RETHINK YOUR RA
There’s more to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) treatment than just managing your symptoms. By setting goals and working alongside your doctor or specialist you may be able to achieve remission.
WHAT COULD "BETTER" LOOK LIKE?
Achieving remission in RA looks different for everyone. In its simplest form remission means no or very little symptoms are present in your body. As you may know, the inflammation and symptoms caused by RA tend to rise and fall intermittently, like a wave over time. You can think of flare-ups and remission as the highest and lowest points of your disease symptoms.3,4
If you maintain your treatment regimens and live a healthy lifestyle, you may be able to reach remission. The chance of achieving remission is greater with early diagnosis and management once symptoms start.5 Although remission for RA doesn’t mean the eradication of disease from your body, it could mean that joint damage stops where it is.2
WHAT COULD "BETTER" LOOK LIKE?
Only you have first-hand experience with your RA. That’s why it’s very important to help your doctor understand what you may be experiencing. During your assessment, remember to speak up about your symptoms!
Whether they’re the same, better, or worse, track them and clearly describe them the best you can and ask if your treatment plan is still on track.
Being as thoughtful and accurate as possible when you are asked to rate your pain levels or morning stiffness can help your doctor understand what you are going through. Keeping a journal of your signs and symptoms, tracking your good days, sharing what a bad day looks like for you are all very important.4
You and your doctor should have a conversation to go over all of your treatment options so you can explore the possibility of reaching remission and cut down your risk of an RA flare-up.
WHAT COULD "BETTER" LOOK LIKE?
It’s important to establish care and start a treatment plan as early as possible.3
Build a relationship with your doctor so they are aware of your goals and can assist you in reaching them. Your rheumatologist needs your input every step of the way. At each visit, review your goals together. Don’t be afraid to ask if remission is a possible treatment goal for you.
Have a look at this discussion guide. It may help you during your next appointment with your doctor and ensure you get the right answers to your questions.
YOU CAN BE A POWERFUL VOICE IN REACHING YOUR REMISSION GOALS
Speaking openly and honestly about your experiences with RA will help your doctor to form a comprehensive picture of your disease and help you get closer to remission. If you speak up about discomfort or issues you are currently facing, your doctor can think about options and strategies that will help you work towards these goals.
IF I DO NOTHING
You know your situation and symptoms best, so just be candid with your doctor and they'll better understand what you are experiencing.
You have the power to affect change in your life by talking about your experiences, your aspirations, and your options. All you have to do is start the conversation.
DOWNLOAD THE DISCUSSION GUIDE HERE, TO HELP YOUR CONVERSATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR
1.A rthritis Australia. 2023. Rheumatoid Arthritis – What is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Available at: https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/ Accessed November 2023.
2. Smolen JS, Landewé RBM, Bergstra SA et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2022 update. Ann Rheum Dis. Published online November 10, 2022. doi:10.1136/ard-2022-223356
3. Radner H, Smolen JS, Aletaha D. Remission in rheumatoid arthritis: benefit over low disease activity in patient reported outcomes and costs. Arthritis Res Ther. 2014; 16:R56.
4. Your RA is in remission! Now what? Arthritis Foundation. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/your-ra-is-in-remission!-now-what Accessed August 2023.
