Whoop! Iโ€™ve reached remission ๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿพ๐Ÿพ: A reason to... - NRAS

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Whoop! Iโ€™ve reached remission ๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿพ๐Ÿพ

HappykindaGal profile image
โ€ข93 Replies

A reason to celebrate and something I didnโ€™t think would happen.

I had a conversation with the rheumy yesterday who informed me I am in remission and we will now start reducing the meds.

Obviously some damage has already been done and canโ€™t reverse that. Six years from diagnosis of severe R.A., steroids, biologics, various DMARDS, wheelchair, compression gloves - the whole kit and kaboodle, Iโ€™m in remission ๐Ÿพโ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ™Œ

Think I would put this partly down to last year. Like many of us that run businesses, we had to close our doors. Well, all our clients did so we had no business, so there was no pressure or stress. And when the clinics all came back last summer, I decided I wasnโ€™t going to go back to 15 hour days again. And I havenโ€™t. I work half days max now and delegate most things.

My doc already thought the R.A. was originally triggered by stress so it makes sense.

My wish is for everyone to find remission although I know thatโ€™s a bit of a pipe dream. To be honest, I didnโ€™t believe remission actually existed. I am very grateful.

Pic of My Mary. My gorgeous feral cat from Cairo ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•

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LoneEra profile image
LoneEra

Wow. Truly amazing ๐Ÿฅณ๐Ÿฅณ๐Ÿฅณ๐Ÿฅณ You must be overjoyed. Keep us posted on your journey of lowering the drugs etc x

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toLoneEra

Thank you! I am - I wasn't expecting to be told that even though I feel so much better

Wobbies profile image
Wobbies

Whoopee! Great news. Thanks for sharing so that we all know that remission is possible.

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toWobbies

Thank you! Wobbies, hahaha. My husband used to call me Wib Wob

Lolabridge profile image
Lolabridge

Terrific news! Thank you for posting and giving us hope.

Interesting that even your doctor thought that stress triggered your RA and that lack of it has helped you achieve remission. Thereโ€™s a lesson for us all in that.

Love your beautiful cat ๐Ÿ˜ปand thatโ€™s a great photo.

helixhelix profile image
helixhelixโ€ข in reply toLolabridge

I think I am very similar as had massively stressful job and family issues. RA drove over me like a train... I did all the lifestyle things, turned my life in circles, took my drugs and achieved remission.....

11 years later I am still largely in remission, but still on drugs. Tapering off had never been successful for me so please take it slowly and insist on dropping doses in baby steps!

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply tohelixhelix

Definitely - don't want to be where I was 6 years ago. I never thought I'd get to this so I'm thrilled

Lolabridge profile image
Lolabridgeโ€ข in reply tohelixhelix

Very similar to my own experience but I hope I achieve remission/low activity quicker than 11 years! Getting there I think ... ๐Ÿค”

helixhelix profile image
helixhelixโ€ข in reply toLolabridge

I reached remission in about 18 months....and have been there ever since more or less.๐Ÿ™‚

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toLolabridge

Yes. It didn't particularly surprise me as I had a new business so 15 hour days 7 days a week and stressed out of my head. I went to Portugal and 5 days in had really painful knees, then wrists, then I couldn't walk. Wheelchaired off the plane. I'm always a bit dramatic!

I think being forced to sit back last year has proved that stress was a huge factor.

Lolabridge profile image
Lolabridgeโ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

Oh gosh very dramatic way to end your holiday! So glad itโ€™s all behind you now and long may that be so!! X

Ferret18 profile image
Ferret18โ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

Congratulations - fantastic news ๐Ÿฅ‚I think my RA was stress induced. Caring for sick mother who lived 180 miles away, then dealing with her death and selling the house etc. then divorce. Went on holiday to Turkey and BOOM swollen, red and painful hands that were agony and so it all started.

Your story gives me hope.

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toFerret18

Snap! Plus the mother bit too. When I look back at that month in Portugal, it was like some kind of comedy. Started with my knee and two friends came out, one a doc who got me high doses of ibuprofen. They left. Another friend arrived and she was piling the outside chair cushions up on the sofa so it was high enough for me to get up off, hahaha. She left.

