Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group
Polymyositis (PM) is a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles (inflammatory myopathy) related to dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. The inflammation is predominantly of the endomysium in polymyositis, whereas dermatomyositis is characterized by primarily perimysial inflammation.
Hello everyone,
I have been feeling depressed for a while now, and started wondering if maybe the Imuran may be causing it. Have any of you experienced this? If so, what did you do for it? I know I've been feeling pretty bad, especially with the weather changes that spring brings. However, my spirits have been down too and that isn't like me. I see my rheumy next week, but I thought I'd ask the experts here first, lol.
One other thing I just thought of is I feel like doing anything is a huge deal, for example, just getting ready to go out somewhere takes at least 2 - 3 hours if I include a shower and put on makeup. It wears me out to just put on my mascara! I have to do each thing one thing at a time with a break in between.
Also, it feels like my muscles are kind of locking up on me, but not visually to anyone else, I just feel it inside. Does this make sense?
I want to thank everyone for taking time to read this and if you can, respond. If you have responded before, thank you very much! I have meant to thank you before and want you to know that I am very thankful, even if I don't say it at the time.
Hugs,
Sheri
I have been feeling depressed for a while now, and started wondering if maybe the Imuran may be causing it. Have any of you experienced this? If so, what did you do for it? I know I've been feeling pretty bad, especially with the weather changes that spring brings. However, my spirits have been down too and that isn't like me. I see my rheumy next week, but I thought I'd ask the experts here first, lol.
One other thing I just thought of is I feel like doing anything is a huge deal, for example, just getting ready to go out somewhere takes at least 2 - 3 hours if I include a shower and put on makeup. It wears me out to just put on my mascara! I have to do each thing one thing at a time with a break in between.
Also, it feels like my muscles are kind of locking up on me, but not visually to anyone else, I just feel it inside. Does this make sense?
I want to thank everyone for taking time to read this and if you can, respond. If you have responded before, thank you very much! I have meant to thank you before and want you to know that I am very thankful, even if I don't say it at the time.
Hugs,
Sheri
As far as getting ready, if I shower and do my hair and makeup like I used too, I was too tired to go anywhere and had to rest lots too. I changed my hairstyle so it is less maintenance and can air dry. I also simplified my makeup and just do mascara and some lip stick. It makes a huge difference. Sometimes, I also break it up so like I shower at night and then I have less to do in the morning before I have to leave in the morning. It is a way of life for me now. I call it spurting. You do something for a few minutes, then rest a few minutes. Then you can do more for a few minutes, then rest again. It takes lots of time but if you simplify your routine and break it up in managable pieces, it will help.
As far as muscle locking, I've had that too. It mostly seems to happen when I engage my muscles suddenly, like trying to go upstairs quickly (which is still pretty slow) or getting out of a car. I have to stop what I am doing and wait for my muscles to stop doing their thing. I try to not engage so quickly and that seems to help.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Many people go as far as taking anti-depressants. Don't be shy about it. This is tough to accept.
The only thing i'd add to that is this:
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, Of all the commandments, which is the most important?
The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:28-31
I am sorry you are feeling down. either med could be problematic, so do chat with your doctor and see what can be done.
Sending you strength and brightness, Shawna