So..A diagnosis I can live with...or not (med question)

[MacroGuru]

So I have been having some muscular issues of late and the dr's have been running tests and such.

They have been scratching their heads and what not, and finally one of the dr's put me on a steroid pack to test something out. Basically, if the pack would help the condition then we know it is limiting to an arthlagia auto immune disorder.

Well, the pack helped, a lot. Based upon the bloodwork, the symptomolgy and how the pack helped they are looking at polymyositis. However, it can't be officially diagnosed this until I have had a muscle biopsy.

All 3 dr's at out dr's office believe this is it.

So my question is, has anyone known anyone with this condition? If so, how have they handled it?

I have been reading on it all day, just looking into things, and the only thing I notice is, if not treated properly, it can have the potential to be fatal, but I am now on medication for it. With an appointment with a rheumatologist schedule for when I get back from my tour (They can't get me in before I leave out on the 22nd).

[Cringer]

I guess it's good to pretty much know what it is, so I am happy for you there. You know my wife's problem (RA), and not knowing what that was sucked when symptoms started showing up.

Best of luck with treatment. I can't really give you any info on it, but I know RA and PM cross paths so to say, in the symptoms area a little bit.

And now.....you know I have to be a smartass. I have found a secret to use against you.
Race: PM and DM are more common among blacks. Estimated black to white incidence for PM is 5:1 and for DM is 3:1.

Sex: Both PM and DM are more common in females with an approximate 2:1 ratio.

You're actually a black woman aren't you? :D

[MacroGuru]

I guess it's good to pretty much know what it is, so I am happy for you there. You know my wife's problem (RA), and not knowing what that was sucked when symptoms started showing up.

Best of luck with treatment. I can't really give you any info on it, but I know RA and PM cross paths so to say, in the symptoms area a little bit.

And now.....you know I have to be a smartass. I have found a secret to use against you.


You're actually a black woman aren't you? :D

You found me out!! :p

Yeah, the only problem is the steroids they have me on. I am not to keen on taking them, but they helped out big time.

[Cringer]

You found me out!! :p

Yeah, the only problem is the steroids they have me on. I am not to keen on taking them, but they helped out big time.

Yeah I can understand that. My wife had to fight with herself (and brought me into it of course) about taking prescription meds or not. Different scenario, but I understand.

IS the stuff you have cortisone steroids? My wife said you would have to watch your liver (she reads to much medical stuff for her own good sometimes). Hope you don't have to stop drinking. :(

[MacroGuru]

I am basically placing myself onto a diabetic diet from now on, with limited alcohol intake, the only good thing is the dr wants me to take them only at the onset of symptoms, one dose should keep me good for at least 2 to 3 weeks so I am hoping it stays that way.

It is predizone (sp?) as I haven't picked my prescription up, I couldn't tell you the proper spelling and side effects and such...however, he did say, if I wasn't healthy I will gain weight, so it looks like a lot of running and working out whenever I can out on tour.

[Cringer]

I am basically placing myself onto a diabetic diet from now on, with limited alcohol intake, the only good thing is the dr wants me to take them only at the onset of symptoms, one dose should keep me good for at least 2 to 3 weeks so I am hoping it stays that way.

It is predizone (sp?) as I haven't picked my prescription up, I couldn't tell you the proper spelling and side effects and such...however, he did say, if I wasn't healthy I will gain weight, so it looks like a lot of running and working out whenever I can out on tour.

You can watch me drink from now on. Everyone enjoys that anyways from what I hear.

Yeah, the weight thing I heard too. Your next DQ Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Blizzard is on me, but it's a small.

You'll be fine though, and that is nice that it's not an every day prescription.

Speaking of, don't drop your insurance anytime soon. We haven't been able to get any still. I am going to have to bite the bullet and take the company coverage so my wife can be covered. Denial #2 came the other day. My wife rarely sees the doctor, but the 'risk' is too great for them I guess.