Hi, Zhonny2, and welcome to this forum of nice people. I'm glad you found us, but sorry for the reason you're here. As for whether or not the muscle weakness ever goes away, each of us is different. However, I was nearly immobile from the jaw downward and close to death, but now lead a nearly normal life. It does take some time, but there is life after myositis. It's a matter of finding the right protocol for your case. Best wishes to you.

Hello Zonny2 and welcome. I am sorry you have DM. You are on the right track. It reads like you have a really good doctor who knows he/her stuff.,there is life after Myositis and the damage to the muscles is less if it's picked up early and treated by a doctor who knows this disease. As your CK levels drop start walking and walk a bit further each day until you are walking at least 10.000 steps a day, each step you take around your house will count. My Rheumatologist suggested I bought a small pedometer, I keep it in my pocket and it's very motivating, I want to move to watch the steps count up. It took me eight months to turn the corner and at least a year to feel normal but we are all different. 3 years from diagnosis I am doing everything I did before diagnosis, I no longer take Prednisolone which I tapered without flaring and my doctors are talking about reducing my Imuran early next year. Do ask your doctors what your auto antibodies are, these tell the disease pathway and what drugs work best for you. They also point to lung disease and other things and inform your doctors about the best work up for you. There is an international protocol which good Rheumatologists follow when their patient is diagnosed with PM/DM. Do make sure you are going to have all the right tests as per this protocol. Finally, try not to worry, time and the right Meds from the right doctor will get you there. We will help along the way, between us on here we have done it all and come out the other end. Best wishes. Autumm.

Hi Zhonny2, Welcome to the group. You will find DM is different for each person. It took me three months at the beginning of my DM before my muscles began to show some strength. Do not be afraid to ask friends and family for assistance during this beginning period or during flares. I needed assistance lifting grocery bags, getting dressed, driving, rolling out of bed, etc.. during my first few months of DM.

DM often overlaps with Scleroderma and/or Lupus. Here is a helpful website that may answer many questions: www.Sclero.Org

Another helpful site is The Myositis Association at www.myositis.org

You will learn over time how to adjust to your new normal. Do not be hard on yourself. I learned how to have much greater patience in many areas thanks to DM.

We have a nice group here. I hope you will visit often and we do share the pains! Best Wishes.

HI,
I Hope this reply is finding yall feeling well. I want to thank each of you for taking the time and responding to my question. Your stories have been very encouraging, and your advice is much appreciated. It is nice to be able to talk to other people that know what I am going through. It is even more of a blessing that yall are so nice and caring.
Thank you again and God Bless
Zhonny2