Re: question about possible remission

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie -

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better and that the RA symptoms have

calmed down. However, because you are still having syptoms I think it is

not truly a remission. Technically, a remission in RA is characterized by

" no evidence of the disease " . Also, a true remission, one where no symptoms

reoccur, is usually seen within the first 6 months. Anything else requires

continued treatment for RA.

You should definitely consider starting on a DMARD. That is your best bet

for a positive outcome. The swelling and stiffness could be accompanied by

joint damage that is not immediately obvious. I know it is so much harder

to start on DMARDs when you are feeling well. They are scary and many

people find them difficult to tolerate. However, it is really important.

Talk to your rheumatologist about your concerns and ask for help dealing

with any side effects of the medication.

Take Care -

>From: " Debbie Mc " <angelrose@...>

>Reply-

>< >

>Subject: [ ] question about possible remission

>Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 05:17:06 -0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)

>

>I have a question. My joint pain has calmed down quite abit after a year.

>I also am not as stiff and tired. Is this considered a remission? And

>does

>the damage still continue? I still have the swelling, and some stiffness

>and pain in the morning, but it's not as bad as it's been. Maybe I'm just

>making myself feel better because I'm scared of starting the disease

>modifying drugs.

>

>Debbie Mc

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks so much for your response. I understand what you are saying. It is

scary knowing the possible bad stuff that can happen on Metho. But it is

only possible bad stuff, right? It doesn't happen to everyone. And I do

tend to shrug things off as if they have gone away when they haven't, then I

really pay the price later. I do that with tooth aches. I know I can't

afford joint damage.

Debbie Mc

-- [ ] question about possible remission

>Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 05:17:06 -0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)

>

>I have a question. My joint pain has calmed down quite abit after a year.

>I also am not as stiff and tired. Is this considered a remission? And

>does

>the damage still continue? I still have the swelling, and some stiffness

>and pain in the morning, but it's not as bad as it's been. Maybe I'm just

>making myself feel better because I'm scared of starting the disease

>modifying drugs.

>

>Debbie Mc

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

---Deb, I have been on Methotrexate for several years now and have

very few side affects, it is the only thing that has worked for me.

I have had no hair loss or anything else. I did get off for a few

weeks and was glad to get going on it again, just had to prove it was

working to the new doctor. I was told by one of the doctors that it

was the best of the two evils what meds might do or what the desease

will do. Everyone is different but hope that helps ease your worries.

in WA

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>

>

>

[Guest guest]

sometimes i can feel better too and i question myself, what is wrong with me.

think i can go back to work and them bam, like this morning i can't stay in

bed i am so stiff and sore. i had to get in and take a hot shower. my back is

still really sore and i have put the heating pad on my chair. it's gonna be

one of those days. kathy in il

[Guest guest]

well i'm sure all the work i've done and stress i've been under lately

doesn't help. neither does the rain. kathy in il

[Guest guest]

<< sometimes i can feel better too and i question myself, what is wrong with

me.

think i can go back to work and them bam, like this morning i can't stay in

bed i am so stiff and sore.>>

I'm so sorry to hear you're having a bad morning, Kathy. I hate when they

sneak up out of nowhere, just when you think you're finally feeling pretty

good.

Hugs,

Carol in FL

Re: [ ] question about possible remission

sometimes i can feel better too and i question myself, what is wrong with

me.

think i can go back to work and them bam, like this morning i can't stay in

bed i am so stiff and sore. i had to get in and take a hot shower. my back

is

still really sore and i have put the heating pad on my chair. it's gonna be

one of those days. kathy in il