In a recent UK survey carried out by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and supported by the NRAS, 575 rheumatoid arthritis sufferers were questioned about the impact of RA on their lives.  The results put into sharp focus the major impact that a diagnosis of RA can have; more than 94% of respondents claimed that the condition compromised their independence in some way, with more than 60% saying that their independence was compromised significantly.  Nearly half of those questioned claimed that earlier treatment would have made them more independent today.

These results suggest that the message of early and aggressive treatment of RA is still not getting through.  This is a subject dear to my heart, having experienced at close hand the patchy nature of NHS provision for newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that rheumatology clinics may be fast-tracking ”new” patients” in order to meet government targets.  Once seen, these patients become “old patients” and go to the bottom of the clinic list, waiting months for the next appointment when treatment will begin.  This chimes with my own experience; seen in January the consultant asked me to return 4 months later with a view to starting treatment.  This 4 month appointment date turned into an appointment 6 months later and very nearly (had I not complained) into one 12 months after my initial consultation. 

This is clearly madness, early and aggressive treatment should be a right not an aspiration.  It is without doubt the only route for all concerned.  With estimates placing the direct and indirect costs of RA to the nation at around £4.5billion, much of that due to lost productivity,  it’s time for the money men at the government and frontline NHS staff to get together and engage in a little joined-up thinking.