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.
Hi everyone
I'm a little confused. I had a muscle biopsy today. Not a pleasant experience. The doctor said it doesn't hurt but the doctor doing it said it will hurt. They freeze the skin nit the muscle they are cutting out. It wasn't that bad though.I asked what are they checking for. I had a biopsy from my knuckle and a rash on my elbows, knuckles and around finger nails. It started with a rash on my eye lids. The biopsy confirmed capable to DM. I was started on mx and prednisone two and half weeks Still haven't felt the muscles improve yet but gave me energy. I wake up early in the morning with a bit of a cough but not everyday. They said the muscle biopsy will confirm everything. I'm now worried it could be als which I mentioned to the doctor but he said he would be surprised. I guess to make a long story short could I still have DM but the muscle enzymes blood test are normal. This could change of course. If I started improving that would of answered my question of what I have
Trevor
I'm a little confused. I had a muscle biopsy today. Not a pleasant experience. The doctor said it doesn't hurt but the doctor doing it said it will hurt. They freeze the skin nit the muscle they are cutting out. It wasn't that bad though.I asked what are they checking for. I had a biopsy from my knuckle and a rash on my elbows, knuckles and around finger nails. It started with a rash on my eye lids. The biopsy confirmed capable to DM. I was started on mx and prednisone two and half weeks Still haven't felt the muscles improve yet but gave me energy. I wake up early in the morning with a bit of a cough but not everyday. They said the muscle biopsy will confirm everything. I'm now worried it could be als which I mentioned to the doctor but he said he would be surprised. I guess to make a long story short could I still have DM but the muscle enzymes blood test are normal. This could change of course. If I started improving that would of answered my question of what I have
Trevor
DM often has overlapping conditions. Myasthenia Gravis is a common DM overlap where the nerves cause weakness. You could ask your neurologist if he ran a check for Myasthenia Gravis.
When I first got my DM, my neurologist also checked for Myasthenia Gravis which is a common DM overlap involving nerves. I did not have MG but I do have overlapping Scleroderma.
My father had type 1 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy involving his nerves. Many of the rashes my dad had looked much like my DM, but he never had DM.
Do your best to relax. The doctor will figure things out in time.
I have DM but am in remission. No blood tests ever have been out of "normal". I was confirmed by my muscle biopsy. I had all the rash symptoms and muscle weakness, itchy scalp, headaches, etc. My doc took a different route and would not prescribe meds as he said their purpose was to get the blood levels back to normal and mine were already in the range. I treated the symptoms with over the counter meds. I am in remission now.
I think there must be all levels of DM and hopefully with your blood tests yours will too be going away soon!
Best of luck to you,
LB
Trevor
Trevir