Remission

[acginaz1]

Hello everyone! I was diag. with Lupus in the 90s at a dermatologist office when I was loosing my hair. Per blood exam's this year it is in remission. Is that possible?

[EOLHPC]

Hello acginaz1...sounds like good news

And I think you've asked a good question....am looking forward to reading replies as they come in

Have these blood results come in while you are still on a daily prescription lupus treatment plan?

If the answer is yes, then my understanding is that you are most likely in what is called "pharmaceutically induced remission"...whereas full remission is when you have clear blood results as well as no clinical signs & symptoms while you are no longer taking any prescription treatments for lupus

🍀🍀🍀🍀 coco

[acginaz1 in reply to EOLHPC]

Actually that is why I am confused. I still loose my hair. Never got meds. for that...I have scalp scars that I cover with hair. At the moment I am recouping from VCD and Bronchitis. I started taking elderberry..and I found this learn more about Lupus and flares.

[EOLHPC in reply to acginaz1]

Hi again

what do you mean by VDC? E.g. this abbreviation can mean lupus-related Vocal Cord Dysfunction.

Immune dysfunction & connective tissue disorders can be very confusing...to doctors & patients alike

Generally, if you're not on any lupus meds and your clinical signs & symptoms of lupus are "normal" (e.g. No active hair loss etc) and your immunologic tests are normal (e.g. Various lupus blood tests) then I guess your lupus could be in remission, but lupus can overlap with other autoimmune conditions, which can develop over time.

My feeling is that your doctors should be discussing this with you

Let's see what others think as replies come in to your question

🍀🍀🍀🍀

[acginaz1 in reply to EOLHPC]

Tnx! Vocal Cord Dysf.

[EOLHPC in reply to acginaz1]

👍👍👍👍

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi acginaz1 ,

Here is what 'The Lupus Encyclopedia' by Donald E Thomas Jr. says about remission in lupus;

"Not everyone who have SLE develops recurrent flares. Many respond so well to treatment that their symptoms and problems come under control and never or rarely recur. Doctors describe this as being 'clinically quiescent' or 'in remission'. Quiescent means that something is in a state of dormancy or inactivity. If someone who has SLE is 'clinically quiescent', this means that their disease has been calmed down sufficiently with the current medications. Being clinically quiescent does not mean the lupus is gone however; it simply means that it is under good control under the current medication regimen. Therefore, it is very important that someone who is clinically quiescent continue to take his or her medications and see the doctor regularly to ensure that the SLE stays under good control."

Are you under the care of a rheumatologist for your lupus now?

I've noticed from your comments that you you have still had some hair loss and you've not had treatment for your lupus? Is that correct? If you need more information about hair loss in lupus, have a look at our article here - lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

[acginaz1 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thank you! I will read the inf.