Completed the remission survey - it was thought provoking, and it struck me that we need a new section in the forum for patients in remission.

This is a tricky idea to convey so please bear with me if you're feeling really rough and live each day with pain and all the other terrible symptoms that RA can throw at us. This forum is great for people in flare and having active RA, but there are also issues that people who are in remission (or close to remisson) have to face. These can seem pretty trivial in the overall picture of RA, but include stuff like taking regular exercise; following all the advice from the OTs, physio, etc; keeping on top of little skin infections (like mouth ulcers); persevering with all the good intentions of eating well, managing stress and so on. I guess what I'm sayng is that we need a section where we can encourage each other to live a healthy and active life without feeling guilty that we might be upsetting anyone who is suffering long term, irreversible damage.

I'm not suggesting that we don't all talk together as well - of course we must continue that. But it would be nice if members didn't simply visit the forum when they have a problem, it would be nice if there were discussions around topics that help us to focus on keeping well and staying in remission for as long as we possibly can.

What do you think? Are you a member who visits the forum but doesn't post because you don't feel you share the problems being discussed?

Hugs to all - Sylvia xx

I think this is a good idea

Good idea Sylvia

Hi, I agree with you totally Sylvia, and hopefully it would encourage folk to continue posting even when they feel better.

I have long thought that once in remission there just isn't the need to post or look in so much, especially for people living busy family lives.

Covering general well being, keeping well and exercise etc. would continue to help and interest all and support those who think their problems are too trivial to ask about.

I must add that I do not believe any problem or query is too minor or unimportant to discuss.

Haven't looked at the survey yet, will look at it tomorrow.

Zena x

Great Idea Sylvia on many levels ,
although i have not been in remission myself not only would it offer a place to talk for those in remission but would also show people not in remission that there were real people out there who have had success with their health care .

One of the questions on the survey says something along the lines of whether the person believes that remission is possible and I know i for one am doubtful at times , and in fact I think i did actually put that for me I did not think remission is possible.

So yes, great idea Sylvia ... give the helpline or membership team a ring and see if it is possible to include a section . Should be nothing more than a quick decision and a couple of typed characters to start it :)

Rich :)

Thank you for suggesting this Sylvia xx