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I cannot remember exactly when I first heard the words 'Rheumatoid Arthritis', to describe my condition but I think it was around 1991/2.
"Problems first began with pain in my right knee", explained Sue Leonard. a former senior teacher and Head of Foreign Languages. The pain was so severe that I made an appointment to see my G.P.
Tests proved negative for the Rheumatoid factor and anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers had little effect. Sue noticed a swelling on the back of her knee, which enlarged to the size of an egg and became red. I couldn't kneel or straighten my leg - the lump felt hot and extremely uncomfortable, so, I went back to the doctor.
Because Sue's Doctor was away, she saw a Locum who suggested it was 'Housemaid's Knee', and would go in time. Not satisfied with that explanation, Sue insisted on seeing another Doctor who then tested her for Thrombosis and prescribed support tights. I was then referred for an Arthroscopy, and after some delay the Orthopaedic Surgeon referred Sue to the Rheumatology Department
I received immediate treatment and was given a steroid injection into my knee. The pain and swelling disappeared and I could bend my leg again.
Sue Leonard was happy that, at last, the problem had been solved, she thought.
She continued to work but it wasn't long before she started to feel unwell. I became hot, feverish and indescribably tired, she recalled. I felt weak and had excruciating pains in my wrists. I went back to the Rheumatologist and was prescribed a number of drugs which helped a bit but I still had frequent 'flare-ups'.
Sue found it difficult to continue her job as she became more and more exhausted. Hospital admissions and more tests took her away from work, and in 1993 her left hip impacted, and she was again in indescribable pain.
At the age of 37, Sue had her left hip replaced and was beginning to have further problems with other joints. It was just 3 months later she had her right hip replaced. In 1997, Sue was admitted again to have her right ankle fused and soon afterwards, had to retire from work on medical grounds before having her right knee replaced. Although the surgery was very successful her disease continued with new joints becoming involved and at risk.
During all this time Sue had been prescribed many drugs but, in 2001, she was one of the first patients in Norfolk to be given a new anti-TNF drug by infusion every eight weeks. It was this drug that began to give Sue hope It made a huge difference to my quality of life, she said, and I have not had any more hospital admissions or lost any further joints.
Now Sue Leonard has quality of life, she is able to do some of the things she enjoys most, and although a cure has not yet been found, Sue will agree, it is PROGRESS.
Today Sue enjoys writing and often gives talks about her medical experiences.
THANKS TO RESEARCH, SUE IS ABLE TO SMILE AGAIN.
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