Polymyositis, Meet Methotrexate

Five weeks of prednisone managed to improve the polymyositis by 40 percent (as measured by the reduction of the key creatine protein kinase - CPK - enzyme level rheumatologists enjoy tracking). While that's good, I'm tired of triggering a 110-beat heart rate every time I climb a flight of steps.

So, last week I introduced my immune system to methotrexate, per the rheum doc's recommendation. Basically the regiment is to take a dose once a week. I began the methotrexate treatment on Wednesday.

Saturday I dismantled detritus wood from the deck that needed to be replaced. We bought a new spa (the original that came with the house didn't hold water), and it's shape was slightly different than the old one. Then I went to Lowe's and loaded a lumber cart with a few joists and treated planks, unloading everything upon arriving home. Sunday saw me bowling and moving furniture, including schlepping couches down a flight of steps and a futon and thick-and-heavy mattress up a flight. Then I worked a 15-hour day Monday. All this without ill effects. Obviously, that's improvement.

I don't believe methotrexate works that fast. I've read it takes three weeks to hit its stride. If the conventional protocol proves effective in my case, though, the new energy and strength I'm feeling is likely a very good sign.

If the current strength trend continues, I may have to dust off the single speed for a simple coffee ride.

Apple's Safari Browser Sizzles On Windows

I've been using Apple's Safari Web browser on my Macintosh laptop for almost two years. On the Mac platform, Apple's browser worked acceptably well. I found its built-in RSS support, bookmark organization capacities and toolbars and performance fine. However, I sometimes encountered trouble trying to get Java applets (such as Yahoo Chess) to play well with Safari.

So, when I heard Apple was releasing a Safari beta for Windows last week, I was curious. I ended up downloading and installing the Windows beta the day it came out in order to complete a media assignment.

I must admit to being surprised at just how quickly Safari loads pages within Windows. I conducted unscientific studies. Basically I visited five different frequently viewed Web sites using the three leading browsers (Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 2.0 and Safari 3.0 Beta) and timed how long each page required to load completely. Safari loaded pages more quickly hands down. There were no exceptions.

As a result, I've begun using Safari exclusively on my XP and Vista systems. Time will tell if the browser's really ready for prime time (as I haven't yet had an opportunity to hammer more technically complex Web sites). But as time allows, I'll report back on the experiences I encounter. Meanwhile, the beta's looking really good.

Poly Update; Joined The IE 7 Revolution

Well, it turns out an antiobiotic didn't make much long-term difference with my polymyositis. That's probably why the rheum doc didn't recommend it to start. Oh well. It was worth a shot.

However, I have discovered that spacing the prednisone (40mg daily) out over the course of the day (as opposed to consuming all 40mg at once every morning), is making quite a difference. I experimented with the spread dosage (with the doc's approval, although he didn't think it'd matter) and found the difference is night and day!

For the first time in six or eight weeks I feel as if I'm getting better rather than getting worse. In fact, for the first time since dealing with this anamolous immune system disorder I feel like I'm on the road to recovery. Let's hope that continues.

Meanwhile, I've upgraded all four of my office systems to Internet Explorer 7. I held out for quite a while. Most all incompatibilities are now eliminated, and I found myself missing the ability to easily create new tabs by clicking CTRL+T, so I made the leap. So far so good.

$15 Polymyositis Treatment?

So, the original rheumatologist I saw wanted to start me on prednisone and methotrexate. Read up on methotrexate, and you'll see it's a scary drug (side effects can include pneumonia and lymphoma).

Thinking I'd like to look into it a little more, I began taking the prednisone (to control inflammation and hopefully improve fatigue levels), but left the methotrexate in the medicine cabinet. Shortly after beginning the steroid (prednisone=juice), I noticed I began feeling a little better, particularly around 3:30 every afternoon.

After a bad Memorial Day weekend spent mostly flat on the couch and not by choice, I realized I was running a 100-101 fever, like clockwork, until late afternoon every day. Tylenol proved effective in combatting the headaches and fever, and some energy subsequently returned, too. Cool, I thought.

I'd read polymyositis symptoms can include mild fevers. So, I asked the second physician I'm consulting. He specializes in alternative treatments and recommended I try an antiobiotic, as he recalled some polymyositis patients essentially being cured by taking something as simple as a Z-Pack.

Well, I began the Zithromax Tuesday and began having better mornings as soon as Thursday. Now, I have a long way to go. I am not cured. I may have just strung a few good mornings together, but for the first time in five weeks I've had a few days where I didn't feel total utter exhaustion and have to (or want to) lay down in the morning right after getting up.

Why wouldn't a rheumatologist try a $15 antibiotic? Wouldn't that make sense, at least before jumping to prescribing long term use of the chemo (methotrexate) drug? I asked a few physicians that question, and I was told rheumatologists just don't think that way; they're trained to spot a disease and then treat it according to the book.

So far it appears the prednisone and antibiotic are working pretty well together. I've introduced fish oil to the mix, as well, on the recommendation of a respected pharmacist. Supposedly it's a natural anti-inflammatory. If I can get the current cocktail to control the inflammation and fatigue, and it seems to be getting better (albeit very slowly), I may be able to avoid the methotrexate altogether. I'll keep you posted.