Arthritis Life

Remission Myths and Misconceptions, with Dr. Loreto Carmona

Episode Summary

Curious about what remission means in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?

Episode Notes

On this special episode* of 'Rheumer has It', hosts Eileen and Cheryl are joined by renowned rheumatologist Dr. Loreto Carmona from Spain. The discussion centers around the concept of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), highlighting the differences between medical and patient perspectives on what constitutes remission. Dr. Carmona emphasizes the importance of communication between patients and doctors, the role of medications and lifestyle factors, and the myths surrounding RA remission.

This insightful conversation is part of the Canadian Talk Over RA campaign, aimed at providing hope and clear knowledge to those living with RA. See the full show notes on the Arthritis Life website for more details.

Episode at a glance:

00:31 Meet Dr. Loreto Carmona
01:31 Defining Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis
04:26 Misconceptions About Remission
07:38 Factors Influencing Remission
11:30 The Importance of Communication
14:48 Historical Perspectives on RA Treatment
16:12 Final Thoughts and Resources

Medical disclaimer:

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

**Special Episode Sponsor: Talk Over RA Campaign

AD - Talk Over RA is more than a campaign — it’s a call to action. This podcast episode is part of the Talk Over RA 2025 campaign and is sponsored by AbbVie Canada. All content and opinions are Eileen Davidson, Cheryl Crow and Dr. Loreto’s own and are not intended to promote any specific pharmaceutical products.

Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just speak through pain and fatigue — it interrupts plans, drains energy, and creates uncertainty even when symptoms are quiet. The Talk Over RA initiative encourages people living with RA to take back control by speaking up, sharing their experiences, and working with healthcare providers to set meaningful treatment goals.

Eileen’s role in this campaign is to provide tools that help you prepare for appointments, explore what remission could look like, and connect with others who truly understand.

Don’t let RA speak louder than you. Explore the campaign and download the guide here.

For full episode show notes

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website here.