Prognosis
There is a great deal of debate surrounding the long term prognosis of Adult Onset Still’s Disease.
When looking at the prognosis of the illness, often patients that experience onset in adulthood are grouped together with juvenile Still’s Disease (where the remission rate is generally higher), and thereby distorting the actual figures.
Authorities estimate that sufferers of Adult Onset Still’s Disease will fit into one of four groups:
1. A small percentage of patients experience one acute episode and then go into complete remission.
2. Roughly a third (although this may be an inflated figure) of sufferers move into complete remission after a ten year time frame.
3. Approximately a third of sufferers will continue with the illness, but experience only infrequent flare ups and are almost completely managed by medication.
4. The remainder of the AOSD population continue to suffer with the illness indefinitely.
For those that fit into the last group, the disease normally becomes harder to live with - not easier. The illness becomes less responsive to medication as the inflammation of the illness becomes greater than the suppressive force of the treatment.
Adult Onset Still’s Disease waxes and wanes, not only throughout the day, but also throughout the life of the illness. Many people experience weeks or months of remission or reduced symptoms, only for the disease to resurface later on down the road.
The Cloud’s Silver Lining
If you have been only recently diagnosed with Adult Onset Still’s Disease, the prognosis of the illness can be very confronting. So often Still’s Disease strikes with no regard to physical health, family history or environment.
To be told that you have a disease that may impact your life greatly for a significant period of time can be a daunting prospect.
The silver lining that shines out from the black cloud of Adult Onset Still’s Disease is that there is — most certainly — hope. Yes, you will probably need to make changes to your lifestyle, however if you follow the advice of your medical team and consider the recommendations made on this website, this illness is almost always completely manageable. [...next]
How is Still’s Disease diagnosed?
How is Still’s Disease treated with medication?
What are the best supplements to take?
What alternative therapies are beneficial?
