Walter Washington "Managing Polymyositis" with Farron D

Our Guest is Walter Washington shares his story.

Polymyositis is a type of muscle disease called an inflammatory myopathy. It inflames your muscles and their related tissues, like the blood vessels that supply them. It can cause muscle weakness and pain, often on both sides of your body.

What are the symptoms of polymyositis?

• Muscle pain and stiffness.
• Muscle weakness, particularly in the belly (abdomen), shoulders, upper arms, and hips.
• Joint pain and stiffness.
• Trouble catching your breath.
• Problems with swallowing.
• Irregular heart rhythms, if the heart muscle becomes inflamed. 
• Although there's no cure for polymyositis, treatment can improve your muscle strength and function. The earlier treatment is started in the course of polymyositis, the more effective it is — leading to fewer complications.