My blood work has returned to normal including my sed rate which originally was 37 and is now 11. My LDH was originally 973 and now is 181. My trunk muscles were badly damaged and originally I could barely lift my head off the bed and now I am able to do 3 full sit ups. My primary illness is dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is a connective tissue disease that if left untreated could cause death within 3 - 5 years.
Inflammation occurs in the joints, muscles and sometimes organs.
This inflammation causes muscle wasting and atrophy. The main areas that are affected are the shoulder and hip girdle and the throat. Having weakened hip girdle muscles creates difficulty getting up from the floor when you are lying or sitting down. Plus you have to use your hands for support when you get up from a soft chair or couch. Having weakened shoulder girdle muscles creates difficulty doing things like hanging up a heavy coat or holding your arms up to curl your hair.