Whenever I was diagnosed with PM, the neuro sent me for several cancer screenings; however, all tests were negative. The testing process is normal. As for bladder issues, I battled UTI's frequently until the past year. My doctor told me to take cranberry pills and natural anti-inflammatories every day, and to stay away from tea (except an occasional herbal tea or green tea). In addition, I drink a "tea" made from warm water, raw honey, and cinnamon, which has been quite helpful. To be honest, I'm not sure if the UTI's were a result of PM or lupus. Best wishes to you for good news and improved health.

I had a cancer DX before I was diagnosed with PM. I had my first symptoms of PM while on Rituxan. But I believe I am an odd duck.

I know there is a cancer relationship with ANY auto-immune diseases. Be sure to have regular cancer screenings.

Hi im45notcrazy. I will be seeing a urologist Nov 5th. I also have gross hematuria. I had a recent dexa bone scan that showed a 10% bone loss from last year. I am thinking it may be a possible kidney disease which can happen with DM. It may also be a bladder problem so I will find out soon.

DM is a disease which can have kidney issues. I also have liver stuff going on that is part of my autoantibody pathology.

I would not worry. Your doctor will find out what is happening. Keep us posted. I will definitely keep everyone posted on my stuff too.

I have been drinking Nanny's tea. I also drink cranberry juice and hot lemon water tea.

Hi. I am sorry to read your post and know you are worried. The connection between cancer and Myositis comes from the auto antibodies you have with this disease which can raise the connection. I don't have the antibody for cancer but I have the antibody for lung disease. We are all checked for everything at the beginning and your Rheumatologist should be able to advise you. I hope everything works out well for you. Best wishes. Autumm

Autumn, so if I have the antibody for cancer then I'm more likely to get it?

Nanny1611, did he stay away from tea because it causes inflammation? Every time I drink tea my insides go whacko. For that reason I just say away from it.

Hi. I am not sure how it works as I don't have that antibody. Your doctor should explain this to you. Autumm

I was diagnosed with DM in 92. Over the years doctors told me I would likely get cancer. I did--in 2006. Had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Had 5 chemo treatments and have been in remission for 7 years now. I don't have only DM, but Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. I hope the spot on your bladder will not cause any problems for you.

I think the caffeine I tea. Coffee irritates the bladder. Many things do like tomatoes and alcohol. Best to avoid these things to stop the constant peeing and getting up at night. Autumm

Regarding tea, my doctor said that the tannins in tea irritate the bladder and kidneys. I don't know why, but do know that I feel better when I don't drink regular tea. However, I do occasionally have herbal tea (like peach), or a little iced green tea. The "tea" I mentioned isn't tea at all. It just contains warm water, 1 tsp. of cinnamon, and a heaping tsp. of raw honey. It tastes good and seems to be good for me.

Hi im45notcrazy. I went to see my gastro doctor for a follow up exam. I told him about my gross hematuria. I also told him that my rheumy referred me to a urologist. My GI doctor told me that methotrexate will cause cystitis in the kidneys. He told me to definitely mention to the urologist that I took MTX for two years. He told me that even when you get off the MTX it can haunt your system for a long time.

My blood panels that were run by my rheumy never showed any stress on the liver or kidneys while I was on MTX. I thought the MTX was actually beneficial when I took the med. I had a bad feeling in my head when I took MTX in January, and I decided to find another sparring drug.

I have not had a bladder check yet. I am going to look up more information on med side effects on bladder & kidneys. I do think issues may come up that do not seem to register on full blood panels for the doctor to see. We all need to be careful on these DMARDs.

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder and would not show in any labs our docs do whilst we take sparing drugs. These drugs are known to irritate the bladder for some. I take Azathioprine and I definitely make more trips to the loo these days. There's always something with this disease !!!! Autumm