I have posted on this forum a few times. I check it every day but often don't think I have anything to say. Well, today I am asking for some sympathy.

I have been diagnosed with MS for at least 15 years. My symptoms have been mild with only 1 or 2 real flairs. I considered myself lucky. Lately my CPK levels from my blood tests have been high. My neuro was very concerned but I figured it was no big deal. Then, I began having stiffness and pain in the muscles of my thighs, arms and back. I knew it was not MS but did not know what to think. I decided it was just old age and started taking motrin. Well, the motrin did not agree with my stomach so I went to my PCP and asked for something for pain. Her response was, "let's find out why you are in pain first." She ordered a muscle biopsy - not fun - and I am now diagnosed with polymyositis.

What is this? you may ask. It is a rare, autoimmune disease causing muscle inflammation and weakness. Like I need something else! My mother always tells me how proud she is of me because I do not complain and just get on with my life despite MS. I have decided I am not going to be the same this time. I am complaining. I am whining. I am mad!

The treatment for the myositis is low dose steroids so I am now on a prednisone taper to find the right dose. I feel less pain and stiffness already. I am hoping that the steroids also help the MS so there is some benefit of having two whammies. I hope next time some muscle impacting illness comes along it decides to miss me.