Prednisone should work within a week. Mind you, you will not all of a sudden gain strength back but the damage will hopefully cease. Then you need to work to build strength again.

I know I haven't been able to pick up children since I first started having symptoms. That was about 6-8 years ago. My limit is about 10 lbs in that "cradle" position that you would hold a baby. I can do about 20-25 lbs hanging down for a short period of time.

My doctor (at first) told me to keep doing physical stuff because you can't hurt yourself but I have found that to not be true. If you overdo, you will find it will take time to recover.

I hope your Rheumy will be able to help you further and you are able to get back on your normal routine.

My neuro told me that it could take a few weeks before I would notice improvement from prednisone. But I was very fortunate, because I experienced results in the first few days. Of course, I was started on 100 mg., because I was almost bed-ridden--couldn't do anything for myself.

My understanding is that it's not good to overexert your muscles until the inflammation is greatly lessened. My neuro wouldn't permit me to do any type of exercise until he was sure I was stablized I'm glad you plan to talk to your rheumy about your situation, as he should be able to give you more info. Here's hoping you have a positive appointment with him.

Normally it takes a few weeks to work. Don't give up at anything right now until you see how you're doing after at least a month. Blessings, Kim

Angie, When I first started with DM it was interesting. The prednisone will kick in soon and you will have so much energy that you will be unable to sleep at night. Do NOT give up your job or make any rash decisions at this time. Give yourself a lot of time. You will experience a lot of new scary feelings in your body but these feelings will pass. You will regain stamina and be able to operate. Do not be afraid and keep in touch with your doctor. You will be fine and do not get discouraged. You will learn a lot of good things from this experience. Good luck

Since I have PM and not DM my pain is a little different. It is totally in my legs, mainly in my thighs. The Prednisone allows me to stand and walk even though very shaky, but it has not stopped my pain. I seem to have more pain over the past few days. I take Aleve and it helps some. Before the diagnoses and Prednisone I couldn't carry anything or bend down and pick up anything.

I was put on 60mg and it took about a week and a half before I started noticing changes. My arms are very weak, but I was able to now pull myself up to sitting position and stand up by pulling. My arms are still weak with picking things up though. I had trouble with an 8 pound dumbbell with one arm a few days ago. And I don't think I'll be doing my line of work to it's full extent anytime soon, with restraining animals and putting them up on tables. Work with the children's parents on ideas of how to get around picking them up for the time being or a reward system with the oldest if they can help you with things (provided their old enough).

Glad you're seeing your rheumy soon. He will possibly add other meds besides Prednisone. Some of them may lessen your need for long term Prednisone, which would be good. Wish you the best! Keep us posted.

Thanks for the information everyone. It is just such a scary time right now. I appreciate all you advice and support. I am seeing the rheumatologist on Wednesday and also have an appointment with a surgeon on Sept 12 for a consultation to have a muscle biopsy. So I do at least feel like my doctors are moving quickly which is good. The dermatologist who diagnosed me said I am an interesting case in that most of my blood work comes back ok BUT my skin biopsy and symptoms are definitely indicative of DM. He said he will be very interested in following my progress. I'm glad I can be of use to someone. :)

Oh...he also said my cutciles were a big clue for having DM as well. Who knew?? I am a bit concerned that my Prednisone could skew my muscle biopsy results. But I am only on 40 mg daily so maybe that is a low enough dose to not do that. I will have to ask about that as well. Wow, my list of questons for the rheumy is getting quite long! :)

I just had my muscle biopsy 2 weeks ago. The only concern my doctor had with the Prednisone was the slower healing time and being under for it. I'm still waiting on the results to see if they are a little screwy from the Pred, but that didn't seem to be a concern.