I saw my Consultant 2 weeks ago and she was very pleased with my condition. She couldn't work out my DAS score at the time as I was going for my bloods after seeing her. I received a letter from her last thursday telling me that I was in remission DAS score 2.02. I wasn't going to post this as I felt bad for all you lovely people who are suffering so much and I didn't want to gloat but I was encouraged by Jean and Lyn to do so. I hadn't looked at it from their point of view. Lyn and Jean said I should tell you all because it would give you hope and encouragement and I hope it does. This time last year I couldn't get out of bed having 23 joints affected. After several steroid injs, 20 painkillers a day and several months of being in a very dark place, I was told I needed to go on Leflunomide as well as mxt and I was very apprehensive so my Consultant gave me another 4 months to think about it with a view to increasing mxt if no better. At the next appointment I was much better with pain only in my shoulders so she said she would give me another 3 months before I had to increase or take another drug. In that time I just got better and better and things are wonderful now. I know what you are thinking, it won't last and no it probably won't but while I am like this I am taking each day as it comes and being very positive about it all. I hope some of my positivity rubs off on all of you and that my story, for now, helps to give you all some hope. If it all goes pear shaped next week at least I know that it has happened once and it can happen again.
God bless.

Sheila x

I'm so pleased you have posted this Sheila as it really does give us all hope. As you know, I had a spell of remission a couple of years ago and it was wonderful. I hope and pray that this will last and last and last for you.
Much love xxxxx

Great news Sheila!

Long may it last!

Love Doreen xx

Hi Sheila, Very good news. We do need to hear this as well. I have been feeling slightly better since rituximab infusion but feel like its like holding your breath. you don't want to shout too loundly fear its all in the mind then whoosh it hits you again. But thank you for letting us know you are feeling good wayhay! Remember friends are around for the good and bad times. and its nice to share.
sue v xx

great news Sheila,

long may it continue,

Suzanne x

Well done Sheila. That really is positive news and it is something which you should be really proud of. It does go to show that sometimes we need to wait and see if these drugs can take effect.

It is nice to hear positive news as it does give me hope that remission is not some elusive thing that no one ever quite achieves.

Enjoy the feeling and the freedom.

Agnes

Fantastic news Sheila, I hope the remission lasts a very long time.

God Bless

Sue

I am so grateful that you posted this Sheila. I am having a bad time at the moment and this has given me hope. I am so pleased for you too. No one on here would be jealous about it so please don't think that. I'm sure everyone is as pleased for you as I am as we all know what a lovely kind person you are who is always ready to support others on the forum. Please keep us posted. Long may the remission last! X

Hi Sheila

Really good to receive your post, I was only thinking the other day that perhaps more people should post when they have positive news to reassure those who have not yet gone into remission that eventually you really do get there no matter how long it sometimes takes. It took me just over two years to get onto the medication that actually now controls the RA. I still having few problems with the tendons in my arms and shoulders but feel somewhere nearer towards my old self, never be quite the same but grateful for where I am now. My late mum had RA in the eighties when the only drugs made available to her then were steroids and gold injections, and I saw the devastating impact this had on her body, so I feel extremely fortunate that I have been able to have these ground breaking drugs. I personally feel that all these drugs can not be any more toxic than the actual damage that occurs to the body by the effects of RA on all the joints especially if you unfortunate enough to have it severely.

Its good you are doing so well now

Best wishes Julia x

I am so very pleased for you Sheila and i hope you will continue to remain in remission.

Happy Christmas to you.

Love Shirley x