Medically induced remission: Just left my rheumy's... - NRAS

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Medically induced remission

Jesscap profile image
71 Replies

Just left my rheumy's office, officially in a medically induced remission! I am one of the few lucky ones, I'm seropositive, we caught it in the first 9 months, and I was able to use mtx as my first and only drug. It's been so nice that nothing hurts (besides my achilles tendon that needs some stretching), and I almost feel normal again! Now I just have to learn to walk down the stairs like a normal person! After having my feet hurt so badly for so long, I would carefully walk down the stairs, now that they don't hurt anymore I forgot how to walk down them! It was just the good news I needed. I hope you all have a pain free wonderful day!

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Jesscap
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71 Replies
medway-lady profile image
medway-lady

Great news, I'm in remission too. I live with RA just fine. I, like you, was caught early and treated aggressivly. I do wish there was more good news on here sometimes too. Now get on with your life and sort out that tendon. My super healthy climber of a son , just returned from Nepal, three years ago fell down three steps and tore his and it took six weeks in plaster to repair. So sort it out asap. x

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to medway-lady

That's wonderful for you! My tendon is because I have a bit of a deformity on the back of heel, so it's pushing up against it. The yoga has been helping, it really stretches it out. My doctor has looked at it, not much that can be done with it. If it gets worse, I will definitely be bringing it up!

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady in reply to Jesscap

My DIL teaches yoga on paddleboards ! she walks literally ove the son.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to medway-lady

I love that! I haven't tried, but I've seen people do it. I don't quite have my balance back yet, something to look forward to in the future :)

keeta profile image
keeta

So happy for you love .

Time to enjoy life. Good luck .

Big hugs x

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to keeta

Thank you!

notsochunky profile image
notsochunky

Great news. Thank you for sharing. It has given the rest of us some hope.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to notsochunky

Thank you, there is definitely hope!

roseyx profile image
roseyx

wonderful. great to hear.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to roseyx

Thank you!

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz

Glad it’s worked well for you and you made it through. Hopefully we will all be behind u 🙂 x

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Nuttyshirlz

Thank you! I sure hope all of you find relief :)

Ruth12345 profile image
Ruth12345

That's great news. Thanks for telling us. Enjoy. 😊

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Ruth12345

Thank you!

Hessie5 profile image
Hessie5

Such great news ! Sometimes we just need positivity to keep our spirits up. I was on mtx but found it a bit tough the burning tummy, tinnitus, mouth ulcers. It was biologics for me although they want me to combine it with mtx now! Like you my pain and damage is on my right foot, stairs are a pain - determined to conquer it though. Thanks for sharing 😊

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Hessie5

Best of luck to you! Hope you find some relief and are able to conquer stairs again.

Brilliant!

Ouch...achilles tendinitis stinks!

How lovely to be able to go up and down stairs again. I can't wait for that!

So pleased you feel better.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to

Thank you so much. I hope you can go up and down the stairs soon!

Ruth12345 profile image
Ruth12345

Love love love hearing good news ☺☺

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

That's great news Jess! Long may it continue. I wasn't so lucky today, my Rheumy picked fault & increased my meds, ho hum. My Achilles tendons are also causing grief, really swollen too. I hope stretching helps you too. Try to keep it/them elevated when you're sitting though. Do you have a bone spur causing or exacerbating the problem?

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to nomoreheels

Thank you. I am sorry you are not having such a wonderful day. I have a deformity on my back heel called Haglund's Deformity. It is right near the tendon, but the stretching has been helping a lot. I practice yoga everyday and it seems to be working because every day it becomes a little less painful.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to Jesscap

You're never too old to learn. I'd never heard of Hagland's Deformity, though I prefer one of the alternative names I found, pump bump!

Thanks, I'll bounce back.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to nomoreheels

Yes, I am almost positive it was from the years of wearing my pumps! Lol. I liked that name too! Now flats only.

in reply to nomoreheels

He NMH - Why would your rheumy blame you for your disease??? That seems patently unfair..

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to

Nooo Caeryl! It's my weird sense of humour which doesn't travel well sometimes. What I mean is that when she examined me she found other RD issues (faults) swollen wrists, fingers etc, additional problems I didn't have at my last appointment. Hence why my meds were increased. 😉

in reply to nomoreheels

Oh ha ha - Thanks. *whew*. I understand that... I think I am up to around 8 AI diseases now. It seems like they find a new one every time I go to the doctor...

