Lynn and

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn,

Glad you checked in becuase I've been looking at me email to see if

you had:) This is funny- I WAS going to say the doc would probably

tell you you had RA, gut instinct, but I kept my mouth shut. There IS

treatment for RA- in fact, it must be treated, but it's usually the

same treatments as with PM and DM. But the good news is antibiotic

therapy IS used for RA (more and more, bit by bit). Did you know RA

can cause weaknes and fatigue and oh the pain, and it is a systemic

disease not just limited to your hands? I'm sure you do, especially

if you visit the rheumatic.org site as I do. What I am thrilled about

for you is the obvious care and concern of your GP. She's a gem. You

could try a combo of minocine or doxy and Prednisone, but I'm not

sure what does Prednisone. When I had PM, I was put on either 80 or

100mg/day. Either way, a lot! I wouldnt go THAT high and 60 seems to

be the usual starting dose, but if she says yo ucan go lower, heck, I

guess I would.It certainly should give you some relief and that would

enable the minocin (if you ever get it) to work as it's supposed to.

Please don't wait any longer- you DO need medication now.

, I don't have any answers to your dilemma, but I feel so

bad for you. You've had some good input, now if only you get the

doctors to hear you fully. Remember too, that there can be a fair lag

between blood tests normalizing and how your body feels. Keep us

posted and my thoughts are with you.