On the cover: Giovanna Albers of Imperial, Mo., was treated for polymyositis several years ago. After she recovered and stopped taking medication, some residual weakness in her hips and upper arms remained, but she’s been able to walk without aids, swim and work as a restaurant hostess. Dear Friends What are Inflammatory Myopathies? What Causes Inflammatory Myopathies? What are the Forms of Inflammatory Myopathies? Can Inflammatory Myopathies be Cured? How are PM, DM and IBM Diagnosed? What Happens to Someone with Polymyositis? What Happens to Someone with Dermatomyositis? What Happens to Someone with Inclusion-Body Myositis? Microscopic Myositis PM and DM Treatments MDA's Search for Treatments and Cures MDA is Here to Help You

Dear Friends:

Robin Chavez Photo: Christian Steiner

The first time I heard the word dermatomyositis (DM), I had to have it repeated and then spelled out for me.

I was scared and confused. I could barely comprehend what the doctor was saying to me. I was young, a newlywed, with a promising career as an opera singer, and had just been told I had a serious disease. I thought to myself, “What is happening to me?”

For months I had experienced trouble walking, climbing stairs, even singing. Now I learned that I had a rare inflammatory muscle disease that affects fewer than 20,000 people in the United States.

Perhaps you’re reading this booklet because you, or someone you love, also received a myositis diagnosis. As I did, you’re probably wondering what this will mean for your future, your family, your dreams. You may be feeling worried and confused — and even angry.

This booklet is designed to give you a clearer understanding of the causes, symptoms, complications and treatments of DM, polymyositis (PM) and inclusion-body myositis (IBM). You’ll learn that, although these inflammatory muscle diseases can cause great distress initially, with proper treatment the symptoms can be alleviated. In fact, it’s possible to recover partially or completely from PM and DM.

As soon as I received my diagnosis in 1996, I contacted the Muscular Dystrophy Association. My local MDA office was very helpful, providing information, answering all my questions and helping me get established at the MDA clinic, where a course of treatment was started.

It wasn’t easy, but slowly things got better and I felt my strength returning. At the beginning of my treatment, I couldn’t manage to climb even a couple of stairs. But a few years later I walked up 120 steps to my hotel room when I sang in Rome. In 2000, I sang for a national audience on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, and I continue to perform nationally and internationally.

I also continue to visit my MDA clinic, where my treatment is monitored and adjusted as needed. Local MDA staff also direct me to resources or simply let me know I’m not alone in coping with this disease. To find out more about the many MDA services available in your community, see "MDA is Here to Help You".

It can be painful coming to terms with what life has handed you and making the necessary adaptations. I know it was for me. But like me, I hope you find that your myositis isn’t a dead end in your life’s journey.

I still face challenges due to DM, but I’ve learned these challenges can be successfully managed. I know support is there for me from my husband Troy, friends and family, my medical team, and even from laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. My singing career continues to grow and (because some of the drugs used to treat DM and PM make pregnancy inadvisable), my husband and I, through international adoption, are blessed with three children.

When I first received my DM diagnosis, it was important to me that I continue to pursue my dreams. DM hasn’t stopped me, but has motivated me to fight even harder to do what I love. I pray this also is true for you. And remember: As you face this challenge, you’re not alone in your fight!

Sincerely,

Robin Chavez
Arlington, Texas

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