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I was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis. I tried doing a full time sedentary job and went into a set back the first week. I had to leave the job. At this time, I did not understand why I could not handle the job. Now, thanks to you and other sources, I comprehend that stress played a major role. Thank you for sharing this information on stress and its effects on autoimmune. As for my coping skills, I turn to my faith. God gives me peace as I take one day at time along with acceptance of this disease (something that was difficult for me at the beginning). I look forward to reading more of the MSU site.
Has anyone used Wellbutrin to manage the associated depression that can accompany the ups and downs of Dermatomyositis?
I was recently diagnosed with polymyositis and im learning to cope with it althought at times it is very hard. Im on prednisone 60 mg. I find it hard to get around without the use of a walker, I am always scared of falling which I have several times and causes me to lose my confidence.
HI Karen and thank you for joining us! So sorry you have to go through all of this mess.
I know, once I got down to 20 mg, my doctor started first by decreasing by 5mg’s until I got down to 10 and then did 1mg at a time to prevent any adrenal issues or cushings.
Be sure to check out our Facebook Support Group: Polymyowhat: Understanding Myositis. It is a great group of over 120 people just like us!
Thank you for being out there. I was diagnosed in June, 2013 with Polymyositis. Although I never had the biopsy that the doctor ordered. I did not need to have any other expensive test to give me a diagnosis, I had every symptom. The treatment would be identical whether or not I had the biopsy, so I have not done it. I wanted to treat the disease with diet. The rhuemotlogist told me that would not work. You fill me with hope! I am doing the Paleo diet, and am on 50 mg of Predsisone daily. I plan on tapering off slowly. Do you know of a safe taper schedule below 20 mg?
Thanks for sharing your story, so others do not feel so alone.
Karen Brown