I have no clue how I drove myself to the airport, was wheeled off then I had to drive from Gatwick to Norwich. In tears. I didn't know what was happening to me. Couldn't get up one step without having about 20 attempts. I had builders at home whilst I was away knocking down walls etc...they ended up making me cups of tea and running around after me for weeks on end, haha.

I am quite hard core - definitely my mothers daughter. Even though I could barely walk, couldn't hold pen, cup etc...and had compression gloves on both wrists, I still managed to go to business networking at 6.30am once a week. Looking back, I don't know how I did it. Denial I think that my life had changed.

Sorry, I'm a bit of an over-sharer, haha. I definitely think it was the stress reduction that changed everything. Enforced closure and I realised there was no point in worrying as I couldn't change anything.

There's absolutely hope. Always. Hopefully you will find what works for you - and soon!

Green230461 profile image
Green230461โ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

My rheummy said a lot of cases of RA follow bereavement

Ferret18 profile image
Ferret18โ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

โ€œI am quite hard core - definitely my mothers daughterโ€Blimey, thatโ€™s me to a tee too ๐Ÿคฃ

Not quite sure how I would have coped if I wasnโ€™t though - only once Iโ€™m well do I think โ€œoh, I actually was quite illโ€ ๐Ÿคฃ

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toFerret18

Me too! Crumbling and giving in is not an option. Ever! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿฝ

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerlady

Wow brilliant news - yay! ๐ŸŽŠ I've worked from home during lockdown but reduced hours and obviously no driving (and parking!) issues and am aware that's reduced the pressure a bit.

As I'm freelance (and in my 60s, no mortgage etc) I've decided to think carefully about how much work I take on in the future or, at least, how much I do in a day, much as I love my work.

I've already turned down an offer of a day's work early next month which would be seven hours of concentrated, taxing work with 5 hours of driving - it's just not worth it! I realise that I'm very lucky to be able to make that decision though. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Gorgeous cat ๐Ÿ˜

LoneEra profile image
LoneEraโ€ข in reply toBoxerlady

Itโ€™s hard as a freelancer as you always feel like you should be banking money when itโ€™s there for the taking. But overwork definitely does not help. Like you, Iโ€™ve had to learn to turn things down x

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerladyโ€ข in reply toLoneEra

Exactly - it's partly the "work to live not live to work" issue but I've always found that hard as I LOVE my work.I've done a couple of longer days this week and am definitely paying the price now - not flaring, thank goodness but feeling wiped out so I've been sensible and cancelled something arranged for today. Spoons and all that! ๐Ÿ˜‰

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toBoxerlady

It's hard isn't it, particularly as a freelancer. I was a freelancer but realised in the end I didn't want to be the one 'doing the doing', so spent 5 years slogging my guts out building up a team. Then Bam! Thanks RA. But for me, the good thing is I've done the hard work and can delegate now so I'm fortunate. I'll always wonder though if I'd stepped back a bit before if the RA may never have been triggered.

Dobcross1 profile image
Dobcross1โ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

Please don't go down that route - honestly it's wasted energy (I'm a devil for 'what if'). I got RA 3 years after retiring early - my life of commuting, long hours, stressful job was all behind me.....

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCroneโ€ข in reply toBoxerlady

There is nobody sitting on their cloud saying โ€œI wish I had worked moreโ€.Nothing is important enough to ruin your health for

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerladyโ€ข in reply toAgedCrone

True but hubby and I both have "jobs" which many people love as hobbies - we're just lucky enough to get paid to do them so we don't plan to stop doing at least a little until we have to. We'll gradually change the amount we do and the focus of it but I'm sure that we'll "keep our hands in" for as long as possible. It keeps our minds active and gives us real pleasure so what's not to like?! ๐Ÿ˜Š

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCroneโ€ข in reply toBoxerlady

You sound as if you have your life balance in control- some people seem to let whatever their disease is.....rule their lives.....& that is probably why this mystical remission evades them.I never hankered after remission.My RA struck just as I retired at 55......throwing all my plans out of the window......it took a long time to get where I am now ....I am controlled & comfortable....& that suits me just fine.

Now I just need to trust all these wretched Covid travel rules & I will be off travelling again.....but I do wish they would hurry up โœˆ๏ธIโ€™m no Spring chicken...I need to get going again!

