A Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis story

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It took almost a year before we found out what was wrong. My symptoms started first in my legs. They became so weak I could not stand or walk. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I spent 16. days in the hospital going through physical therapy. I was feeling a little better then I started having trouble breathing. Now that was a hard one to diagnose. First I was treated for pneumonia and that didn't help so then they thought maybe I had asthma and was treated for that, again nothing helped. Then diagnosed with COPD and again no medicine was helping. Finally after several tests, scans, mri's and X-rays I finally was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease. I found an amazing Lung doctor who has been helping me to to get that stabilized. I was however diagnosed April of 2011 with Polymyositis. I have been on prednisone but a year ago was able to get off it completely and I am also on several other medications. I feel fortunate to have an amazing support system. I have my amazing husband, our kids and my parents who have all stepped up to help when it is needed. For the last 6-9 months I feel pretty darn good but still have chronic fatigue.