This looks like a great group!!! I was just diagnosed with polymyositis with Jo1 antibodies which I guess means antisnthetase syndrome. I am 29 and very scared!!!! I have lung involvement and it has affected my heart. Im on 20 mg of prednisone and start on imuran in jan. I have been getting worse the last few days....it seems as the pain is also in my bones. My shins and knees really bad. I dont want to walk. Have you guys experienced this??? Any help I will be so greatful for.

Welcome Christy--Well, this disease does kick butt at times and I was actually where you are now 3 years ago when I got this at age 48. This is my suggestions; 1) you must have a good team of drs. 2) you must find a way to put humor in your life w/ this nastiness. 3) some days are good and some are not. Like me, i guess, you cannot take methotrexate as it can cause lung problems and we already have that so Imuran is good. I took that for a while and am now on Cellcept. Enbrel did nothing and Remicade was not very effective. Rituxan was my ticket to a huge turn around. Please talk to your dr about it. Also, Singulair pill, Advair inhaler and Albuterol in a nebulizer has helped my lungs. I am finally down to 5 mg Prednisone. Just letting you know that there are drug combinations and hope for the months ahead. What part of the country do you live in? I am in East Texas. Will send you positive thoughts!

Hello Christy I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but welcome to our little group. This disease can be so different for each of us, and finding a treatment that fits you can take time which is frustrating when all you want is to be well again....you will find lots of advice here and it's great to talk to others who truly understand what it's like having this disease. I had iv cyclophosphamide first, and then took pred and imuran for a while and then switched to pred and cellcept. I have now managed to get myself off the pred and just take cellcept and have the best CK result that i've had since diagnosis two and half years ago. My lungs are slightly improved and my muscle strength is pretty good too....long may it last! Take it easy, be kind to yourself, i found the hardest lesson was to limit what i did each day which made me angry and frustrated at first but not overdoing it will help you recover Alison :o)

Is rituxan the same as rituximab?

Yes. It goes by several different names, depending on the country your in, or the actual brand. Ritux, Rituxan, Rituximab.....all the same stuff..