Boxerlady profile image
Boxerladyโ€ข in reply toAgedCrone

Horses for courses as they say; we're home bunnies and aren't bothered if we never go away again - certainly not abroad ๐Ÿ›ฉ๏ธ We might have a cottage holiday in this country again one day but certainly not in the near future.

I hope that you get to travel again soon and have a great time!

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCroneโ€ข in reply toBoxerlady

Most of my family are abroad....a lot donโ€™t travel any more so being still able to myself....if I want to see them ..off I go!

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toAgedCrone

Yes, as you know my portuguese plans flew out my window too and if I'm still taking biologics, they're unlikely to return. Hey ho!

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCroneโ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

I would fight tooth & nail to keep my Biologic.... at my age the NHS has probably worked out that I would cost them more dealing with side effects without it than I cost them with it..... so these days nobody tries to swap me to a Bio similar!Do hope I donโ€™t have to eat those words!

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toAgedCrone

Exactly this! I totally overdid things and became obsessive. In some ways, it's paid off now, but I do wonder if I would have triggered the RA if I hadn't worked every hour in the day and more. I'll never know!

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCroneโ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

Best not to think about it....just accept that for now you have your life back.....so enjoy it without a second glance.

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toAgedCrone

Definitely. Have you moved yet?

Inspirational post ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜ŠIโ€™m delighted for you x

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply to

Thank you so much :)

Pippy25 profile image
Pippy25

Lovely news and one lovely cat too! x

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toPippy25

She's very naughty!

Dobcross1 profile image
Dobcross1

Fantastic news! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr

Pure dead brilliant ๐Ÿคฉ (as they say on the East coast of Scotland).

It is so good to hear your news...and to hear that Covid has given you space to reorganise your life for the better.

Lang may yer lum reek.

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toMmrr

Hahaha, love your expressions. Thank you so much

Green230461 profile image
Green230461โ€ข in reply toMmrr

Lim reek? Is that a good thing?

Mmrr profile image
Mmrrโ€ข in reply toGreen230461

Aye !

Lang may yer lum reek....means 'long may your chimney smoke'

...the best way to wish someone a long and healthy life in Scotland...

Green230461 profile image
Green230461โ€ข in reply toMmrr

In that case Lang may yer lum reek to you too๐Ÿฅฐ

Mmrr profile image
Mmrrโ€ข in reply toGreen230461

and yours too

Awesome news x

Leonardo dicaprio saying blood brilliant

Awesome news x

Leonardo dicaprio saying blood brilliant
Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

My RA was thought to be stress triggered too and I agree. Glad you are feeling so much better. I never use the word remission re myself but guess it is med induced remission so therefore I am since 2014 and was twice before. Good to be in such a place whatever you call it! Well done. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’—

All those who are finding it hard at the moment .. keep going and trying to achieve all you can to get your RA/RD under control. xx

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

Gorgeous kitty ๐Ÿ’—

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toNeonkittie17

She's very naughty. To get her to the vet involves RSPCA, nets and a crush cage, haha

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17โ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

I know the vet palaver very well! ๐Ÿ™€๐Ÿ˜ธ

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toNeonkittie17

๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ˜‚

ketiv74 profile image
ketiv74

Great news, very happy for you, long may it continue! Positive posts like these give us all hope :)

charisma profile image
charisma

Now that is wonderful, such good news! Lovely cat too. I do miss having one.

I had reached drug induced remission on MTX but it did not last long at all. Not even reached it with Rituximab, to my knowledge. But not had an ultrasound scan since Dec 2020.

But celebrate, enjoy, remain careful to keep stress limited and have a good quality of life. Very pleased for you, Happykindagal. ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽŠ

springcross profile image
springcross

That really is fantastic news HkG, well done to you and long may it continue. xx

Gnarli profile image
Gnarli

Wonderful news! So thrilled for you. Long may it last

JammieDodger3 profile image
JammieDodger3

Wonderful news! So happy for you. Today is my first day on methotrexate, so Iโ€™m glad to have spotted your post to see that remission is possible.

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toJammieDodger3

It is. I didnt really believe it was possible, but I'm thrilled to say it is!Hope everything goes well for you.

Jammie Dodger. Fancy one now haha

JammieDodger3 profile image
JammieDodger3โ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

Thank you โ˜บ๏ธ So pleased for you!

