In an effort to see who is here and active, can we get some introductions? Eric and I are outside Portland Oregon, Eric being the patient.

Barbara from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. PL12 Antisynthetase syndrome since 2008.

Melissa ASS since 2008, East Texas !!

Hey I'm Cathy from Jarrettsville Md outside of Baltimore. Have ASS since 2008.

Wayne from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I have had Anti Jo-1 / RO-52 positive ASS with polymyositis and ILD. since mid 2011.

Terry from Columbus OH, ASS with Jo-1, ILD and Mechanic's Hands since 2007.

My husband was diagnosed with ILD (UIP) in 2010 with positive Anti Jo, Sjogrens and rheumatoid arthritis. Was diagnosed with dermatomyositis in the late 1990s. We live on Long Island.

Kelly, Portland, Oregon. Sudden onset severe ILD and subsequent diagnosis of OJ subtype of AS summer 2009. Loss of muscle strength in hands, forearms, rising CKs summer 2013 and then DM diagnosis via muscle biopsy. I refer to the entire situation as my DM AS.

Paul 40 years old, from Brisbane, Queensland Australia. Diagnosed with JO 1 ASS February 2014.

Rachel from Melbourne. Diagnosed Jo-1 positive in November 2013.

Chris, near Oxford, England. Had it since 2010.

Liz from Dublin, Ireland. Diagnosed in 2011, ASS with anti-Jo-1 and anti-Ro.

Barb from Central West of New South Wales in Australia. Diagnosed July 2013. ASS with Jo-1.

Sheila from chester va ILD-Joe 1 positive 2010

Kristen, California, Jo-1-positive, diagnosed 2013

Jason, 44 years old, Townsville, Queensland Australia. Diagnosed with JO-1 Antisynthetase Syndrome; May, 2007.

Hi everyone I'm Lisa 50 something and I was diagnosed with an acute onset ASS with Jo1, ILD, DM and severe Osteoporosis in June 2011. Spent 9 months in hospital for 2 of those attempting to survive. Was on oxygen24/7 but lungs have now 66% capacity and for most normal life things I'm ok without it. Otherwise I use it at 2ltmp for gardening, major household chores. However, my muscles and joints do not work as they used to so life is definitely restricted. Sorry from Brisbane Australia

Hi BarbieRose 66 I would be interested in finding out about the data you have on the numbers of f patient with ASS. I stated a Facebook group called Those of us with ASS.

Sorry patients in Australia.

Mary, 66, 2014 diagnosed with ASS, Jo1, ILD, mechanics hands, Raynauds ... Grateful for the community

Hi Mary (AmAun). Are you in Australia?