What Does Remission Look Like?

Can you imagine being in pain that hinders your everyday life? You can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. You're miserable and just want relief.

But what if one day you wake up - after many, many years of pain - and don’t have pain? It’s a place you cherish when you have psoriatic arthritis.

Is remission with psoriatic arthritis even possible?

It's almost unbelievable. You know, even though it has suppressed itself, we never know when it will show up again. Remission simply means temporary at a standstill, not showing symptoms.

I have the pleasure of being in remission from my psoriatic arthritis. Can I tell you this is the first time since my diagnosis that I have been speechless? I don’t know how to feel, and sometimes I question my doctor, asking, "Are you sure?".

How long will my PsA remission last?

I want to know how long my remission will last. This is a question that no one can answer. I know it gives me relief right now. The inflammation has subsided, and joints are saying "yes!".

My doctor doesn’t know why that after being in pain for so long why this has happened to me. I am still in awe today. He believes that participating actively in my healthcare has changed things for me.

He says that after being on numerous medications, injections, exercises, diets, and a positive attitude - they've all contributed to my remission and have finally done their job.

What helps me when I'm experiencing pain-free days

I have always documented my psoriatic arthritis journey. I journal my pain levels, extreme stiffness, swollen joints, fatigue, and skin rashes. By tracking my journey, it was very easy for me to know when I went into remission.

I noticed one day that an arm I could hardly raise before was actually going up. I will continue to journal my symptoms because it's important for me. This is the information we need to present to our doctors. If we chart it out, we will be clear about what to tell our doctors.

Psoriatic arthritis remission comes with a price

Sometimes I didn’t know whether to welcome remission or reject it. I think this is an individual answer. Right now, I welcome remission in my life and what it brings. As I said before, we don't know how long this will last, but I will appreciate it while it's here.

I've heard many people talk about their remission. Some lasted for two days, and some for months. I found this very profound and realized this was an individual thing.

I have more freedom in my remission period. It has allowed me peace in my daily activities. I am excited for a moment of relief that I can go in and out of a store in a reasonable time. My disease has caused many limitations in the past.

I would be in the store forever, not because I didn't know what I wanted but because I was forced to go slower than normal.

Being pain-free is quite a blessing!

I’m very happy to be in remission, no matter how long it lasts. If you have psoriatic arthritis, you probably understand this as well. Just to be pain-free for an hour is a blessing. Our days can be so long when we have swollen joints and pain in our legs and feet.

Can you imagine having pain every single day? Well, I can. I will welcome my remission and count it as a gift for as long as it lasts. Right now, I am having a moment of freedom and enjoying every second of it.