Soundofmusic52 profile image
Soundofmusic52

I am so pleased for you it must be a great feeling so you party ๐ŸŽ‰ you deserve to x

Hessie5 profile image
Hessie5

Great news, HKG - always fantastic to hear such words of encouragement. Knowing there is hope! Please continue to share your journey if you can.

For some last year and up until now allowed for reflection and how we think about the value of work and value of lifestyle - those that could alter it did so, placing a less stressful lifestyle to the forefront!

Thanks for sharing โ˜บ๏ธ all the best.

Vonnie10 profile image
Vonnie10

Amazing ๐Ÿ˜‰

ElizabethW profile image
ElizabethW

It's wonderful that you are in remission. Enjoy it! I am glad to hear that you are working with your rheumy on adjusting your medications.

I was in remission in 2008, and somehow I thought if I lived healthy, I could just walk away from the meds - big mistake. The remission actually lasted a year or two, but when it ended it was bad. It took a year to get things under control again.

I guess we have to resign ourselves to the fact that, although we will always needs medical care and medications, a relatively good and healthy life is possible. I hope your remission continues forever.

By the way, your cat is adorable.

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toElizabethW

How annoying that it came back. Itโ€™s so unpredictable isnโ€™t it.

I think the reduction in my meds will be snails pace and Iโ€™ll probably be 80 before I can stop them at this speed. If ever ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

I wouldnโ€™t consider coming off biologics as they totally changed my life.

Donโ€™t be fooled by Maryโ€™s cute face. Sheโ€™s a scamp and a nightmare ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

DRunnerchick profile image
DRunnerchick

All the best to you with this fantastic news!

Sheila_G profile image
Sheila_G

Congratulations. That is great news. I have been in mxt induced remission for several years now but can't stop taking the drugs. Good luck to you. I love your beautiful cat.

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toSheila_G

It would be great to get off the drugs. Weโ€™ve reduced the mtx, but sticking with biologics. I canโ€™t go back to where I was when I couldnโ€™t walk or even hold a pen or anything. Nightmare.

Mary is a nightmare. Mischievous and cheeky, but a nightmare. She still thinks she has to scavenge for food and can get into the kitchen bin by bouncing on the foot pedal somehow and catching the lid open ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚ The banging is a joy at 3am!

Deeb1764 profile image
Deeb1764

Fab news to read must be like a lot of birthdays in one day!

runningbracken profile image
runningbracken

That's Fantastic Happy, gives all us hope looking forward. Really happy for you๐Ÿ™‚

Nanascade profile image
Nanascade

Congratulations!!๐ŸŽˆ Hope it never comes back.

Gymcactus profile image
Gymcactus

Wel done, I too am in remission and have been able to reduce meds a little, but beware of trying to do too much because you feel good. I often make that mistake and then suffer with aches for a few days.Good luck.

Monkeysmum profile image
Monkeysmum

Great news HappykindaGal, long may it continue!! ๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ‘ xx

stbernhard profile image
stbernhard

Wonderful news. Life in remission is good. I still have to be careful not to overdo it too often, otherwise RA will remind me that it is still there.I hope it will last for the rest of your life. I am so chuffed for you.

Hardwickegirl profile image
Hardwickegirl

Such great news.. ๐Ÿ‘ I am so happy for you.. It gives me hope that maybe in the near future I will find my silver lining too..

HallySim profile image
HallySim

Thank you so much for posting such happy and positive news. It really gives others hope. You sound surprised about it all, would you say you don't particularly feel like you're in remission? Or is it just that you feel great but you didn't believe it was possible? Also you mention tapering off MTX, but not biologicals, how often do you take biologic? Sorry for questions, I'm still not stable and other people's experiences are helpful x

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toHallySim

Yes, interesting question. I didn't think it would happen to be honest. I realise how much better I feel - yes, there is damage that I can't do anything about now, but c'est la vie. I think because it was so severe, I didn't dare to dream that it would diminish to this stage. Stepping back from my business and slapping my wrists when I micro-manage has changed my lifestyle. I've re-found my love for drawing and can immerse myself in that for hours. Whereas before, I'd be working from 5am and doing, doing, doing. Zoom calls, meetings, networking meetings either end of the working day. Non-stop. Now I've forced myself to step away and the benefits are huge.