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to

That's too many AI diseases for one person. Can you not chuck one or two away?! Either that or stop going the docs, seems to me he hands them out too freely! 😂

in reply to nomoreheels

I know right? I wish I could just toss them away. Of course then I get scared that something really dangerous will happen if I do.. ha ha Hope you are having a great weekend

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to

It would be great but unfortunately a whim. It's been a good start to the weekend, just received confirmation I've been re-awarded PIP. The sun is shining in a clear blue sky & it's a bank holiday, life's good. It could be better, knees & feet having a good go but still, it makes things seems better when the weather's good.

in reply to nomoreheels

Good weather, and knowing you don't have to hock the couch next month =)

bella-bailey profile image
bella-bailey in reply to nomoreheels

Pleased to hear that you got PIP NMHeels,I’m still fighting to get mine back,they dropped me down to Standard Dailey care and took my Mobility off me,I appealed in March 2017 have been to one hearing which they adjourned to get more information from GPs.and Hospital,I have just received 258 pages to read and waiting for another appeal date,amidst all that I have been quite poorly for a little long time now I keep thinking its got too start getting easier soon.Sorry for the rant x

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to bella-bailey

I'm so sorry Jean. I feel so insensitive, I was just so pleased at my outcome & was thinking it would give hope to others who had also been wrongly underscored previously. I'm out of touch of where were up to I'm afraid. It seems an age ago & it's not sorted yet? You must be fraught with worry over it & needing to read 258 pages, what does that relate to, sorry if I seem dim but it seems an awful lot to have to concentrate on. I'm sorry to hear you've been poorly too, the additional stress of it all can't have helped any. It can be such a gruelling process.

I do hope you start to notice improvements soon & that the evidence they're seeking makes your struggles a lot clearer to facilitate them awarding you your correct entitlement. What does seem more muddy is when changing over from DLA to PIP. Keep me updated? Take good care. x

bella-bailey profile image
bella-bailey in reply to nomoreheels

So Sorry nmheels,as you say it’s been a while since we spoke I certainly didn’t mean to upset you over the PIP

I’m really glad you got yours back,mine was adjourned over the amount of Paracetamol I was taking a day (8) but apparently I was only getting 32 tablets a month from the Drs.

What the Dr.on the panel didn’t notice that I was on very strong pain killers as well at one particular time.

I really haven’t stressed to much about it as there has been so much more going on in the last two years,pleased to say that my relapse of Bipolar is now slowly getting better after nearly two years

It has been quite a struggle,I’m beginning to think it’s something to do with getting older lol but joking apart I’ve told my CPN that I really cannot in visage me coming through the other side next time,my family have been my strength through out all of this episode,it has taken its toll out of my poor hubby this time round.

Will have to leave it there for now but have to thank you as you have been the only person that I have opened to a bit in these last few years , I do come and have a look every so often without speaking and I take strength from other peoples good news,right need to stop babbling now lol take care and will come back soon for a chat xx

Gnarli profile image
Gnarli

Thank you for sharing your brilliant news! It's so good to hear and long may it continue. Hugs

J

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Gnarli

Thank you!

Jesnaskah profile image
Jesnaskah

Oh my gosh!! Awesome!! So happy for you!!

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Jesnaskah

Thank you!

Louis- profile image
Louis-

Thank you for sharing. You give us hope.i am hoping for the same soon I feel so much better on mtx and hydroxychloroquine. Good luck

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Louis-

Thank you, good luck to you too!

Natalie-Lhianne profile image
Natalie-Lhianne

This really does give me hope, I’m about 6 months diagnosed and unfortunately it feels like nowhere near remission.

Your fab news has given me more positivity to keep fighting through. Happy pain free weekend xx

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Natalie-Lhianne

Thank you. Keep on fighting!

LisaJ42 profile image
LisaJ42

Fantastic news! How long did it take to go into remission- how long were you on mtx for?

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to LisaJ42

I have been on my for 6 months, I started feeling better 8 weeks after I started taking the medicine. I haven't had any flare ups really since then. I may have 1 joint hurt for a day, but not often. So I would say it took the full 6 months. I was fortunate in that I was diagnosed within the first year. My doctor had said that I had a good chance of remission because of that. So for now, time to enjoy life a little more.

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7

I’m so pleased for you. It must be amazing to be pain free. I was diagnosed in 2004, quite soon after my first Drs appointment, and been on all sorts of drugs. Now on Benepali and mtx amongst others, and can honestly say I haven’t had a painfree day since I started meds. I’m really glad to hear that these drugs work for some people.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to helenlw7

I am so sorry you have been suffering. I hope someday soon they will find something that will work for you.

Congratulations, you must be over the moon! It annoys me that feet are “included” in a DAS score, they are so important. Enjoy your return to health :)

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to

Thank you!

Wilsosa12 profile image
Wilsosa12

Are you still on mtx?

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Wilsosa12

Yes, my doctor is keeping me at 15mg for another 4 months. We will then try reducing to see what happens.

aramire1 profile image
aramire1

Your situation sounds very similar to mine! I am also seropostive...started mtx in November, which was about 6 months after pain started and when i went to see my rheumy in February i was in remission! The only pain i have now is in my right thumb..but only if i push on it..movement is fine. The feet were the worst for me also!!

Here’s to a long remission for the both of us!

