Sorry that you have PM, Jennifer, but glad that you finally have a diagnosis. It's easier to deal with "what is" rather than "what if." Best wishes to you for successful treatment and rapid remission.

Hi Jennifer. I am so pleased you have a diagnosis. You are still on very low dose of Meds to get on top of this. The MTX should help in about six weeks. Are you also on Vit d to protect your bones and joints from the steriod and something like Omerprazole to protect your tummy. I am no doctor Jennifer but I am still concerned about your drug dose and your starting to taper so soon. Most of us with PM start out on high dose of steriod, the MTX is added about a month in and the steriod taper begins when the CKs start to fall. Have you had a CT with contrast of your lungs and what autoantibodies do you have. If there are any lung issues with PM then MTX is the wrong drug for you and all this should be known before you start treatment. I hope you do well on these drugs Jennifer but if you don't see improvement and get the answers to the questions I have just given you then you must seek a second opinion about your treatment. How are you doing. Best wishes. Autumm

I understand using the term I am not a doctor, I used it with the 1st rumotoligist who wanted to send me to pain management saying my problem was bulging disk.
Actually his reasoning for the level of meds as they are is that my blood levels are not going really high. There were a few things off but they are all close to normal again. As well as having more atrophy in my muscle fibers than inflammation. He has no doubt b/w his findings, the nurolgist with the emg and the pathologist with te biopsy that it is PM. But he does say it's a bit unusual.
Actually did CT w/ contrast yesterday. Today got results. A mosaic perfusion of the lungs which can be related to small airway or small vessel disease. Said he is planning detailed lung function test.
I have always had bronchial issues. Bad and confusing enough to where my Doc put me on sigular a couple of yrs ago. Don't know if that means it could be the bronchitis or can the long term unexplained bronchitis be something else. ...
Also a small cyst on my right kidney. Common for me. All else was good. Thank God!
Did not know anything about the med I'm on and lung problem, will go read later. Yes I am on vitamins. And he prescribed folic acid too..

Thank you!!

Hi Jennifer, Do visit the Myositis Association. Read the posts and talk to patients in the inclusion body myositis forum as well as PM and DM. I have had DM for five years. I promise that you can learn so much from reading patient comments and the articles on the TMA site.

Best Wishes.

Hi Jennifer. Glad all going well. I too have had the lung function test, it's good it's being checked. I am sure your Rheumatologist will have your auto antibody panel results soon. I think they take a bit longer that the usual blood tests. Glad all going well for you. Best wishes. Autumm