My Rollercoaster RA Ride

24/09/08: Terry Walters

My name is Terry and I have had RA for nearly 20 years now. I was diagnosed aged 16, after initially complaining about aches and pains in my legs. At that time I was embarking on A-Levels and hoping for a successful career, whilst also leading an active lifestyle by horse-riding and playing various sports. However, over the years both my work and social life have had to change in many ways.

I have had numerous joint replacements and fusions, and I have probably tried almost every medication going with varying results. Fortunately, over the past 7 years I have had much better success with Anti-TNF therapy. I am currently taking Remicade (Infliximab), combined with Methotrexate, Celebrex and the steroids that I have taken ever since diagnosis.

I am sure many RA sufferers will identify with the way in which this unpredictable disease can compromise many aspects of your life. Not only can it bring joint pain and immobility, but fatigue and depression too. So, life certainly has had many ups and downs. However, thanks to improvements in drug therapy my RA is now fairly well managed.

By becoming a Volunteer for NRAS and telling my story, I hope that I can let others know that there is a “Light at the end of the Tunnel”. Medication and information is now far better and more readily available, however it is still vital that we are confident and forceful enough to get the help that we need both physically and emotionally.

One of the most important tips I can give is “Don’t give up”. Achievable goals and aspirations are important in order to maintain your independence and keep your self-esteem on track.

It is important that you learn how to Control RA, and not allow it to Control You!!