The R word...

alarkra
alarkra Member Posts: 213
edited 12. May 2011, 13:31 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello!

So I went to see The Man on Monday... I was concerned at what he was going to say as I have been doing so much better but then got my blood test results for last week... I've been fighting a cold and the results showed that my ESR has gone from 1.3 to a staggering 33.4! And my CRP was up 3 fold as well. :eek: :???:

However, The Man said that it was clear that this was just a blip as my other bloods have been consistent and that I was still battling this cold. He's very pleased with my progress and has classed me as being in remission! :mrgreen:

I just wanted to let you all know because I had in my mind that anti-TNF's would be the only way to get me into a 'normal' state (as normal as anyone with RA could hope to be), however, I have been fortunate enough not to have to go on them. After I was switched to injectable MTX it appears that this was the boost my body needs. I've now cut back to just one Hydroxy tablet a day, just take Meloxicam on demand and am maintaining the same dosage of Sulphasalazine and MTX for the time being. Blood tests are now going to by bi-monthly and I'm going to see him every 6 months now rather than 3. I honestly never thought I'd get to this point as back in July I couldn't even move.

I feel like I can now get on with my life as I've had to put it and my career on hold for the past year. I know that 'remission' means that I still will get bad days and will go into flare at some point and it will become active again (almost guaranteed right? :roll: ), but having had a MISERABLE year, this is such a result. :P

I'm just amazed that triple treatment as worked for me as I was sure that anti-TNFs would have been the only way after the success rate on here - however, as with all the different arthritis' out there, what works for one person doesn't work for everyone, but I am over the moon that it has worked for me for the moment. Of course it can all change and a year down the line we may have to reassess it, but I'm just embracing each day as it comes, making the most of my current state. :wink:

I am sending you all love and warmth :grin: . I honestly couldn't have got through the darkest times without you. I felt so alone but you gave me comfort when I most needed it because you understand what it's like. I'm not leaving you, I'll be here to support others when I can. I just want to say a massive
THANK YOU! :wink:
To you all as you are all awesome.

Have a fabulous day everyone, stay strong and fiesty! :wink: 8) :lol: xx

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,836
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Alarka

    This is a wonderful post to read :smile:

    The best ever :smile:

    All l can say is that l am thrilled for you and lONG LONG LONG may your remission last :grin:

    Yippee! hoorah and hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Don't you DARE go AWOL though :wink: we would miss you :shock:

    Love and celebratory hugs

    Toni xx
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am so pleased to hear your good news, it is encouraging to us all!!!!!

    Long may it last :grin:
  • seamonkey
    seamonkey Member Posts: 323
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    What great news for you, i hope you stay in remission for a very very long time,
    wishing you well
    seamonkey
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Alarka

    Brilliant news and I hope arthur stays in remission for a long long time.

    Take care
    A big hug (((((((())))))
    Love juliepf x
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Great news, Alarkra. Thanks for giving us all something so positive. Long may the 'r' continue.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's grand news alarkra, I am pleased for you. It's good to be reminded that the meds do work for some people. Keep well, keep happy and keep in touch. We can also be there for the good times you know! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Jo90
    Jo90 Member Posts: 68
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Alarkra, that is such good news and it's so valuable to share it. Stay well :-)
    Jo
  • alarkra
    alarkra Member Posts: 213
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all for your kind words. :P

    I'll keep popping in as usual, I'm not going anywhere. :wink: 8) :smile: xx
  • mp1952
    mp1952 Member Posts: 425
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's great news Alarkra.. when you think how bad you were last year, it's amazing how much you have improved. ..

    Mtx and Sulfasalazine are definitely brilliant drugs.

    I opted to go onto an anti-tnf recently, sbut have kept Sulfa 'in reserve' for the future in case the anti-tnfs fail...

    I'm sure you are making the most of the remission..!

    Marion x
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hey Alarkra!

    So lovely to hear your wonderful news and that the meds are working so well for you! Long may it continue!

    And hopefully your post will give hope and encouragement to those who are struggling - particularly those who are newer to arthritis.

    Thanks for sharing this with us!

    Lots love Tilly xxx

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