Questions about flares and remission

Redhead · Tadpole Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Atlanta

I've had Lupus for about five months now. I'm still confused and scared about a lot of things.

What exactly is a flare?

When you're not having a flare, do you feel fine, or just a little less horrible?

Is it a "flare" every time you have symptoms?

When you have a flare and/or symptoms do you need to contact your doctor to be put on more or different meds? Or does it depend on what the flare is like?

I have heard of people being in remission for Lupus.
What does that mean?
Just that they've felt good for a while?
Or that the anitbodies have gone away?
What can be done to make remission happen?
Is is very unlikely, or do a lot of people experience it?
Does it last for years, or just a few weeks?

Thanks
Jenny

Saysusie · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 12:32 pm Post subject:

A flare essentially means when your symptoms worsen. Remission essentially means that the symptoms are manageable or have lessened. Some people have acheived complete remission where they are symptom-free. But, for most of us, remission means that the symptoms are such that we can manage with fewer medications, but we still have symptoms.
When you are in a flare, your symptoms get worse and you may have to take more of your medications or be put on new medications.

That's the condensed version of flares and remission Smile

Peace and Blessings
Saysusie