Hello

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My name is Dana and I was diagnosed with Polymyositis almost 6 months ago.

Like most of you, I am sure, I have been through the ringer of treatments.

Everything from prednisone, methotrexate, Imuran, IvIg, and now Enbrel

injections.

It all started in the fall when I was having difficulty going upstairs and by

the time I got to a rheumatologist, my CPK was over 10,000. Since being

diagnosed I have been transplanted from Virginia to Florida for treatment.

It's been a frustrating Spring and I think that I am finally on the mend with

my CPK now at 663 (it remained at about 1200 for 3 months with the

accompanied severe weakness of course),

I had just started my life as a veterinarian and then within 5 months I was

diagnosed. I have been fired because I was unable to guarantee when I would

be able to return to work and I am now living with my parents. Like all of

you, I am hopeful that the current treatment will take but if not the next

step is cyclosporin for me.

As of 1 week ago, I am able to struggle to get out of a chair and car which

is very encouraging.

A few questions...

Does anyone have any good exercises that I can do? I am currently working

out in a pool and creating a group of exercises, but would like to know of

some good non-water things.

I have a walker but it gets in the way(i.e. I trip because I have always been

a bit of a clutz as my family says), I am considering a cane (three legged),

but other than a beacon for others so they know not to bump into me, I am not

sure of its efficacy. Any suggestions?

Does anyone else who is on Methotrexate get completely punked out when they

take it?

I look forward to hearing from anyone and I hope that I haven't bored anyone

to much.

Dana