I have problems opening jars. I can't use a garlic press well. But I have no issue with scissors, keys, can openers, etc. I do drop things sometimes but not on a regular basis. When I went to Johns Hopkins, upon physical examination, they noticed significant weakness in my finger tip joints. They told me that was a classic sign of IBM. In fact, the research I've been doing recently shows IBM often starts with hand and wrist issues.

For me, I noticed leg weakness first and the hand stuff came later. But they are thinking more and more that I have IBM instead of PM. I don't think hand weakness is the only determining factor. But it isn't unusual to be misdiagnosed with PM when in fact, you could have IBM. I continue to pursue this because I want to know.

In the beginning, I couldn't do any of the tasks you mentioned, but I have regained some of these skills back (still can't open jars). In fact, the docs debated whether I had IBM or PM, but then decided on PM once I responded to prednisone treatment. However, lupus can affect the hands and feet, especially the wrist joints. And lupus can affect nerves, causing numbness and tingling. Since receiving my lupus diagnosis, I've attributed the fine motor skill limitations to lupus. In addition to those you mentioned, I've also lost some keyboarding skill (speed & accuracy), and can no longer sew or crochet.

Hi Freelee, I do not have too many problems with fine motor skills at this point. I do drop things on occasion and occasionally trip when walking.

Lexis, I hope you are doing well. You are an inspiration to all of us!

Best Wishes.

Hi Freelee. I am a bit like Trpt. I occasionly drop things and I trip. This I put down to the damage the inflammation has done in the past. I also have small joint arthritis, this goes along with having Anti Jo. It's all stable right now but when it's painful I do hand exercises and it helps. Exercise is loads better for pain I find than drugs. Autumm

Hi Freelee. I have had DM since January of last year and I have problems sometimes with fine motor movements. I drop dishes sometimes, drop a container of juice I am lifting from the fridge. I feel like calling out "clean up in isle 2" (haha) but there is no one to clean it up but me! I was trimming my little girl's nails the other day and kept dropping the nail.clippers. I had trouble writing long before I was diagnosed. I do find opening cans a little hard and seem to burn myself more often when cooking. I just feel thankful that I can cook. I have pins and needles in my left hand and two fingers mostly but doctor figures that it is from a past injury to my elbow. My rheumy said that these fine motor problems aren't a symptom of DM but it seems like a lot of us experience them. Best wishes to you.

It's interesting to read these comments and see that others have similar things happening.
lexisgirl how are they deciding if it's IBM or PM? My neurologists were debating this whe I was first diagnosed and prednisone did not help. My walking symptoms have not progressed very much and I can still walk by myself though my balance and bending strength is less. My first symptoms were legs but very quickly hands.