Wednesday update and overview.

Again it has been another good day so far today. The weather certainly helps with the breathing as the humidity is quite low at the moment 52%.

The Muscle weakness is still quite bad, especially in the morning when I wake up, and before I take my medication, it takes me about 3 to 4 hours in the morning to get myself together, usually wake between 5.30 and 6.00, have a coffee and get myself sorted for breakfast and medication  at 8.00 to 8.30. My carer comes at 9.00 and so by 9.930 I am ready to face the day.

Dermatomyositis: This seems to be starting to come under  control as far as the Muscle flares are concerned, normally have a problem if I try to do to much over an extended period or if I go out into the Sunlight, trouble is with this condition you don,t realize how weak the muscles are until you try to use them.

Dysphagia: The Dysphagia ( Swallowing problem) has not improved much at all, noticed very slight improvement in as much as I can now manage small textured items but the throat muscles are still very weak so at the moment I am still stuck with the puree diet.

Twisted Stomach:  This is causing a problem with Acid Reflux, it seems to be that as I am starting to eat bigger meals ( Although pureed) so the Digestive juices are being produced to digest the food but due to the muscle weakness in the Esophagus, the acid is being forced back up into the throat, ( this is due to the cup and spill condition of my Stomach) not at all pleasant and can add to the difficulties with swallowing and can cause heart burn and indigestion. Although I take Laprazole it does not help that much, and am waiting for the consultant to check  with a gastro specialist to see how best to bring this under control, probably with Omoprazole (Pump inhibitors).

So there we are folks an update and overview of progress so far in my battle against this horrible condition. I am keeping a positive outlook on the whole thing and maintaining a sense of humour as well ( I Hope) as I know that I am making progress by the positive things that are taking place

(1) Reducing the Steroid Medication
(2) Return of Appetite
(3) weight Gain
(4) Eating More ( Although Pureed)
(5) Being able to whistle
(6) getting bored with daytime TV

Just had lunch and had Salmon with Brocolli in a cheese sauce and very tasty it was as well, think I might have to compile a leaflet of puree recipe's for people with Dysphagia.

Have fun people and stay safe.