Hi, MYRB1987, and welcome to this forum of nice people. I hope you will be encouraged here. Most of us understand what you mean about people not believing you, as we've experienced it also. People who don't deal with certain autoimmune diseases simply don't have a clue as to how we struggle. Between family, friends, and doctors, it's easy to become discouraged. That's one of the reasons I became so proactive about my health and started looking for my own solutions. For instance, I kept a food log and found a connection between gluten and a worsening of my inflammation. And artificial sweeteners and refined sugar triggered lots of pain. So I made several dietary changes. In addition, I found supplements to help with inflammation and pain. I now have a doctor that practices integrative medicine, and she has been a blessing in my life. I'm not a doctor, so take this for what it's worth. Start keeping a food log to see if any foods trigger pain or depression for you. If you find any food triggers, then share that info with your doctor. Best wishes to you, and keep us up-to-date on your progress.

Thank you for your kind and helpful reply. I will definitely try starting a food journal/log. That is a great idea. I recently started eating clean this year to initiate a healthy lifestyle after a massive weight gain. This change resulted in 37 lbs lost. I can see the benefits of keeping a food log in addition to other changes to manage my health. Thank you again for your kindness

Hi MYRB. I am sorry to read your post. Chronic illness with pain takes its toll on your life. A mild antidepressant for a while may be a good thing as would seeing a pain specialist to see if something can be done for your pain. Nanny has given great advice, she always does. Well done on losing the weight, it can only help with your pain, I hope you can continue to do so but we all here know it's hard. Best wishes. Autumm

Thanks Autumm for your kind reply. I'm going to look into seeing a pain specialist for the pain. Thanks so much Autumm I'm enjoying the support this is what I've been needing. I'm so thankful to have found this group.

Hi MYRB. Great people here. I don't know how I would have made it through without this Community. Autumm

I can say from experience that it takes some time and effort to change diet and lifestyle, and in the short term it can help to try medication to help you with the pain and anxiety. Tramadol has helped me a lot with pain and anxiety/depression. It is not billed as antidepressant or antianxiety, but it really does lift my mood and it helps to motivate me to do things like self care, exercise, housekeeping on those days I can't make myself get out of bed or off the couch. Pain = lack of energy and I find that it contributes to my anxiety as well. I do believe that Tramadol has potential for addiction but much much less than strong narcotics. I don't take it every day but during more stressful times or while traveling it is a lifesaver. I am working on my diet and lifestyle right now too because I do feel a huge difference when I am burning clean fuel and moving more, and there is a lot of good info in this forum if you do a search re: supplements and diets that help.

Hi MYRB1987 and welcome to this site. I have had DM for a few years now and on MTX and Plaquenil.plus steroid (1mg). The Plaquenil does stop the redness for me and I take it every morning and evening with food. I still get pain in my hands unfortunately and have now developed a rash from out of nowhere on my right hand but I upped the steroid by 1mg and that seemed to slightly help. My fingers are slightly "bony" to look at now but I would rather have it like this than when I was first diagnosed with "sausage fingers". With the pain - I know how you feel as it is also with me all the time - I do take 2 paracetamol now and then and fortunately that helps a bit. Please keep your chin up - we all know what you are going through and the people here are very helpful. Best wishes. Amber

Just to clarify - I wasn't diagnosed with "sausage fingers" just DM!!

Hi MYRB1987, You have hit upon a subject of brain effects that I wish researchers would do a better job in informing DM patients. I see a neurologist every six months. DM does cause pains and I get pains periodically that are unexplainable.

I try to exercise moderately with walking or riding a stationary bike. I do think my moderate exercise has actually helped my weird nerve pains. I know that drinking plenty of water & exercise always helps to improve some pains & feelings for me. I have an anti-inflammatory diet that I think helps a lot too. Some people like the Paleo diet which has been helpful. You might ask your doctor about diet ideas that would be helpful.

I hope your medication adjustments will help. Keep us posted.