Opinions Needed: Remission? | Arthritis Information

I posted this question on the "How are you feeling" topic, but I thought I might actually get some opinions if I started my own thread.

If you didn't see it, I've been off all RA meds for about 6 weeks now. I had stopped MTX a while back and adjusted fairly quickly and was only on Humira when I had to discontinue use due to a totally unrelated surgery. I had to stay off of it until I was totally healed; which is now. I've done surprisingly well and I'm very hesitant to restart medication I'm not sure I need right now. It's been so long since I've been off all meds and done well I don't really know what to do or what to expect. I guess we'd call this real remission if I'm doing well without medication. My next scheduled RD appointment isn't until Jan. I don't really want to move that up yet.

I'm not totally pain free.....but I'm doing really well considering I'm not on any meds. Frankly; I wasn't totally pain free while on Humira and things aren't any worse to be certain.

I'm thinking that I'm just going to ride this out and see how things go. I know what the symptons of a flare are so if I feel things getting bad I can always use the last Humira injection I still have in the frig and then refill the prescription if nessesary. I definately don't want things to get so far out of control that I'll be unable to quickly control it again with medication.

What's your opinion on the subject. Do you think it's absolutely nessesary to be on some sort of maintenance medication to control it even if I'm not having any symptoms right now?

I know you aren't doctors so I don't really need the advise that I need to ask my doctor. I'm curious as to what you guys would do in this situation or if you have been in this situation in the past and what was the out come.

Im not so sure that you're not symptomatic.

Alot of what happens w/ RA is behind the scenes..

Do you still take your Tramadol or any NSAID?

Some....but like I said I was doing that while on the Humira as well. I guess, and I know no one can say one way or the other, but the concern is if permenate joint damage is occuring while I'm off the maintenance meds. BUT; in my opinion Humira might not be the best maintenance med to be on. It's too strong in my opinion and there are far too many serious complications that can occur. I don't want to risk it unless other things aren't working.

I might need to go back down to some other sort of DMARD. Something to control inflammation....but something that doesn't have serious complication risk like cancer.

I have some knee problems; but I think it's OA but I'm not sure I can tell the difference.