I was warned when I was getting my muscle biopsy that they may not find the exact diagnosis. Luckily for me, it was conclusive of PM. I also have an inflammatory nerve diagnosis but honestly it didn't stick with me.

I know it is frustrating to not have a definite diagnosis. I hope they found enough to come up with a treatment plan that is effective.

well my first symtpom was the rash associated with dermatomyositis so they took a skin biopsy off my chest & my hand & that was how i ended up with my diagnosis. i feel bad for you guys with pm because it sounds a lot harder to diagnose because you guys don't have anything visible for the docs to see when you first walk in the door. **hugs**

I had a muscle biopsy, and an EMG to confirm polymyositis. Both very uncomfortable, but necessary as they led the docs to the solid Dx of PM.

In speaking with my rheumy, the treatments of PM versus DM vary more on the person's reactions to the drugs rather than to the disease - that is initially they would give someone with DM the same drugs they're giving someone with PM and would wait to see each patient's reactions to the meds; then they would evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and go from there.
Anyone else's rheumy say anything similar to this?

my rheumy hasn't said that, but it makes sense. he does ask me equally about my dm symptoms & my reactions to the meds.

I had an EMG and muscle biopsy which confirmed polymyositis 15 years ago. I have gone through some stressfull times, my husband died two years ago, my PM was no longer in remission, I tried to rest and take special care of me and I am OK for the time being.

ReddS--have had similiar situation in "choice of meds". Reaction and side effect dependant.
It's all a wait and see proposition.