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.
Boy, I went to the ER last week due to the pain that had become unbearable and then my neurologist had me to come in to see him this past Tuesday because he wasn't happy with the treatment that I didn't receive at the ER. Once he looked at the size of my non-pregnant stomach, and swollen feet, he told me that he was concerned that it may be my heart causing me to retain water, because I still have the strange cough when my heart is trying to adjust itself, or whatever, so he ordered me an echocardiogram, which I am having on my birthday, 12/5. I then went for my followup with my rheumatologist and he was even more alarmed with the swelling and said that he thought I was retaining fluid in my stomach even though I didn't think it was that as my stomach gets rock hard and it feels more like my muscles or intestines are twisted in a knot.
Anyway he ordered me to have a CT scan of my stomach and chest right then and I spent the entire day at the medical center so they could fit me in and I could drink that wonderful barium. He called me and informed me that I have a mass on my liver that he feels is benign, but that my pancreas is also enlarged and I have to now see a gastroenterologist the week after my birthday.
United Healthcare is going to love me. We were just informed that they are raising our premiums because our claims have been so large this year. I told my HR person that it was probably my claims. Even though I am in a lot of pain and not sleeping that well because of it, I am glad that I have doctors who are concerned and who try to get to the bottom of the situation.
On the good news side, they did tell me that they think my PM is in remission already. I have to go for lab work on Monday, but my CPK was good from the last time. I still walk like Mrs Frankenstein, but at least I can walk. I still spend time each day working on my business plans so that I am ready when 2012 gets here and I also interviewed for a lead position at work. If I get it I will still work from home but it will mean more pay, which I definitely need.
All things are not coming up roses, but they are not weeds either. I miss you guys and promise to sign on more often. I am now baking zucchini bread, so I better get back to the kitchen. Have a great night.
Anyway he ordered me to have a CT scan of my stomach and chest right then and I spent the entire day at the medical center so they could fit me in and I could drink that wonderful barium. He called me and informed me that I have a mass on my liver that he feels is benign, but that my pancreas is also enlarged and I have to now see a gastroenterologist the week after my birthday.
United Healthcare is going to love me. We were just informed that they are raising our premiums because our claims have been so large this year. I told my HR person that it was probably my claims. Even though I am in a lot of pain and not sleeping that well because of it, I am glad that I have doctors who are concerned and who try to get to the bottom of the situation.
On the good news side, they did tell me that they think my PM is in remission already. I have to go for lab work on Monday, but my CPK was good from the last time. I still walk like Mrs Frankenstein, but at least I can walk. I still spend time each day working on my business plans so that I am ready when 2012 gets here and I also interviewed for a lead position at work. If I get it I will still work from home but it will mean more pay, which I definitely need.
All things are not coming up roses, but they are not weeds either. I miss you guys and promise to sign on more often. I am now baking zucchini bread, so I better get back to the kitchen. Have a great night.
I, too, walk like Ms. Frankenstein, but (as you mentioned) I'm glad to still be walking. It sure beats wheelchairs or being bed-ridden. Take care and best wishes to you.
I'm glad you seem to have pro-active doctors who want to get to the bottom of your issues. Your CPK is not the only indicator of your disease though. They also need to take how you are feeling into account. It would certainly be wonderful if your disease was starting to go into remission and you knew you wouldnt get any worse at least!
Enjoy your zucchini bread! :)
Now my battle with UHC is over my two insulins that they are refusing to allow me to pick up at my local pharmacy even though I have informed them that with the numerous other meds that I am taking I can't afford to order thru mail order because they require a three month other and 250.00 is a lot more than the 50.00 that I can pay at this time, so I am in the appeal process now. I am sure that a pharmacy bill is a lot less than me winding up back in the hospital. The hops that we jump thru to get what we need.
Blessings,
Kim
First let me say you are just so pretty, so as they say as long as you look goood....
I am sorry you are going through all that and on your birthday . You are very correct when you said that you are lucky to have good Doctors, they are really not easy to come by. I am sure that the Mass in your stomach will definitely be benign and on the up-side how great will it be when its all over you most likely will go down a pant size. Thats a big yea. Hope you do well this week and I will keep you in my prayers.
carol