Myositis Canada

Infographics are used as a powerful tool to allow people to easily digest information through the use of visual data, charts, and statistics. Be sure to share THE BASICS OF MYOSITIS to help create awareness during our 2021 Myositis Awareness Month!

Physicians Perspective - Dr. Lisa Christopher Stine

I was there to see Gael accomplish her goal of one million steps for myositis - WELL DONE!

Gael’s so close to reaching her goal! At the beginning I pledged a $1000 donation to Myositis Canada, so tomorrow I will be happily giving my cheque to Gael. I think this is a major accomplishment. Way to go!

TMA is happy and excited to partner with other valued myositis focused organizations in celebrating 2021 Myositis Awareness Month! Part of our own organizational "call to action" is centered around COLLABORATION. #MyositisAwarenessMonth #ACallToAction

Cool muscle-protein research success in a laboratory in Australia! zebra fish may hold the key to treating muscle diseases and injuries. https://www.smh.com.au//zebra-fish-research-may-reveal-tre #Myositis #TMA #TuesdayTips

She’s almost made it! I hope to be there to celebrate!

I’m delighted to have a guest post by Cherisse who shares her journey with dermatomyositis. My name is Cherisse, and I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, or DM..., in March 2018. I knew nothing about this disease prior to my diagnosis. I began experiencing symptoms in August 2017, my fingers would be numb and change colour, but I ignored it. At the beginning of 2018, I had lost weight, developed rashes on my knuckles and my fingers would become stiff. I had difficulty opening bottles and turning doorknobs. The first doctor I saw recommended changing my eating and drinking habits and to return within a month if it had not gone away. My symptoms got progressively worse. I could not lift my hands above my head, lift my groceries, climb stairs, or dress without difficulties. My mobility was very limited. One day while getting dressed, I toppled to the floor. I tried getting up, but could not, my arms could not push me up. It was the scariest experience ever. I remember just screaming out wondering what was happening to my body. I dragged myself until I was able to find support and pull myself up. I visited another doctor, who after reviewing my blood work forwarded my results to a Rheumatologist. She advised that I should go the ER immediately. I was admitted, blood lab results indicated I had high levels of the muscle enzyme, creatine kinase (28,000 U/L) but the normal range is approximately 34-190 U/L. My muscles were breaking down severely. After several tests and a muscle biopsy, dermatomyositis was confirmed. Living with DM has been challenging and a roller coaster ride. There is no one size fits all for symptoms and treatment. Each person responds differently to the medication available, and you must find the right one that works for you. The first line of treatment is Prednisone, a glucocorticoid used to suppress my immune system and reduce inflammation. It has many side effects that has resulted in weight gain and Cushing’s Syndrome. I also take two other immunosuppressants, to reduce the dose of prednisone. Despite my challenges, I still consider myself one of the ‘lucky’ ones as I was diagnosed much faster compared to the many years it has taken for some. It is why I have decided to share my story to bring further awareness. My advice is, do not ignore new health symptoms and seek out second opinions if your symptoms persist. Find a support a group that works for you, they are valuable sources of information and support. Thank you for sharing your story, Cherisse! As far as #1m4myocan goes, I'm up to 888,244 steps. I had the most gorgeous hike yesterday out at Bragg Creek. Today I am not impressed with the weather (2 C and snowing compared to yesterday's 19 C and sunny!) and am staying mostly inside, thank you very much. I was able to get my first Pfizer vaccine shot on Tuesday (yay!) and my prednisone was dropped 1 mg/day on Friday. It's been a most excellent week. :) #1m4myocan #myositiscanada #givememuscle

Keep on going Gael - you’re so close! With my IBM I can’t imagine walking one million steps so I’m cheering for each step you take.

Now is the time to secure your registration for the 2021 TMA Myositis Awareness Month Virtual Summit on Saturday May 22, 2021! Please join us for a day of works...hops and learning opportunities highlighting the A Call To Action theme. We will also offer clinical and scientific updates, opportunities to connect with others in the myositis community, and access to our corporate partners and exhibitors! There will be exciting TMA announcements, a fun virtual photo booth, and more! As an incentive, anyone registered by Friday April 16, 2021 will be ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE TO WIN an APPLE 10.2 inch (8th gen) iPAD for a chance to join the Virtual Summit in style! https://www.myositis.org/myositis-awareness-month-virtual-/

To our members: if we have your address, this should be arriving in your mailbox. Please wear it, hopefully start a conversation & raise awareness of our disease. Thank you!

There are some masks available still. If you’re on our member list & don’t receive one, provide us with your address please. The masks are distributed in honor of May being Myositis month. We hope that by wearing them, you will start conversations about Myositis & bring awareness to our disease.