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.

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Muscles & Bones
/ Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Enlarged Spleen

amberhere
amberhere
When I had my ultrasound done the other month, they said I had an enlarged spleen which again they said was "normal" for people with DM. Is this always the case? I'm getting fed up with having diagnosis that would normally be OK if it wasn't for DM. Anything that is abnormal is put down to DM at the moment. Is it a case of "We don't really know but are guessing".
autumm
autumm
Hi Amber. They do know, they understand the whole picture after many years of training unlike us who can only ever grope about in the dark however informed we are. I make it a rule to panic if they panic and only then. With longer treatment as everything calms down all these things will return to be within normal ranges. My blood results were always off the wall until about eight months into treatment and that was even when the right treatment was working first time. I think our anxiety rises every time we have something done, I know I am always to this day anxious about the results of my now 2 monthly blood tests. Autumm
trpt1
trpt1
Hi Amberhere, There is no guessing with the doctors and they DO really know about DM/PM.

There is a wonderful book called: Dermatomyositis: Advances in Recognition, Understanding and Management by Lyubomir A. Dourmishev and Assen L. Dourmishev.

The book tells a lot of helpful information about DM/PM.

If the spleen is enlarged then the liver may follow with enlargement too. Be asking the doctor about your liver progress. An enlarged liver is called a fatty liver. Do check blood pressure and blood sugars periodically.

Watch your diet. I use the Joel Fuhrman Super Immunity Diet that Shawna recommended. I have actually seen improvements over time with my health. At this point I am well under control with my DM. My fatty liver is not misbehaving too bad either. My Cellcept has been helpful in keeping my disease under control too. I have enlarged body parts too. I believe a good diet is helpful to feel better.

It is too bad the enlarged body parts do not give us a better figure!

I hope this helps.