Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Polymyositis (PM) is a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles (inflammatory myopathy) related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. The inflammation is predominantly of the endomysium in polymyositis, whereas dermatomyositis is characterized by primarily perimysial inflammation.

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brendacaytonwhite 02/18/2012

I hope that everyone is doing better each day. I have been to so many doctors these past two weeks for followups that I don't want to see another doctor for months. I saw my neurologist who again lowered my Prednisone, which is a good and a bad thing. He took it down to 17.5 mgs per day and now I have to email him to remind him to order the 2.5 pill. I saw my primary who gave me Celebrex for my leg pain. She said that it is the best muscle relaxer, but so far it isn't relaxing my muscles. I don't believe there is anything that can stop that pain. I have become use to it, but still want it to go away. I started physical therapy, but have to wait a month to return because I started "a new job" yay. I am still working from home, doing corporate travel, but with a much better company at a much better rate of pay and with all my travel perks again. I am truly Blessed. We are moving to a larger apartment on ground level on Saturday. I must admit that I am happy. I have more packing to do and have to transfer my internet and electric service. A girl can never relax. I will chat again soon.

angie1026 02/18/2012

So glad you have found a better job and are moving into a better apartment! I'm sure moving is gonna take its toll on you so be sure to try to rest when you can. Ultimately, I'm sure it will be a much better thing to be on ground level.

I know what you mean about feeling like nothing will stop the pain sometimes. That's how I'm feeling at this point as well.

brendacaytonwhite 02/18/2012

I have been informed by my dear daughter that on the day of the move I will only be allowed to sit and direct. I have been packing boxes for the past couple of weeks, a little at a time and she has enlisted a couple of male friends to help her and my son.

I will be keeping myself busy by re-cleaning what the apt staff has cleaned. It is just going to be good to feel some sense of freedom being on the first floor and able to walk outside each day.

I emailed my neurologist earlier regarding that 2.5mg pill and he told me to cut the 5mg in half so now I have to buy a pill cutter. Since I knew that I was leaving my past employer and had that flexible account, I ordered 3 months of medications and supplies. I then found out that my new medical coverage starts in 30 days so I don't have to stress over coverage. I should be fine for those 2 weeks that I will be without coverage. I am totally Blessed even with my pain. It keeps me humble.

deleted_user 02/19/2012

Hi Brenda, so nice to see you and hear how you are doing. Good luck with your move, I moved a few months ago and I know it is exciting and exhausting, so take it slow and easy. Regarding the 2.5 prednisone, I also had 5 mg pills and then when I went to 2.5 they said cut them in half, well I tried that with my cheap pillcutter and they were crumbling, so I asked the pharmacist to cut them all for me and they were a nice clean cut. Then I started doing 1 mg decreases and they did give me 1 mg pills. Just a thought, if your pillcutter is as dull as mine. Also, congrats on the new job, I know that's what you wanted.
Hugs
Maruska

deleted_user 02/19/2012

so good to hear a good report! congrats on all

deleted_user 02/20/2012

Lovey to hear from you. it saounds like things are going well for you at the moment. I know what you mean by not wanting to see doctors, hahaha, I felt the same way when I was in hospital.

brendacaytonwhite 02/20/2012

Maruska thank you for that advice, The pharmacists at Target are so good to me and I will ask them to cut up my pills. I had my diabetes nurse order all my diabetes supplies for three months and when she ordered the lancets, she ordered me the multi click that are loaded in a clip and don't fit my meter. I remembered that UHC had sent me a letter that I could get a free meter with a RX, and requested that my nurse order one for me. Instead she told me that she had meters and that I can get it from her. She is so good to me. She takes the entire hour for each visit to sit and talk with me and go over my meal plans and insulin dosage changes, She understands the way that Prednisone affects my glucose and she explains everything so that I can adjust my meds. She also emails me with info so that I don't have to keep going in. She is a Blessing.

deleted_user 02/20/2012

I too have the pill splitting problem. One time they were so dry and crumbly i took the bottle back and asked for new ones, i can't dose with powder!!! Now 2 rx's later the new batch has better glue and i can cut my own again!!!

Good luck brenda, so glad to hear from you as always... Hope the move goes smoothly downstairs... Shawna

nanny1611 02/20/2012

So glad to "see" you again, and happy for your new job and apartment. It's nice to hear of God's blessings on your life right now, and wonderful to hear about your daughter's protective care of you. Continued blessings and best wishes to you in your new home and with your new job. I hope you love them both.

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