Remission

joon51

I have thought long and hard before telling of my journey.
Not very good at putting pen to paper so here goes.
It all started about four years ago, I had pain in my shoulder and knee went to the doc and he put me on diccofenic a few days after seeing him I could barely move knee ankle and both hands swelled up the pain I was in was agony could hardly turn over in bed, could not lift my legs up to get in the bath getting up and down from the loo least said about the better.
Managed to get back to the docs who sent me for blood tests . When I went back for results he said from your results it looks like you have arthritis I looked at him and said I can't have, he got me a referral to the local hospital I was seen within a week. Had a thorough examination usual stuff sent me for more blood tests and X-ray. He gave me a steroid injection a leaflet on ra and a leaflet on methotrexate.

I was put on pred and methotrexate first tablet form then on injection I stayed on meth for about three years.
In that time I use to get my hands lock up and if I overdid things I would suffer . Sometimes I would be at work really struggling to cope but each day I stayed at work made me feel good it was like I was having my own personal war with my body. My Rheumy and myself suggested I stop the meth, which I did stop in may I still take planquill . That was over three months ago how am I feeling ? Hands elbows shoulders still ache abit but I put up with it. Saw the Rheumy about a month ago I asked about stopping the planquill he said no he asked the usual questions how active do I think my arthritis was well I looked at him and said I'm beginning to wonder if I actually had arthritis he said let's look at your blood results he said well by these you most certainly have he said it cold back six months a year who knows I consider myself very very lucky I got treatment quick they kicked it in the butt well not quite I feel like its lurking waiting when I least expect it it will pounce.

Take care June xx

dreamdaisy

You know what, joon51? You did very well in telling us your story, it helps to redress the balance of the forum when someone posts that things are OK, that they can cope and that the meds have done their job. I for one am sure that the sooner one gets the necessary help the better the outcome should be and I reckon you've proved that.

I am so pleased that things are now more manageable for you, I fear that you are right in that your RA will still be lurking (these auto-immune things do that ) so make sure that you do all you can to stop that from happening, live well but cautiously, OK? I wish you well for a better future. DD

barbara12

Joon I am so pleased for you and long may it continue..I don't know anything RA meds has I have OA, but it just goes to show that by getting treatment sooner than later there can be a massive difference...I do wish you well for the future..and please keep in touch from time to time..xx

DebbieT

That was lovely to read, thank you

I truly hope you continue in the same way for all of ure years to come!!xx

stickywicket

That's great news, June, and thank you for sharing it. It will give hope to many.

Plaquenil is a very mild DMARD so, if you can manage on that alone, you're doing very well. Long may it continue!

Toots

Lovely to hear a 'good news' story June, hoping it lasts for you x

joon51

Thank you all so much for your comments it's been a struggle but I've got there I hope I continue the way I am for as long as possible. I am seeing Rheumy nurse in January I will keep you informed . For those who are just starting on this terrible journey I hope this may be of help.

Take Care June x

Boomer13

That is indeed a very inspiring story June, thank you. It's great because a lot of people struggle in fear of starting DMARD's because of side-effects, but you have shown that sometimes the disease can remit. Even if it's temporary, it's still worth taking them if it's a possibility!!

Thank you
Anna