I have PM and when I have an flare up I do have weakness in my hands and fingers. But I also get weakness all over. So do you have weakness in other areas?

Yes all over from the jaw down. In the back as well

Yes, my fingers and hands were weak. At my worst, I couldn't unlock a door with a key, turn a door knob, drive a car, comb my hair, brush my teeth, etc. Today I'm nearly normal, but not quite. My wrists are almost frozen straight, with little or no flexion. My digital dexterity has noticeably declined (e.g., my typing speed has slowed and accuracy took a hit). Opening jars is still somewhat of a problem, so I use different appliances to help, or I get someone to open the jars for me. But I'm so much better than I was at this time in 2008. Once you get the right treatment, there is life after myositis. Best wishes to you.

Hi Trevor. Yes. Could not get the cap off the toothpaste and had big sausage like painful fingers. It went fairly quickly with the prednisone. I was on 60 mgs daily. Keep an eye on everything and see you doc if things don't improve soon, your prednisone dose is not very high and it could take a while yet for the Cellceot to kick in. When do you next see the doc and how are your lab work doing. Best wishes, Autumm

Hi my hands are not swelling just getting weak each day. My blood work isn't that bad a little high on the ck of 400. WBC is at 15 but doc says because of prednisone. Nothing has improve only gotten worse especially hands fingers and arms. I m looking at getting a new Specalist as they are associated with a neuromuscular clinic
I hope something proves
Trevor

Hi Trevor49, This DM/PM is unfortunately not a situation where you can take a pill and see results right away. This disease is slow progress and can be quite frustrating. You will find when one thing improves then a totally new issue will show up. I had to learn a lot of patience with this disease. Do not be afraid to ask people for assistance when you need it too.

I hope you will like the new specialist. I find that it is important to have a rheumatologist who is good at adjusting medication dosage amounts. I feel much better when the meds are adjusted correctly either up or down as needed.

Once you get adjusted to your medications, then over time you will see improvement with your weaknesses. It took me three months at the beginning of my DM before I saw any improvements. Each person is different is how fast or well the medications work for them. You will feel like two steps forward and one step back at times. Be encouraged that things will get better, it just takes time.

Keep us posted. Best Wishes.

Hi Trevor. Glad you are getting a second opinion. It all does take time but you must keep an eye on it and if things like the swallowing get worse you know to seek medical help straight away. I don't know how you do that in America but here we would go to the emergency department. Best wishes. Autummm

I'm actually from Canada

I'm actually from Canada
I've been taking prednidone and cellcrpt for just over two weeks and now I can't literally move a muscle hard typing this . Those pills are doing a number on y stomach especially the cellcept

Hi Trevor. My Rheumatologist put me on Omerpragole 20 mgs daily to protect my stomach from the steroids and the Imuran. I am sure if you talk to your local Pharmacist he/she can give you something like Zantac which won't interfere with your drugs. He also put me on Vitamin D with calcium daily and alendronic acid weekly to rote the my bones from the steroid. When I finished the steroid taper he did a de a scan and I could stop all but the Vit D. I know the Cellcept takes a long time to work but I would expect you to be making some kind of headway on the steroid by now not getting worse. You are on half the dose of steroid I was taking. When do you next see your doctor. Best wishes. Autumm

Hi Trevor,
Sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time. I had (and still have at times) pain and weakness in my hands and fingers. I would drop things I would lift out of the fridge, drop plates and glasses and I couldn't lift the lightest faceloth to fold it. My fingers are still swollen at times. I hope the meds start working for you and that you start to improve.