What to expect from remission?

So, I've had this darn joint pain for over 2 years now and been on plaquenil for almost a year now. If it is working right, should I basically be pain free? They say I have inflammatory arthritis, my ana is positive, RF is borderline, high sed rate. My shoulders, hips, hands, feet and knees hurt more often than not. So, I would like to know, what does remission feel like? Do you get energy back and have no pain in your joints? Also, whenever I get sick, the joint pain flares up again. I've been plagued with constant UTI's since august and that is not helping. Saw a urologist and he just wants me to stay on an antibiotic for a month and then come off to see what happens. I just feel like I can't get well. Is this pretty typical? Going to my rheumy again this week.I am missing so much work, I know it doesn't look good. I am worried about that. Any advice for me? Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Thanks BadDay. I appreciate your response. I think if I got a definitive diagnosis I'd feel better, if you know what I mean. It's like a lot of my tests are positive but not quite at diagnostic level but I feel horrible!!!!!!!!!!! I see my rheumy tomorrow and hope he has some answers for me. I feel so bad, I'd willing go on prednisone again....... and that is really bad for me. I am just sick of being sick. I have not been well for years now and I am still trying to work full time. By the grace of God, I am able to do that but not a lot else. I am worried about how the illness is affecting my work because I have to miss at least one day a month.

Remission can mean a number of things, first you can have no swelling, 2nd it can mean some swelling but no pain, 3rd it can be swelling and pain, but the lowest amount you can get too, this would be "your" remission.

Growing up I always thought remission meant no drugs and pain free, but I was wrong. I wish I wasn't wrong as it would be great to know that one day everything could be fixed.

Some people will never be pain free just because there might not be a drug out there to completely help them or they may have quite a bit of damage to their bones and joints from the RA. It all depends on each person. The quickest you get treatment started, the better luck you have to being close to pain free.

One pill my doctors love is Ibuprofen 2 in morning 2 at night for help with pain and they were right. I still have tons of pain but it is far less once i take it, but i have to take it with zantac to help with stomach damage and watch closely to make sure i don't hurt my stomach.

I hope everything goes great for you, just don't panic. I panicked for a long time, now i accept what is wrong and believe that i will get the help needed, just have to weed through all the drugs till one helps.

God bless.

I am glad that the meds the doc put you on is working. You are lucky, sometimes it takes months/years to find that right combo.

I hope they continue to give you the relief you need for a long time to come.