Polymyositis...flare-ups/remissions?? - Myositis Message Board

ASDGRMama · 04-04-2006, 02:36 PM

I know many autoimmune diseases follow a course of flare-ups and periodic remissions. Is it possible for PM to follow a similar path?

Thanks!

Kelly

ArleneBarr · 04-14-2006, 02:48 PM

I had polio 52 years ago and have used crutches since then. About 31 years ago I noticed myself getting weaker and was then diagnosed with Polymyositis. I was on prednisone for approx. 5 years and the PM disappeared. I have noticed myself getting weaker this past year and can no longer even climb 1 step. I was blaming Post Polio Syndrome but am now thinking that maybe the Polymyositis has returned. I was searching Polymyositis on the web when I discovered HealthBoards and found your question about flare-ups. I am very interested in any comments. Arlene

eskaz · 05-10-2006, 08:24 AM

I have had Polymyositis for a year and a half , when after Prednisone and Methotrexate therapy it appeared to be in remission . I still was on Methotrexate and taken off Prednisone. I was so happy thinking I was in remission, but after about two weeks I started having muscle pain and weakness again .
Not wanting to believe that it was back I went to get a CPK and it was elevated, the next week I was worse another CPK and it was even higher and the pain and weakness was relentless . After another week I was in so much pain worse than when my CPK was 1900 .
So I had to go back on Prednisone . The DR. said the disease was flaring up and was put back on 10mgs of Prednisone and the injectable form on Methotrexate at a higher dose . I took almost three months to start feeling better , but Methotrexate was making me sick for three days after the injections so now I am going to be put on Prednisone and Cellcept .