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to aramire1

Congratulations to you too. I was diagnosed in December, and started taking mtx mid December. So about the same time frame as you as well.

Joeyrabbit profile image
Joeyrabbit

Does being in remission mean you can stop taking the methotrexate? I too have been symptom free for a number of years and wonder if I should try reducing my dose. It is the only thing I am taking.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Joeyrabbit

No, I still have to take it. We are going to try and reduce the dosage if I continue to stay in remission in about 4 months.

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix in reply to Jesscap

Do take it very slowly reducing drugs. I've been in remission for most of last 5 years, and every time I try to taper off drugs it doesn't work. I did manage to reduce a bit for a couple of years, but now back up.

Some doctors seem to be keen just to stop things, but personally I feel slow & steady is the way to go so hope your doctor is in that group.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to helixhelix

My doctor is definitely the slow and kind, thanks for the advice. If we can't lower it that is fine as well, as long as I continue to feel good.

That is WONDERFUL news Jess - Congratulations! And may it last forever..

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to

Thank you!

stbernhard profile image
stbernhard

Wonderful news Jesscap. Long may it continue. I am in my fifth year of remission, so there is hope for all of us. Hurrah!

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to stbernhard

That's wonderful to hear! I hope it continues for you as well!

5halifax profile image
5halifax

Lovely post - thank you for sharing your good news! I too have been on methotrexate for 7 months and it’s done wonders for me. I’m one of the lucky ones who gets no side effects. I still have some swelling in my hands overnight but it goes away quickly in the morning. My feet are good as long as I wear good shoes. Getting close! Thanks for the positivity!!

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to 5halifax

That's wonderful, I am so happy things are getting better for you!

Kathyem profile image
Kathyem

That is awesome news! All the best, now enjoy your life! :)

Smiler53 profile image
Smiler53

So pleased for you. Always good to hear good news. Smiler x

Lyneal profile image
Lyneal

So lovely to hear nothing Hurts, wonderful. Get your tendon sorted and you will be like a new person, fantastic to hear.

13mary9 profile image
13mary9 in reply to Lyneal

How do you get your tendon sorted .?Is there an exercise that does this.I have terrible pain in right foot mainly ankle area. Im on methatrexate 11 years and didnt connect this reaccuring foot pain as Ra. I wear those heel sponge insoles and trainers when it plays up. Mary

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Lyneal

I have Haglund's Deformity, I can only continue to stretch it, if it doesn't get better I will have to have surgery to correct it. And thank you!

MissyBear profile image
MissyBear

Congrats - enjoy! I have literally just found out that I have a positive anti CCP as well as a positive RF (found that out in March) Consultant thought initially I had inflammatory osteo-arthritis in my hands, so have had so far a kenalog injection and put on hydroxychloroquine (been on it for a week). Now my bloods have come back with the positive anti CCP, so she mentioned mtx too. My xrays of hands show they are normal, but also going for an ultrasound.

So far all of the symptoms are in my fingers - can no longer make a fist in both hands - and wrists feel slightly achey. I am a bit concerned that mtx sounds pretty aggressive at this stage, but assume this is the norm, even if your symptoms are pretty mild?

I am new to all of this, so reeling a bit, as I class myself as a healthy 50 year old, who is a non-smoker, has always eaten healthily (bit overweight!) and is relatively active. Guess it's just your luck, but losing the additional weight is now my priority:)

Reading lots about what to eat/not to eat? Anything to avoid in particular? eg red meat?

Thanks!

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to MissyBear

Hi Missybear, I'm so sorry of all of this bad news for you. I do hope things get better. It seems that the normal treatment today is to be aggressive up front, to stop the disease from progressing. I'm in the US, but it seems the UK is being treated the same way.

Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases do not care how healthy you have been, they do not discriminate. I'm only 36, I used to run, and then one day I couldn't.

In terms of diet, from my understanding for everyone it can be different. Some people do well as being a vegetarian, others do better with meat. I personally do not eat gluten, dairy, or processed sugar and that seems to help. I have found that if I do have one of those things that I do get a bit achy. You have to find what works best for you. In the meantime, listen to your doctor, and be patient, it's a long journey.

I wish you all the best!

MissyBear profile image
MissyBear

Thank you! Good advice :)

Nadia12345 profile image
Nadia12345

Hello. Im in the us also and was just diagnosed last week starting mexitrucate on friday..Im 37 and this has really gotten me down..trying to stay positive, continue to pray and not stress so much but its hard smh..what state do you live in?Im in Virginia.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply to Nadia12345

I am sorry, it's a tough thing to be diagnosed with. I will be 37 in July, when I was diagnosed my son had just turned 1. Be patient with the medicine, I am fortunate to not have had too many side effects with the medicine. Someone on here actually recommended taking it at night so I sleep through the effects, that seemed to work for me. I am in Connecticut. Just happy the winter is over, the cold really bothered me so much more this year. Feel free to private message me on here.

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