janene

[sharon]

Welcome Janene,
So glad you found us, i am up here in sunny Qld, there are a few of us around the traps, what hosp is treating you?
Like the others said we all have varying degrees of the side effects, that we have to work our way through, you will hear a lot on here about your new "normal", keep talking and keep asking questions, taking one day at a time. Once again welcome,

[janene]

Dear Sharon
good to hear from you. I have a specialist. I see him privately. Other times I have been to The Austin Hospital in Heidelberg. They say that each person is different. Is it hard to get into remission-does that mean most people get there or not? I guess you can tell I'm over this and just want to get well and move on. Is this unrealistic?? janene

[Lola]

Hi Janene, and welcome!

It is very realistic to expect remission. The problem is in not letting yourself become too discouraged if it takes longer than you think it should. When I first became ill 20 years ago I attained remission after 4 months and went on to do some really great physically challenging activites out on the water. Lately, remission has been like a carrot on a stick held out in front of me. I'm always almost there. But I will keep believing in the possibility.

I think you were wise to take time off work for resting. That seems to make a big difference for people. The ones who keep pushing themselves just always seem to be slower to recover.

[janene]

Dear Lola
thanks for your response. Does this mean that you didnt stay in remission?? I will take time off and try to look at my lifestyle and diet and see if it helps. Do you think it does? or is it just good luck that you get better (or improve) -Janene

[sharon]

hello Janene,
I have had wegs for 3 yrs and no sign of remission yet for me, but your dr is right, each one of us is different in terms of remission timelines. It was a very good idea to take some time off, stress is really not good for us, you need to concentrate on adjusting to your bodies new limits, things do get easier, don't be too hard on yourself and take it one day at time.
Hope this helps a little bit

[Lola]

. Does this mean that you didnt stay in remission?? I will take time off and try to look at my lifestyle and diet and see if it helps. Do you think it does? or is it just good luck that you get better (or improve) -Janene

I was in remission for 14 years, then in and out after that. I don't have the answers about getting into or staying in remission, but I do know myself and that stress is the major factor for causing a flare. Both emotional and physical stressors.

[Doug]

I was in remission for 14 years, then in and out after that. I don't have the answers about getting into or staying in remission, but I do know myself and that stress is the major factor for causing a flare. Both emotional and physical stressors.

I note that, as a weggie, physical and mental stress make you more susceptible to infections and things like shingles that you might not encounter so easily as a "civilian"! Time of is not a luxury for weggies, it is a necessity if it helps reduce physical and mental stress.