I am still new to all this too and I did ask those types of questions to my RD. I think its their goal to "help" you get to the best place and hope it can be "remission"....Sit down with and build a strong relationship with your doctor and remember that you are in charge of your healthcare and you are your best advocate. Honestly like V said its on an individual basis, each persons case is unique. I am in a tough spot myself, outta work for months and not truly enjoying my life but trying to make the best of it. I feel guilty when I am down in the middle of a flare(which seems to be alot for me), because of the people that are sicker than me, like cancer,etc. BUT, I also know I AM SICK. It is very painful, life changing and draining.  Some people think its not all that bad too, just take meds and you're fixed.(Ignorance of RA is so unbelievable...) NOT!!!I have found it helps to learn to really appreciate the small things and hugely, this site and the support with exceptional advise has been great therapy for me. Oh, I am seeing a therapist for my anxiety that apparently came with this disease too! I am a supervisor on a combative alzheimers unit as a profession for 13 years, I am the mother of a daughter with Aspergers, a form of Autism and two awesome sons. I am used to STRESS,CHAOS and the unknowns that come with improvising daily life , oh and the wife of a husband that thanks to genetic spinal stenosis and modern surgery recieves disability.... I was wonder woman, this disease is worse than all of the above going bad all at once at the same time!!!I tend to blabber on here but its the truth... I understand your feelings and I fell your aggravation also. I'm still asking myself and the community, when I'm told it will get better, just exactly what will be better for me???? Maintaining, remission, or my ability to grab this by the horns and take back my life for whatever better will be???? I feel your pain sincerely. :-) Angie