Remission? | Arthritis Information

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How do you know when you're in remission?  Does remission really exist? My DH was diagnosed a month ago.  He's had 2 Humira injections.  He feels some relief.  He says he feels much better than before.

Will he get better?  Will it go away?
I know it's silly questions..but..I can't find any answers.  Thanks.

Question: Arthritis Remission - What defines a remission in rheumatoid arthritis?

What defines a true remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients? Can a doctor predict if a patient will go into a remission or how long a remission will last? Are there statistics on what percentage of rheumatoid arthritis patients ever achieve a remission? What can an RA patient do that will give them the best chance at achieving remission?

Answer: While there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, up to 30% of patients may feel they are "cured" of their disease. What these patients are actually experiencing is a clinical remission. A remission in rheumatoid arthritis is defined as the absence of clinical signs of inflammation. While a very small percentage of patients may be able discontinue their arthritis medications, over 95% need to continue on the medication to remain in remission. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for determining clinical remission include:

  • morning stiffness less than or equal to 15 minutes
  • no fatigue
  • no joint pain
  • no joint tenderness or pain on motion
  • no soft tissue swelling in joints or tendon sheaths
  • erythrocyte sedimentation rate -(a blood test which measures inflammation) less than or equal to 30 in females and 20 in males

    While there is no way to determine who will achieve remission with therapy, patients with a negative rheumatoid factor and CCP antibody as well as a normal C-reactive protein (another measure of inflammation in the blood) appear to have a better outcome. In addition, patients taking combination therapy (e.g. methotrexate and a TNF inhibitor) are more likely to achieve remission than those taking either drug alone. Nevertheless, patients on monotherapy (eg. methotrexate only) still may achieve clinical remission. The longer the disease remains in remission, the less likey it is to become active again.

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    http://www.arthritis.org/remission-is-possible.php
    The above description of remission is the same for PsA.  My RD also did an MRI of my hand and wrist to check for inflammation and fluid.  I'm in clinical remission for RA but not there yet for PsA.  PsA is much better and I can golf, and do daily activities but it's still active.   LindyVery good posting Lindy!!!! Marcy as stated in Lindy's posting, you do not get "cured" but the longer you are in remission the better you will be. Not everyone goes into remission, I had remission for a year but now am having problems agian. Now your hubby may do really well and go into remission and stay that way for many years. What you need to understand, though, Pa, ra, etc does not go away it is always there, there is NO CURE, but whatever treatment your hubby uses may put him in remission. There are excellelnt books out there on the different forms of arthritis and lots of books on treatment for the various forms of arthritis. Start with your library and start reading the more you know the easier it will be for making the decision as to what treatment he wants the dr to try. Hang in there Marcy and remember you can always come here & talk to us. I know it is frightening and daunting to figure out what the future holds but remember we are here for each other to help us all get through this. meme Thank you all for your replies.  You are all so VERY helpful.  This is all so new to us.  To think 3 months ago...my DH was normal and feeling fine..then..Wham!  He's got PA!  It's frightening.
    My thoughts and prayers for each and everyone of you. Thank you so much for your help.
     
    I, for sure, will be checking and reading the posts.  You are all so very helpful. :)

    I agree Marcy, reading everyones posts are sooo incredibly helpful..

    This is all new to me too...I feel just like you, even though I was diagnosed 2 or 3 months ago, a year ago it was like I was completely fine and BAM woke up swollen and in pain.. It is very scarey.. Its been a year and I can't remember what it feels like to be pain free...(or unswollen)..
    How is the Humeira working for your Husband?  I am going to the Dr. today and am going to hopefull get my prescription for Enbrel...
    Keep posting and let us know how you and your Husband are doing... Hang in there!!!!!!
    Hi Zanna, I was wondering how you're doing.  Hope your appointment goes well.  Lindy

    Hi Lindy,

    I went to my appt. yesterday and I needed more blood work, so I am waiting on that.   I wanted to ask you, being that this is the only RD that has diagnosed me, is it wise to go to another RD just to make sure? and maybe compaire to see if one might be better than the other?
    Maybe you can also help my understand this stupid disease a little bit..  As you know right now I am on no meds and the swelling has spread yada yada yada, but two days ago inspite of the swelling, the pain in my hands and feet have let up a bit, I am soo confused... Its like I keep getting these tiny periods where the pain lets up a bit even though the swelling continues and I keep thinking that maybe its not PsA or that maybe it will start to go into remission on its own, then boom its back to barely being able to walk or hold my toothbrush again..  Is this normal?
     
    How are you feeling?  Hope you are still in remission....
     
    Hi Zanna, it's very common to feel good one or two days and then bam the pain is back full force and the cycle starts all over again.  If you have skin plaques and joint and tendon pain and inflammation then it's likely that you have PsA.  Now, if you don't have skin plaques and have the joint and tendon pain/inflamm. you might have RA.  I happen to be one of the few people that had no skin plaque but was diagnosed with PsA based on finger xrays.  There is a distinct deformity of the fingers that only appears with PsA.  I have that deformity but then I had 10 years of pain and inflammation to cause the finger deformities. It was easier to diagnose.  I think the finger deformity is called "pencil and cup" deformity. 
     
    If you're not comfortable with the diagnosis then seek a second opinion.  That's always an option but wait until all your labs are completed.  Has your RD talked with you about starting medication?  Lindy 

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