Jennifer. Please see my reply to this question you posted on the next post down under pained confused. Best wishes. Autumm

Hi autumn,

Yes, I went read again.. your reply of how you were in pain and the prednisone helped so quickly has given me much hope for a few days now. I even shared that information with family and friends, it made them feel a little at ease too.

The pain has intensified so rapidly! I was not expecting that. Actually planned the biopsy for Thursday thinking I would work M, TU & W ... well yesterday went in late and left early, today did not even make into the office.
I am wondering if the EMG perhaps inflamed are irritated the condition. The amount of pain I am in right now has intensified so much since last week. Did your pain intensified after you had the EMG for nerves and muscles done?..

Hi Jennifer. I was so very ill by the time I was diagnosed my Rheumatologist made his diagnosis from the high ck and other lab results. He started me on 60mgs of Prednisone without any other tests. He did send me for the EMG but felt it was going to be affected by the prednisone and I had a MRI of my legs where the inflammation was seen. I did not have the muscle biopsy as with all the other results bring so positive and I have Anti Jo which is a Myositis specific antibody, the diagnosis was made. Prednisone will affect the muscle biopsy and can give false results so it's best for you to have all your tests now. Like you I was in lots of pain at diagnosis, not all of us have pain. I also had normal lab work until one day that lab work went crazy and here I am. I could not find anything to take the pain away until the Prednisone. Try to rest now until your biopsy and I do so hope they get you started on treatment soon. Ask anything you want, we are pleased to help. Autumm

Thanks autumn! You give me some hope, though I realize this differs from person to person, it still gives me hope that the meds will help. So glad it worked for you. I will let you know how it all goes

Hi JenniferN, Autumn went over a lot of things well. I think once the muscle biopsy, autoantibody, and diagnosis are confirmed then you will get to begin the medications. It does take a while before the medications kick-in. It took me three months before I had some strength return. The beginning of DM/PM can be scary, but things do improve over time. Do get some help with activities while you are weak. Eventually some physical therapy might be helpful to build strength.

My neurologist checked me for Myasthenia Gravis which is nerve issues in addition to the DM. I do not have MG. You might consider asking the neurologist to look into MG if the pains are still intense over time. It might take several months for the many issues to resolve. We all do sympathize since the beginning of DM/PM is difficult.

Stay hopeful. Things will get better but it does take some time. Keep us posted. Best Wishes.

Hi Jennifer, I was very sore for 2-3 days after my EMG. It was like my 'normal' pain, but 10 times more intense. My dr gave me muscle relaxers and pain medication to get me through it.

I have a doctor appointment tomorrow to start my meds. Hope your meds will help you feel better quickly.

Biopsy tomm and treatment starts friday! Praying for a miracle!! Want to go back to work Monday feeling good & walking normal!
Thanks everybody

Jennifer. The Prednisone should take the pain away but feeling good may take a little longer. Are you working full time or can you have time off sick until you start to feel better. Autumm

I pray it helps. I can really do nothing.

Usually I am hot, keep A/C on cold, but now I'm sitting with 2 thicker blankets and heating pad on my legs, the warmth makes them feel better.it is so bad I hate having to sit and get back up, not to sound crazy or too personal but I am actually standing to pee on the toliet, so much less pain than to sit and get back up!

My job is considered full time but actually only working 35 to 30 hours a week. I work in the oilfield so my hours have been cut tremendously, use to work 55 + hours a week. They are being very understanding at this point and time.

When any of you started on predisone did it cause you any hair loss?

Jennifer, prednisone didn't cause me hair loss, but it really changed the texture of my hair--a lot. And it made my hair super dry. The beautician worked with me on how to handle the new head of hair that I inherited. LOL

Hi Jennifer. No hair loss with the Prednisone or the Imuran. Some people report hair loss on Imuran and MTX but not very many. Best wishes. Autumm