Hi Autumn, Great question about the weather effecting Myositis. I live in Texas which is usually hot. I notice in winter months that my arms & legs often feel like they are about to flare at times. I am a small framed person that gets easily cold. I think if I grew up in a cold weather state then my body would tolerate and not feel flare-ish during the cold. I grew up in Texas, so cooler weather does seem to be different for me. I do think I am more healthy than a lot of Myositis patients, but I work hard at diet, & exercise. I also feel bad at times when the weather is beautiful too. This is speculation, but I have wondered if abrupt weather changes of any kind might contribute to inflammation?

If a doctor cared to do some research, they could do a study to see if abrupt weather changes might contribute in some ways to inflammation in the body that triggers a flare.

Over the past five years that I have had DM, I have come to learn that keeping the liver in good shape is an important goal. Working with diet & exercise to keep inflammation down is important.

I am glad to hear you are feeling well. This DM/PM is so strange and unpredictable. You always have a positive attitude which goes a long way to contribute to well-being. I hope that you, and all of us will be able to continue forward with well managed health, and feeling well.

Best Wishes.

Hi Trpt. Good to have news of you. I am a tall person 5ft 10inches and I get flare type pain too but only when it's cold and damp which may be affecting the Arthritis bit of the Anti Jo antibody. Interesting ,you ask the question about weather and inflammation and research. The University of Manchester over here are doing such research at the moment. Thy are recruiting people with Arthritis and IPhones, the university provides the app and the person gives the data on a daily basis. I look forward with interest to the results as I have been able to tell the weather forecast by my knees for years. Best wishes. Autumm

Autumm,
I have been in remission for quite awhile now and am feeling so blessed. I've had only 2 flares and they were treated with cellcept and that seemed to work. I pray that everyone knows that remission can come at anytime, so never give up hope! That's what keeps us going!

Kim

@eddiesgal
It has been a long time since you've been on this site. It's great to hear that you are in remission. I trust that you remain in good health. Continued best wishes to you.

As you might recall, I was rediagnosed with IBM with some PM when I went to Johns Hopkins. She said she is only aware of one other woman who's myositis is acting like mine. I have a very slow decline and no moments of feeling "normal". That said, I felt like I had a pretty good summer. I was able to do more than I have in a long time which is really nice. Methotrexate is doing the trick to keep my CKs in normal range. I'm working out at the gym as I can. I even volunteered over the summer for the local kitten nursery. It was hard work but I could do most of it (except mopping and carrying cat litter up the stairs). As winter rolled into Salt Lake, I find I am struggling a little more. This is the first year I've noticed a huge difference based on seasons. I do know I get weak in super hot weather too. I'm also noticing the arm and finger tip weakness that is traditional with IBM. I'm trying to keep my muscles as much as I can for as long as I can.

Great to hear from you Kim. I'm so glad you (and everyone else) are doing well.

Hello all. It is wonderful to hear how you are all doing. It is strange how different the disease is for all of us but as we learn more about auto antibodies the difference is coming as no surprise. I am sure it gives a boost to the newly diagnosed to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I think about you all often. This has been a long journey you have all helped me with. Best wishes as always. Autumm