So sorry to hear of your current difficulties, Amber, and I hope you get back on your feet again soon. My neuro told me that trauma, stress, sickness, disease, and surgery could cause PM/DM to flare. Your fall was a trauma to your body, so it's not surprising that you're stressed and going into a flare. A year after my PM diagnosis, I was finally stabilized, and then I broke my leg at the knee, which required surgery. It was very discouraging, because I went into a flare and had to double my dose of prednisone. On top of that, I had to stay off my feet for 6 months. It was a stressful time. But I did make it through and got stabilized again, and you will too. Best wishes to you, Amber. And keep us updated on your progress. You will make it through.

I'm feeling for you Amber, so sorry to hear that you're having a rough time. I've had to up my prednisone this week as I'm feeling quite unwell too. Hopefully upping the MTX will work for you, I've known a lot of people that the shots work better for...maybe worth a try? I gave myself shots with Cimzia and Enbrel, it was pretty easy after I got use to it...and I HATE needles. Can't say much to make you feel better probably but know that we are here, all going through the yuckies with you. Im hoping for a better tomorrow for you...I will be thinking of you.

Hi Amberhere, Sorry to hear about the flare. I used to take 4 MTX tablets at breakfast then 4 at dinner. Breaking up the dosage over the day really helped me to tolerate the medicine better. Do try the hash browns that Lexis mentions cause that does help too. I would take my high dose folic acid the next day.

I know that everyone here feels for you. It is like two steps forward and one step back sometimes. Flares are so inconvenient. I hope this flare will pass soon and you will be able to move forward. Keep us posted.

Amber, I am sorry to read your post. I know how hard you have worked to get your remission. A flare or two would be par for the course for all of us before the disease burns itself out. Please , please try not to let it get you down, you cannot change it, just go with it, it will not take as long to get on top of the flare as it did the initial illness. Thoughts and prayers are with you and sending you loads of positive energy too. Do not be frightened, this too will pass. Here if you need anything. Best wishes. Autumm

Hi Amber,
I'm so sorry that you are going through this flare up. I know you worked so hard taping prednisone. I know it's hard to feel positive right now but try to think that this is just a temporary step backwards. I will say a prayer for you to feel better. ((Hug))

Hello everyone, many thanks for your kind replies - thank goodness for this group of lovely people! It has cheered me up a lot. I think it is the initial shock of being told you are having a flare and the Rheumy is so matter of fact about it and there doesnt seem to be much sympathy from them. It seems a lonely condition and one that only someone else can have to really appreciate what the other person is going through. I am still hitting the wall with relations and friends who seem to "forget" what I have. But the question is would I want to keep reminding them? For me I keep quiet about it and cross fingers and everything in the hopes the remission will be soon again. Best wishes, thanks for the hugs, Autumm I have read the email and thank you, its good to know that someone in the UK is there as well.

Amber. It is good to know that you are feeling better about all this. It will pass this time too and hopefully forever. I know what you mean about friends and family, we look so well nobody imagines we are ill, we are probably just complaining about a little rash !!!! If only. My poor husband has broken his leg, everyone is making such a fuss because they can see what's wrong. We just grin and bear it. Let us know how you are doing. Best wishes. Autumm

Amber, You are so correct about people thinking that we are "fine." I just make it clear that I can not make firm commitments. My church wanted me to sing in the choir. I would love to sing in the choir, but I can not commit to attending since I might feel really bad without warning. This disease is unpredictable. One day I am fine. The next day I am weak, tired, with no stamina. Trust me, we all relate to you.

I hope you will move through the flare quickly. Stay rested. Keep us posted.

have you ever considered an IVIG treatment regiment. It seems too work for my wife who has tried it all.