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.

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Muscles & Bones
/ Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis Support Group

Second opinion

amberhere
amberhere
Hi all, has anyone gone for a second opinion on DM? If so what was the outcome? I am considering this as I am not entirely happy after a year that things are going as well as I thought they would with the meds. I still have swollen fingers and pain in both wrists and arms but apart from that I don't feel too bad.
angelamichelle
angelamichelle
My doc is sending me to the cleveland clinic for a second opinion on treatment / no treatment :)
I go next week so I'll let you go. I do know things take a long time and my hands feel swelled up too but I know I have only about 1/2
Of the recovery done that I need. If you are not happy don't hesitate to get a second opinion Hun. It's your body and your life .
I say you talk to a diff doc :)
trpt1
trpt1
Hi Amberhere, a second opinion is always fine. Be prepared that the second opinion might agree with the first opinion too. I went to see another rheumy so that I would not need to drive a long distance. The second rheumy was a good doctor, but he charged $88 per office visit. My first rheumy charged $11 per office visit. My second rheumy also ran a surprise $600 in blood work without informing me first that there would be a high cost. I was grateful for some new information that I also had a Scleroderma overlap. I was NOT happy about the bill for $600. I am now back with my first rheumy and I drive a longer distance. My first rheumy just has better communication skills and does not run unnecessary tests. The second rheumy just kept running up large bills and unnecessary test over time.

You are concerned about things not going well with the meds. I totally understand how you feel. It is important that the doctor is able to read bloodwork correctly, and adjust the dosages of your meds. The goal is to try and feel well as possible on a daily basis in my opinion. If something is swollen then you need an explanation of why you are swollen. I had BIG swelling in arms & hands when I first got DM. The Prednisone brought the big swells down. My rheumy explained that the swells would go down, and she was correct.

Swollen does have a meaning. Pain has a meaning too. There is nothing wrong with a second opinion and that will probably be very helpful too. Keep us posted!
autumm
autumm
Hi Amber. It never hurts and its your right, ask your GP to arrange it. It might be really useful. Best wishes. Autumm