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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Buttercup-Kitty 11/21/2014

Meow,

I just finished a month's worth of Rituxan. One bag every Thursday, for a total of 4. The first series was in the beginning of this year, and really brought down my CPK. From over 1000 to around 250..

I also got 1000mg liquid Prednisone with the first bag, then 100mg with each of the other three.

Don't know what will happen. I do feel stronger, but shill must be careful walking and need my walker for sitting & in crowds. At home, I'm okay w/o the walker. And getting out of bed in a bit easier.

Planning to have a complete Blood test in December with the all important CPK. My last one was 898. Hoping for a dramatic decrease to around 150.

Got good results from the 1st series. Looks like more Rituxan is in my future.

IVIG only brought the CPK down 100 points. Doc feels it didn't work like the Rituxan, and I don't have any bad side effects with R. Just was sleepy, but probably due to the Benadryl b/4 the R.

Purr.
BK

autumm 11/22/2014

Hi Buttercup. It's good to hear your news. Your CK level is not bad at all. I do so hope you move forward now and regain more strength. Are you planning an exercise programme to help your strength. It helped me a lot. It takes a bit of time but it's worth it in the end. I have more strength and my knees are stronger, I also don't have that horrible nagging pain which kept me awake at night and always taking tablets for pain. It's a long road Buttercup but hopefully we get there in the end. Best wishes. Autumm

trpt1 11/22/2014

Hi Buttercup, It sounds like the Rituxan is working well to bring down your CPK. The med sounds like a good match. Hopefully you get stronger soon.

Keep us posted. Best Wishes.

nanny1611 11/22/2014

Thanks for posting such a positive report, Buttercup. My prayer for you is that the second round of Rituxan will be even more successful.

deleted_user 12/09/2014

I'm so glad you're seeing such good results with Rituxan. That makes me hopeful. I had one round of Rituxan (one infusion and a second 15 days later) It's been 2 months. I'm seeing small improvements, but my doctor said it can take some time to see results. His hope is that I'll just take a round of 2 infusions every 6 months.

I hope you keep getting stronger and better!

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