Talk Over RA – Stefanie Remson The Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach on Remission

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic and debilitating autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for RA, remission is possible – and it can completely transform a person’s quality of life. Stefanie Remson, known as The Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach, is living proof. After being diagnosed with RA, Stefanie dedicated herself to achieving remission and now helps others do the same through her personalized coaching program. In this post, we’ll explore Stefanie’s journey, her approach to managing RA, and how she supports her clients in reaching their remission goals.

Can you tell me a little bit about you and the work you do? 

I’m a family Nurse Practitioner and I have worked in healthcare for almost 20 years. I am also a wife, mother of 2 young boys, and an avid gardener. I work in healthcare which is very rewarding, but also very emotional and physically demanding at times. Sometimes my RA makes working hard, but sometimes it gives me the empathy, understanding, and compassion I need to do my job with more heart. 

What does remission with rheumatoid arthritis mean to you?

Remission is amazing, but it’s not exactly what I expected. It’s my new normal. It’s who I am now, and that is that. I am able to do almost all of the things I want to do with modifications. I will never have the energy, strength, or stamina I had before my diagnosis, but somehow this made me able to work smarter, and not harder. The hours of being less active or inactive when I was first diagnosed gave me plenty of quality brainstorming and contemplation time that I never made time for before. I can now care for my family, I have an excellent career, and even exercise on a regular basis. I’m not running or doing anything high impact anymore, but I have found pilates, yoga, barre, and other comparable activities not only more rewarding, but I actually get better results! No more muffin top (at least for now! haha)

What does well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis mean to you?

Well-controlled RA can be different for everyone. Sometimes having absolutely zero symptoms just isn’t an option for everyone, and one has to embrace their new normal. I am so happy for the people out there who have zero symptoms and even forget they have RA, but unfortunately, that’s not me. I am very well-managed and well-controlled, but most days I’m still reminded of my diagnosis– especially with my right middle finger and left thumb! The fatigue is manageable after mastering my discovered tips and tricks over the last 10 years, too, which is excellent. The fatigue was the most debilitating part of my RA diagnosis, and I’m thankful that I have learned to manage this better. 

What are some necessary steps that patients need to take to achieve remission?

This is different for everyone. This may involve lifestyle changes, medications, and many other medical and non-medical professionals. For me, the top contributors were prioritizing sleep, committing to less (Not being an over achiever), and being open-minded to medications and supplements. As a medical professional, I never thought supplements could benefit me so much, but there are quite a few that have truly changed my life. I’ve also tried many new things. Although they don’t all work for me, I really try to stay open minded .

What are some of the myths around rheumatoid arthritis and remission?

There is no cure for RA, but most people can find a well-controlled state and live a happy, healthy, and productive life. The truth is that your new normal may look different than you expected or than you looked and felt before, but embracing your new normal is key. Your new normal may be unpredictable and uncertain, too. 

Have you ever achieved remission or come close to it?  

I am considered in medical remission at this time, and for the last ~18 months or so. First time in 10+ years, and I feel great!

How do you manage your rheumatoid arthritis?

I prioritize my medical appointments and my medical teams’ recommendations, I do a lot of my own research, I prioritize sleep, I manage my stress as best as possible, I exercise regularly, and I no longer over-commit. I also do things that work for me, and I don’t do things that don’t. I don’t allow anything or anyone else to control my emotions but me, and this helps a great deal with the mental component.

Anything else you would like to add?

The hardest part for me when I was first diagnosed was that I simply couldn’t do all of the things I was already doing. I had to make a big change, a PIVOT, and this was the best thing I ever did for myself. PIVOT is now one of the mottos that I use often with coaching clients, patients, friends, and my family. When something doesn’t work for you, it’s most likely to adapt the task or the environment than change your capabilities or skill set so just PIVOT!

The #TalkOverRA campaign is all about empowering folks with #RheumatoidArthritis to take charge of their health. It encourages everyone to open up about their RA journey, collaborate with doctors to manage symptoms, and smash those treatment goals. Download the Talk Over RA discussion guide to help aid you in speaking to your healthcare team about remission with rheumatoid arthritis