
Continue reading
Managing my condition is much easier thanks to biologics, highlights Natasha
I can’t tell you how I felt after my diagnosis. I can’t tell you if I felt sad, angry, or worried. All I can tell you from that time is that it started after I had hit my knee on a stone fireplace, because I was only one year old when I was diagnosed. Continue reading
There is no question that rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating illness, dismissed in society as “arthritis”
I was 70 years old when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. For years I had noticed that the middle joint of my index finger was very sore if I wrote for any length of time. I put this down to keeping the finger stiff when holding a pen or pencil.
