Hi Angel. I would say this was a good thing. I have the antibody JO-1 which is a myositis specific auto antibody. Other people have different antibodies, this is why we are all different. They are still finding new antibodies and its all helping our doctors to treat us in a different way. I was lucky, my Rheumatologist looked for JO-1 right at the beginning, he hit it hard and fast and to date I have had no lung problems. Autumm

Hi Angel. I would say this was a good thing. I have the antibody JO-1 which is a myositis specific auto antibody. Other people have different antibodies, this is why we are all different. They are still finding new antibodies and its all helping our doctors to treat us in a different way. I was lucky, my Rheumatologist looked for JO-1 right at the beginning, he hit it hard and fast and to date I have had no lung problems. Its great your doctor is aware and looking for antibodies. Some doctors are not aware and don't look and that can be dangerous. Autumm

Thanks :) it was hard to find info online :/
I'm very glad they found it early for you! You have a great doc :)

Hi Angel. He does not have the greatest personality in this world but he sure has great brains and super knows his stuff. Autumm

Hi Angela, It takes time for autoantibodies to form. Many people with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease with DM often have difficulties getting a diagnosis since test results may come up unclear. Ask your doctor if going into remission would hide the autoantibody results. It makes sense that a remission would not show active disease.

If the doctor tells you to come back in a year, then s/he has great confidence in a remission. If the doctor needs to see you every three months, then the doctor is not sure and needs confirmation. If the doctor must see you once a month, then Hmmm?? Ask questions.

Good Luck!

That's what really matters when you get down to it :)

I am currently not in remission . My enzymes are still 4x higher then normal but my body feels and is reacting as though I am? I have no pain , no fatigue , and I am continuing to gain strength. No rash or flares from the sun and a Normal Emg. Makes no sense to me lol

Hi Angel. My Rhrumatologist here told me at the beginning that the purpose of treatment was to preserve and maintain strength not to lower CK levels. He also told me that if these things were right he would tolerate raised CK levels. He never mentioned ck levels to me again but his first question is always 'how do you feel'. I think you are feeling fine and doing fine and your CK's are not that high anyway. Stay well. Autumm

Thanks autumn :) I think that's how my norm neuro treats dm. I just hate getting such different opinions from the docs I'm going to trust my normal he has been right from the start :)