I saw 3 of them at the TMA conference. Two joined Facebook groups and hang out there now. Another jumps in once in a while but doesn't always comment. Over the many years I've been coming here, I think people come and go based on where they are in the disease and how they are doing overall. I keep coming back to offer support to people. I see the need for support dwindling. It is an interesting phenomenon.

Hi Lexis. Thank you for your reply. I with you agree that we need to try and support others remembering those terrible early days ourselves. I do think Facebook probably has more of us now. I just cannot do Facebook on principle, I absolutely hate the idea of it all, I would rather see and know and talk to people. It always amuses me when I hear about Facebook Friends, is Cyber space the future for us all. How sad that would be. I do hope you enjoyed the conference, it was difficult to get ant connection to it over here but I have read as much as I was able to and am very grateful to TMA for always being there. Best wishes to you Lexis. Autumm

Hi Lexisgirl and autumn.
I am feeling okay but really have to pace myself. my activities are fairly limited but if I do anything out of the ordinary I suffer with pain in arms, legs and upper back.
I am in a bit of a dilemma at the moment and would love your input about working and earning money. I will start a new post called 'going back to work' so that others can give me feedback too. Thanks

Hi Autumn, Lexis and Freelee, I do not care for Facebook and I have never signed up on Facebook.

I like the people here and it is fun to talk with one another. I just like the company. I also know that someone will always have a great suggestion that might help with an ache or pain. We may have different autoantibodies, but there will be some things in common with DM/PM. I like to offer some words of comfort in the hope that it will encourage someone. I always learn something new and I enjoy the different points of view from each person.

I do think a lot of people may visit support sites, but do not always wish to make comments. The realization that this is a comfort site, and medical help is only at the doctor could be a reason for dwindling attendance.

There are a lot of benefits to visiting with one another and I hope more people will join us in the future.

After 7 years I finally off Prendisone .

@Michaelvi
Congratulations on getting off prednisone. It's great to be free of the stuff. Hope you do well and can stay off it.

Well done Michael. Its good to have news of you. Autumm

I am often on this site because I feel comfortable knowing that there is someone else out there who have went through the same thing I have.I may not always comment but I do read the post often. Thanks to everyone who have offered advice when I needed it. Also congrats to Michaelvi for being able to get of the prednisone

Micheal, Congratulations on getting off the dreaded Prednisone!!! YIPEE!!! It is great to hear that you are doing well.

Best wishes for continued success, but do stick around so we can talk with you.

I don't comment frequently, but if I have something valuable to add, I do. Most of the times, someone has already mentioned my thoughts. I also have a quirky superstition about saying how I am feeling, because it never feels to change immediately after I make a pronouncement. So I silently give thanks for the better days, and pray through the rough ones. Keep on posting!
momcoach

oops - never fails to change...
momcoach

I am off the prednison but still on MTX. 17.5 mg/week

Hi Michael. I am also off the prednisone but still on 100 mgs Azathioprine. I have JO-1 which needs long term suppression, I accept that's the way it is and am grateful to be well and stable. Autumm

Hi Autumm
I also JO-! positive
Michael

Hi. Michael. Did not know you had JO-1. It's even greater to manage to get off prednisone with this auto antibody. We are doing well. Autumm