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Science and Me

Science and Me - Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Debbie Grice is 34 years old and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis while still a student at the Royal College of Art. Her career was suddenly cut short as she struggled to cope with this disabling autoimmune disease.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when, for no known reason, the body’s immune system starts attacking and damaging joints and soft tissues surrounding the bones causing permanent damage and disability. It is very different from the better-known type of arthritis - osteoarthritis - which affects older people.

Debbie wants to know what the research scientists are doing to find better treatments and perhaps a cure. This film follows Debbie and her husband Andrew as they meet some of the scientists leading the way in RA research.

What Can Science Do for Debbie?
Their first stop is the Chapel Allerton Hospital in Leeds where they use the ultrasound imaging techniques to examine the joints of people with RA.

Debbie learning the science

It’s the first time Debbie has ever seen inside her joints and she's surprised by the extent of the damage.

She visits the hospital's Gait Studio, a state of the art facility that tracks the way people walk to give the scientists a better understanding of the condition.

Debbie and Andrew then visit Professor Jo Edwards at University College London who tells Debbie about a drug called Rituximab which had just been licensed by NICE in England and Wales and which may be able to help control her disease.

They also visit Professor Chernajovsky from Queen Mary, University of London, who explains his latest research into gene therapy. This branch of science may be the best hope for beating rheumatoid arthritis but it’s still many years away.

Debbie and landscape painting

Debbie's Thoughts
Despite this Debbie and Andrew return to their home feeling empowered by the knowledge they have gained.
As well as Debbie’s visits to the scientists the film also follows her artistic journey as she talks about the impact of her condition on her art and how she hopes to resurrect her career.

Download a Factsheet on What Can Science Do for Me? Rheumatoid Arthritis. Go to our Forum if you want to comment on this film. Or to Your Charity Space if you want to blog.

Debbie's art can be seen online at The Land Gallery

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 02 December 2008 )

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