Remission?

[netsy]

Excuse my ignorance here because I'm a newbie CD girlie, but what exactly does it mean when people say they are in remission?

Is this when you've had the disorder (hate the word disease) for so long that you are controlling it without medication?

If anyone could shed any light on this I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

Netsy

 

[Astra]

Hiya Netsy

For me remission is no signs of inflammation anywhere, including joint pains.
No belly aches, no bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting etc, all this indicates to me that the Crohn's isn't active. Also, eating pretty much anything I want with no symptoms.
I'm in remission but I still take my Pentasa daily to maintain.
It's a good idea to keep taking your meds whether you feel ok or not, IMO
xxx

 

[muppet]

Remission without meds is possible, but unlikely. I controlled my Crohn's with diet alone for almost 10 years, but when it came back, it came back in a big way. After almost 30 years of experience, my advice is to stay on some sort of maintenance med for as long as possible, up to and including your entire life. Everybody's different but it seems as though for most, medication compliance is key to maintaining remission (symptom free or nearly symptom free).

 

[xJillx]

Remission is defined as Crohn's being inactive. As Joan said, there is no inflammation nor symptoms that usually come with inflammation. Bascially, you feel normal. Remission is usually acheived through treatment. And to keep the remission rolling, you should stick with what treatment got you well.

 

[raindrop]

A long time ago, CCFA had an "Ask the Specialist" forum where a gastroenterologist answered questions about IBD. I remember him replying, "What gets you well keeps you well." And I've kept that in mind whenever I've wanted to quit taking meds. If the meds got me well, then they would keep me well. I hope.

I agree with the others' explanations of remission.

Netsy, how are you doing with your Crohn's? Do you think you may be in remission?

 

[netsy]

Raindrop, I was only disgnosed a month ago and am on 2400mg of asacol and reducing prednisolone ( 3 weeks to go and counting) so am a newbie. I'm just trying to digest all the information and terminology tbh. I'm greatful that mine is mild to moderate and still have my learner plates on and am keeping a food diary. Although I must admit that getting stressed at work doesn't help at all. Thanks for your help and advice, its much appreciated.

 

[scottmyster]

HI Nesty, when your in remission like the others said you have no stomach problems, no bm problems, can eat most anything you want but still be careful still keep your diary handy. Keep taking your medications and supplements if your taking them. Try to keep stress down and relax and rest as much as possible. and most importantly keep a good out look.that's a saying we newfies say in other words. Keep your spirits high. best wishes

scott:soledance:

 

[DustyKat]

Hey Netsy,

With my kids I have found remission to be exactly what the others have said. They have no pain, no cramps, no extra intestinal problems and have regained the weight they lost when the Crohns was active.

Sarah has issues with diet but it is related to her surgery and if she doesn't avoid certain foods and oils it really plays havoc with her. Matt is well less than a year into his diagnosis and surgery put him into remission, it seems that diet hasn't had an adverse effect him while in remission.

They both take maintenance medication, Imuran, and to be honest I am too scared of what I saw Sarah go through to not have them on it. I just don't want to ever revisit those dark days...(((shudder)))...but that was only our experience and it was on the extreme end of things.

Dusty. xxx

 

[netsy]

Dustykat,
Thanks for the words of encouragement and am sorry to hear you've been (dare I say) to hell and back with Sarah and Matt. I hope all is better now and send my best wishes. Netsy

 

[vickyhunter]

I was in remission for about 6 years, being well controlled on azathioprine. But I'm having a few problems now so I supposed I'm now out of remission.
Also, like Joan said, take your medicine even if you feel well. My doctor said most of his patients who are in remission stop taking their medicine thinking they have been cured and it's now unnecessary and then they have a huge flare.
xxxxxxxx