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.
I saw my rheumy on Monday and had not been feeling well for over a week. I had been decreasing my prednisone and was down to 5 mg a day prior to the appointment. My muscle weakness and pain were tolerable but fatigue and not feeling well was difficult. He increased my methotrexate and prednisone back to 10 mg and stopped my cellcept completely. I am feeling so much better this week. I woke up today feeling normal ( knock and wood ) and hope that it continues. I think the cellcept was making me sick. So right now, I am on an UP but you never know what tomorrow brings.
nanny1611
Congratulations, mccourtjs. Glad to hear that you are feeling so much better. As you said, we never know what tomorrow will bring. But be sure to enjoy today while you're feeling so good. I'm glad for you. Best wishes for an even better tomorrow.
lexisgirl
I'm so happy to hear you are doing better. I think our meds need close monitoring to find the right mix and keep the right mix. I always wonder what tomorrow will bring. It has made me fairly spontaneous because I work hard to get everything done I can when I feel good because I might not feel good tomorrow. Luckily, I've been pretty steady lately.
autumm
Hi Mccourtis. Glad you are feeling better. It takes time to get the right 'mix' of Meds to suppress the inflammation. I found it difficult at first when tapering,is it a flare or just withdrawal from the Prednisolone. I can tell the difference now but scary before you have that experience. Your doctor hit it all very quickly which is good news. Let us know how you are doing. Autumm
trpt1
Hi mccourtjs. It is good news that you are doing better! These meds are hard on the body, but necessary to slow the disease. I have found that my meds changed over time. This disease is a constant adjustment in many ways. I guess the main thing is try to avoid those flares if possible. Stay positive!
mccourtjs
I have had a week of feeling good. I think the cellcept was the problem. I look back and feel that I could have gone to work which is the first time in months. I am cautiously optimistic. I will begin decreasing my prenisone again this week from 10 mg to 7.5 mg daily. I also have been using clobetasol shampoo for my head which has been helping. Please keep me in your prayers as I start my taper. My goal is to go back to work at the end of January. Financially I need this to happen.
autumm
Hi Mccourtjs. I will be thinking of you as you begin your taper. It's not easy at times but 'push through' it if you can. Come here and ask for help and advice anytime. You will be ok. You will get there. Best wishes. Autumm
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