Meow...Hi Krissytin,

Sometimes you just gotta live moment to moment. 30 minutes ago, I felt pretty good. As I write this, I'm starting to feel like poo on a stick. I just try to roll with the punches.

Girlfriend, you must learn to support yourself when there's no one else around. Only you understand your DM, and other people can comfort you only so far. The best comfort comes from youself.

Briefly...I lean on Jesus Christ. I pray for others, but I also pray for myself. I don't yet know WHY I have been given PM (and Diabetes, and Fibro, and IBS...etc), but God helps me help myself live through it. He has been my Lord for 44 years in October.

Also, I vent when I need to. This group allows for venting, and the hugs I receive via this computer are just as golden as if the people were face to face with me. Some scoffers knock Internet friends, but the ones I have, are jewels. Each one. I don't need to know their real identities; Just knowing they care a bit about me and my troubles is good enough. I cherish each one. Welcome.

The hard times are the hardest. Cry if you want to...Scream if you need to...Smile when you can again.

Purr,
=^.,.^=

It's easy to get frustrated on many levels with myositis, Krissy. You are not alone. There are many people here to listen. Something to remember is that many with this disease feel alone when it comes to their family and friends. It's possibly due to the fact that our disorders and limitations are virtually unseen by others, i.e., we "don't look sick." Thus it's common for people around us to think we are fine, or that we are exaggerating, etc. So feel free to come here and vent when necessary. We have all done it. Best wishes to you for a better and healthier tomorrow.

Throwing my two cents. I am sorry you are hurting so bad. Call your doctor tomorrow and ask for something for the pain if it is bad. Second, I am a single Mom so I get little to no support from those around me. I think I've even complained here about the lack of support. I got a big dose of it again last weekend. I've learned that you just can't make people nurture us the way we wish they would. Your boyfriend might not understand what you are going through or perhaps he is having a tough time dealing with your scary health issues. When you see him again, let him know you need a little more support and tell him when you feel bad, you need to know he cares.

Hang in there. We are always here for you.

Hi Krissytin. I am sorry to read your post. I remember well how much my hands hurt at the beginning. I am concerned that you may not be on high enough dose of steriod as you wait for the MTX to kick in. What Meds are you taking and how long have you been taking them. I am sorry you are not getting support from those around you. Life is like that, people are selfish, not all people but some. We have to learn to be strong emotionally too and depend on yourself and no one else, there is less disappointment that way. The most important person right now is you and getting you well requires all the energy you have. You will get there, we are here for you. Autumm

Hi Krissylin, I am with you on this, I still have the same problem withmy hands(I was diagnosed early 2013 with DM), you say about your rash - has your Rheumy suggested Plaquenil? I take this for the rash which helped but took about 4 months to "kick in", also I'm on Prednisone and MTX (7th week). Trying to taper but unsuccessful at the moment. As lexixgirl suggested - can you see your Doctor about some pain relief? Paracetamol doesn't touch the sides for me but you may be able to have Tramadol? I have had so much help and support from this group - I too have vented several times as DM is so frustrating. Like most of us, I have really bad, miserable days but thank god we are all here and helping each other - don't feel alone - there is always someone here who will reply to you. Take care.

Hi Krissytin, Winston Churchill once said, "If you are going through hell, keep going." I agree with everyone here that we do not have any control over how others think or whether they even will give a needed encouragement. I am with Buttercup in that I also lean on Jesus Christ. I claim scriptures and I trust them too. I do think this disease helps me to develop a stronger faith and brings me closer to knowing my Lord well.

Like everyone here, I will feel well for a while, then without warning I will feel bad and it is the nature of the beast we call DM/PM.

Remember the bad feelings will pass. Hang in there!

Hi Krissylin,
I started showing clinically in March 2013 and was diagnosed Fall 2013 with DM. My hands got really bad when I FINALLY tapered off the Predisone in March 2014. So my rheumy started me on MTX. It's taken 2 mos but it might be starting to work. He won't treat the pain just the inflammation which is so frustrating because there are days when I just cannot do much. I am trying to keep my job as a software trainer while I deal with this.
It's not a good feeling when you are sick and in pain and even your doc is skeptical. I still have trouble with my hands.
All I can offer you is that my faith holds me up when my friends and family can't or won't. Sometimes I focus on just getting through the next x minutes. Find what works for you and go with it.
This group has been a source of inspiration and comfort for me. It's nice to have others who know what is "normal" and not for DM to share with.
I hope you find what keeps you strong.

Hi Opaldesert. I am concerned that you have tapered your steriods before you started MTX. Is it possible for you to have a second opinion. It seems really strange how your Meds are prescribed. I am not a doctor, can only write from experience but your hands should be clear before you finished your steriods and the MTX should have been started way before you tapered the steriods. What are your Ck levels, your CRP and your ESR doing. Autumm