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What do you consider a "flare" and "remission"?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/26/2008 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Since I am so new at this and have had IBS for many years I am not sure what you all consider a flare and remission.  If my medication works and I don't have bleeding anymore is that remission - although I will definitely/probably still have diarrhea some.  Just like to hear more from others.

Elaine

Posted 6/26/2008 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
I think it is a good question. I had the same one. I think a flare is when you are having symptoms, inflammation, etc, even if there is no bleeding. And remission would most likely be no signs of symptoms, inflammation. So, there are also bad flares and mild flares in my opinion. When I was first diagnosed a few months back, I was in a bad flare (not as bad as some I've read about though) and then I got better(possible remission?) and then Due to stress I think I've had a mild flare, but this time symptoms are not as bad and no blood. This is just what I think. I'm not positive though.
Posted 6/26/2008 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
This is my definition of flares and remission. Everyone though has their own definition of remission however. To me a flare is when you have symptoms and remission is the lack of symptoms. But you can still be on medication and be considered in remission. There are different types of meds - maintenance and treatment. The typical maintenance meds are Asacol, Colazal and Lialda. For Asacol 6 a day is considered maintenance and anything 9 and above is treatment. Rectal meds can also be used at maintenance or it can be used as treatment depending on the length of time it is needed. Some people who have mainly rectal problems can use a rectal med as their maintenance and treatment. And when they have no symptoms while on rectal meds they can still be in remission but they need to stay on them to keep them feeling well. So in short, any med that is used short term is usually treatment and long term is maintenance. Steroids are never considered maintenance because you can't be on them for long term or you run the risk of other complications. The immune suppressing medications such as 6mp and Imuran are maintenance. I hope that clears things up a bit if not I apologize for it being clear as mud :)
Posted 6/26/2008 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
My personal definitions...

Remission: Complete control of UC symptoms (to where you only know you have the disease because of medications) while on medications that are safe to take indefinitely. Thus, if I don't have any symptoms but am on Prednisone, etc, I don't consider myself "in remission" because my disease is not actually under maintenance control. A state of no symptoms is very much possible; it IS POSSIBLE to be back down to 1-2 bowel movements a day; don't accept anything less.

Flare: Showing any UC symptoms (GI or otherwise) OR only being able to control symptoms via a medication on which I cannot stay indefinitely.


Just my personal view. Some might consider it too narrow, but I don't consider myself "in remission" if I know I'm going to be coming back out of it due to necessary suspension of medications.
Posted 6/26/2008 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks - everyone!

James I noticed you eat fruit and vegetables a lot.  I cannot tolerate many at all and they have to be cooked - maybe due to my IBS and not UC.  One of my reasons for question about remission is because I have to have the bleeding under control - virtually gone - to have knee replacement surgery and wondering how we will know that and how long it might take.  I am in a lot of pain from knees.

Elaine

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