I take Benepali weekly and tapering MTX. I also took Sulfa until May last year when I knocked them on the head myself. I take daily VitD, VitC with rosehip, Bitter Melon (no, no idea either), Omega 3 and something or other and, MSM Organic Sulfur.

My diet is appalling - when first diagnosed I tried omitting almost everything. Just to make my life even more miserable. Didn't work so stopped. I love cake and biscuits. I also love gin and wine :) And a passion for almond croissants, haha.

I feel I can really put it down to stress for me. Or perhaps I just got lucky. Hopefully, things will even out for you soon too. Honestly, I didn't think it would happen x

Goldsky profile image
Goldsky

So, so pleased for you HappykindaGal and glad you have found a way to manage your work life balance. Best wishes for the future. Lovely cat.

CagneysMum profile image
CagneysMum

Fabulous news for you. My consultant also believes stress management is a key factor in gaining control of RA. I took early retirement in October last year and am feeling much better. ๐Ÿ‘

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toCagneysMum

I think stress can be underrated and perhaps misunderstood in some ways. A little pressure is good. That bit of jeopardy too. I have some massive business goals that make my tummy flutter when I think about them, but have learned to work differently now and it's not particularly stressful. Wish I'd learned this years ago.

Ambennett profile image
Ambennett

Fantastic news๐Ÿ’ž๐Ÿ’ž๐Ÿ’ž

Knip profile image
Knip

Great news! God Bless.

Wraf22 profile image
Wraf22

I am so so happy for you, I didnโ€™t know that you could go into remission with rheumatoid arthritis. Take care.

Green230461 profile image
Green230461

Congratulations you are a success story! Gives us all Hope. Well done and keep safe ๐Ÿฅณ๐ŸŒˆโค๏ธ

liveinwoods profile image
liveinwoods

Fantastic! You got your life back! (Also love your furry friend.)I had heard that a stressful event can trigger RA. I had an infant granddaughter and my mother pass away within a few months of each other and was making trips back and forth to England (I live in the US).

Then I had back surgery and โ€œboomโ€ I was aching all over. So , yes, seems like stress can RA.

Enjoy your new found freedom from pain!!!

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toliveinwoods

Yes, it makes you think doesnโ€™t it. Stress can create so many issues I think so disrupting a bodies immune system doesnโ€™t seem to be unthinkable.

Plumcrumble profile image
Plumcrumble

That's wonderful news, love Mary ๐Ÿˆ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•

PMRGCA19 profile image
PMRGCA19

Congratulations. Best wishes for long term remission.

Summerrain14 profile image
Summerrain14

What an absolutely fantastic post to read. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

It is so lovely to hear that with the right meds things can improve.

I know this deep down but having lovely posts like this makes it seem so much more real and achievable. Iโ€™m a work in progress but a hopeful work in progress. ๐Ÿ˜Š.

Love your cat too. I have a cat called Billy. He is a rescue from a shelter and even though he is a old chap he gets into all kinds of mischief. Love how he keeps me on my toes. x

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toSummerrain14

I was as shocked as anyone that it's got to this stage. I didn't dare to hope 5 years ago. I hope you find remission soon too.

MJSlide1958 profile image
MJSlide1958

Wonderful news! Please let us know how it all goes when slowly reducing your meds. Which meds are you on which has put you in remission?

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGalโ€ข in reply toMJSlide1958

I take mtx and Benepali. Was also taking sulfa but stopped that last year. Clearly made no difference ๐Ÿคฃ

MJSlide1958 profile image
MJSlide1958โ€ข in reply toHappykindaGal

Such good news! Please let us all know how you get on when you reduce the MTX. Goods tips for everyone to know. Thanks Good Luck HappykindaGal

essexgirl profile image
essexgirl

๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

Flor1rence profile image
Flor1rence

amaaaaazing, you are even more of a HappykindaGal now, I'm so pleased for you๐Ÿ˜‰๐ŸŽ‰x

Stowe profile image
Stowe

That's terrific news, well done and may it continue ๐Ÿ˜€ x

BlodwinGladyd profile image
BlodwinGladyd

Congratulations ..... How wonderful for you.

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