Out of the clear blue, in November he began to feel under the weather. His periodic blood test revealed that his CPK level was 3800 - higher than ever before. We were not expecting a flair up because we thought the IVG treatments were stabalizing his condition.

Guy is now on 40 mg prednasone, 50 mg azathioprine (generic imuran), and taking IVG treatments every other week. To date the CPK has not dropped, but we have been told that it will take time.

So why am I writing all of this? I guess it is because I do not know what to expect next. I realize that intensity and progress of the disease differs from person to person. However, I wonder if anyone else has experienced such a severe flair up and can share that experience and it's outcome with me.

Sorry to hear of your husbands flare up of DM. I was diagonised with DM. Even though I was still on medication for pain and neuropathy, and still had soreness I had been in remission for two and a half years. This past July I had quite a flare up of skin rashes and am still battling these rashes on my scalp, behind my ears, on my arms, chest, shoulders and back. After having blood work, another skin biopsy to again confirm it was Dm, and others tests, my Rheumatologist told me last Thursday that it appears only the rash part of the DM has reoccurred. I am to have an enlarged lymph node removed in my neck on Januray 22 to make sure it is not cancerous. It seems there is always some doctor to go to or some test to have done, but thank God for them!

I have not felt GOOD since before I was diagnosed, but have gotten most of my strength back. Some days are better than others, but I just thank God for what HAS NOT happened to me and praise Him for the strength I do have. I do get depressed at times and have to remind myself of all the good. It is VERY FRUSTRATING to not be able to do the things you have previously been able to do, and I really would like to feel good again. It is important that you give your husband your support. I was told by my Rheumy who was on a research team for Dm that stress will make DM worse.

I will be praying for YOUR HUSBAND, YOU and YOUR FAMILY.
GOD has been my strength to get me through this thus far.

i've been reading this board and the MAA board since i finally got on line a year ago august..from all i've read, although initially difficult, many folks with pm or dm respond well to medication and although they may never be totally cured they lead happy and useful and active lives..

one part of the battle seems to be finding the right combo of meds to get things under control...it sounds as if you are knowlegeable and are seeking good medical advice..and that's a big plus as it seems many with myositis have difficulty finding doctors who know enough about it to treat it successfully...

i guess the best thing is encourage him to do what he can when he's up to it and to rest and scale back when he's not feeling so well...your loving support will be helpful to him, but it is also important that you do things for you too...

I can only say: Support your husband, try to understand that this disease is very unpredictable. One minute you are fine (slightly) and the next thing you know - your out of commission (sort've). I tend to go through some depression, but I slap myself silly and tell myself that it could be worse and there is more in this life- we can help one another somehow.

I am on quite a few medications (about 17). I used to be very active,until 1999. I used to run 10K's, teach aerobics, play racketball etc..... But I have come to realize that: God does have a plan for us all - we just don't understand it, nor should we question it.

Good Luck - I hope to hear from you. Vicstev@aol.com if you wish to correspond.

BEST WISHES AND I WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

YOUR DM FRIEND

HAPPY HOLDAYS.

YOUR DM BUDDY