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.
Hi all, well it's been just over a year and a half since I was diagnosed with DM. I feel not much further than I was a year ago. Admittedly the pain is better and I have improved but it is so frustrating - still on the damn steroids still can't taper from 8mg, and on MTX and Plaquenil. I realise that probably I will have to be on MTX for a long time but things seem to be dragging a lot as feel that I have been "left". My yearly appointment with Rheumy is soon and I expect he will have to put up the MTX to get off the annoying steroid. Well, that's my rant over for now.
I recently had bloodwork done and my lymphocytes are down to 0.70 which they have been since March this year. Does anyone have any suggestion as to how to get this count up? Is it the MTX that affects it or is there something you can eat or medication you can take to try to make this count go up? How low can the count go before there is a problem? Also my ESR is 35 which I am given to understand is really high?
I recently had bloodwork done and my lymphocytes are down to 0.70 which they have been since March this year. Does anyone have any suggestion as to how to get this count up? Is it the MTX that affects it or is there something you can eat or medication you can take to try to make this count go up? How low can the count go before there is a problem? Also my ESR is 35 which I am given to understand is really high?
you have to remember its worth it and it will take time.
im very glad that you feel better overall :) im sending you lots of good thought for you and your upcoming appt :)
Low lymphs and high neutrophils are common with DM. My lymphs go between 7% and 11%. My neutrophils are currently at 81%. The reason why we take the DMARDs are to keep things under control to not affect organs and muscles.
In my four years with DM and overlapping Scleroderma, I have noticed many blood work scores begin to go higher and some scores go lower. I have also noticed that the doctor is beginning to add some new blood work tests like Platelet counts, Lactic Acid Plasma, glucose (diabetes checks); eGFR scores, BUN/creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, A/G ratio, chloride (Kidney checks) etc... You will also notice new additions to what gets checked on your blood work over time too.
I do know the answers to your questions, but they are best answered by your doctor. I found that knowing my autoantibodies has helped me know what to expect down the road.
A good diet like the Joel Fuhrman Super Immunity diet has helped me fight this disease. I am feeling fairly well. Juicing low sugar drinks is also helpful too. I also try to exercise by riding a stationery bike or walking which has helped a lot too.
I think if you ask the doctor your questions then you will have more control and confidence. Try to relax.
I hope this helps.