I am newly diagnosed person with Lupus, and I seemed to think that when one is in remission that their lives return to normal. While poking around on another site I discovered that remission is NOT the same as going back to no Lupus. I know I have felt poorly since way before I was diagnosed, so I am wondering what to expect. How can I tell if I am in a flare or in remission?
Hello. I’m new at lupus, too, so I hope you can bare with me as to what I’ve learned so far about it.
I wouldn’t say that in remission you go back to having no lupus because there is no cure for it. What I think it means is that you are free of your discomfort for a while. Example, if you suffer from joint pain, you might be pain free to some level. If you get skin rashes, you will not have any. As for my case, I haven’t had any terrible episodes, thank God, but my fatigue has sorta gone away after starting plaquenil. I hope this helps.
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Thank you. For me, the Plaquenil, steroids, and even pain killers (Vicodin) didn’t help. I am now on Methotrexate, a cancer drug that I take weekly. I am finally feeling some relief after 6 weeks of treatment. I’m glad to hear that Plaquenil is working for you! 
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