I was recently diagnosed with Polymyositis.
The neurologist that I had seen judged that it likely began several years ago and was most likely caused by chronic stress.
The way that it felt for me was that I was gradually getting weaker, starting with my left hand, then biceps and then my left leg.
I was starting to have real difficulty going up or down stairs.
I had gotten to the point where I had to take one step at a time.
Interestingly, I had no pain, but I had a limp.
People just assumed I had pain, so I had to correct them.
No pain, but the list of things that I could do was getting shorter all the time.
Polymyositis is defined as is an uncommon connective tissue disease.
It's a type of inflammatory myopathy, which is characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness.
The most noticeable characteristic of polymyositis is weakness of the skeletal muscles, which control movement.
Polymyositis can occur at any age, but it mostly affects adults sometime between their 30s and 50s.
It's more common in blacks than in whites, and women are affected more often than men are.
Polymyositis signs and symptoms usually develop gradually, over weeks or months.
Periods of remission in polymyositis, during which symptoms improve spontaneously, rarely occur.
However, treatment can improve your muscle strength and function.
Well, the doctor has put me on Prednisone, which is a steroid.
I have had relief within one day.
I can go up and down stairs, I can stand on my toes, and I can carry with both arms! There are some side effects though.
I am having difficulty sleeping, and a feel a little anxiety, and of course I am holding water.
But I feel good! I have to do this for a complete year, and based on early results, I am hopeful.