Hi all,

I was hearing tonight that my daughters Fiancé's uncle has had RA for 5 years. I was appalled to hear he has been given only Nurofen tablets. You can buy these over the counter. They are talking about him getting new knees etc and they HAVE NOT YET got him on disease modifying drugs. He cannot close his hands hardly at all. What are the doctors thinking about over there.

My daughter told him about NRAS and I had sent a copy of the magazine over to Eoin's mum so she will let him have a read of it. He said he would get his daughter to help him contact them.

He was of the opinion that you were only given the RA drugs when you were wheel chair bound. I find this so sad that people are not knowledgeable of RA in this day and age. Especially those who actually have RA. I sent the poster over too and hopefully it will bring about more attention.

Lorna

Hi Lorna

That is very sad to read. It brings home how fortunate we are in the UK to have access to knowledge and current treatments. In many parts of the world, and some parts of Europe even, this is not the case. I was speaking to a doctor in Cyprus who was fascinated by my RA and the damage it had caused to joints over the years. He had seen nothing like it! They rarely see cases of RA and he said he would treat with large doses of steroids and anti inflammatories. He had read about anti tnf drugs but didn't think they would be available. Different countries regard RA, its diagnosis and treatment in quite a different light. Indeed drugs licensed for use here may not be available in other countries.

I hope the gentleman is able to get something more substantial than nurofen; at least he should have access to anti-inflammatories and steroids if nothing else. They can make a huge difference to someone's well being. Perhaps NRAS will be able to point him in the right direction for some help and appropriate consultation. All the best to him and his family.

Lyn x