u/Conscious-Heart8626

They keep telling me no I don’t have dermatomyositis. Nothing positive on labs, skin biopsy came back with issues but dermo said no DM, lower body EMG consistent with neuropathy from chemo but no DM. I have almost all of the symptoms so I didn’t want to believe them but I did and started looking for other disorders thinking maybe a dual diagnosis. Then I thought maybe chemo was just continuing to be the gift that keeps giving. Nope. It is most likely DM but paraneoplastic dermatomyositis. Initial labs are pointing that way but need imaging and genetic testing (dna sequencing to identify a potential tumor). Apparently paraneoplastic syndromes are rare so I am sharing this with you all so you are informed and can talk to your doctor about screening for cancer. Do know the symptoms can start well before the tumor is visible with standard tools for screening. Be well.

I feel like I have most of the symptoms of DM, including ovarian cancer, but all my labs are normal, only finding on lower body EMG is neuropathy (from chemo), no inflammation seen on xrays, and I am being dismissed by several specialist doctors (the neuro who did the EMG and the dermatologist but not the dermo resident, GP, or rheumatologist). Was really feeling like nothing was going to show that something was going on but…

A forearm biopsy found focal interface dermatitis, superficial dermal perivascular chronic inflammation, focal superficial dermal edema, and a mild increase in dermal mucin. At the time of the biopsy the dermatologist said it was allergies and eczema so there was no biopsy where the heliotrope rash was (it was healing at the time) because she said it was hives. Honestly, she only did the biopsy because I said I wanted one but I didn’t know I should have had it done around my eyes.

Was anyone here diagnosed with DM or MCTD with similar background? Are there other tests I should request? Any advice is welcome too.

Looking for a coworking space in Tacoma (or Auburn or Federal Way). Visited The Pioneer Collective and it was really nice - open, airy, lots of light and plants. Please let me know of other spaces and your opinion of them. Please also let me know about the parking situation for the space.

Any of special educators out there? I’d love some guidance on getting some gig work. I joined about three months ago and haven’t received any interest. I’m offering evaluation and IEP review and meeting prep. Please share your experience and recommendations.

This isn’t my first rodeo with a glp-1 but it’s been a while. I recall being irritable but this is extreme and I cant get rid of this stench in my nose. I cant explain the smell because it’s not like anything I’ve ever smelled before. It’s not metallic, it’s not sweet…maybe mold? Anyone dealing with a major attitude and an unrelenting odor in their nose? Any tips? It’s bad enough I’m thinking about stopping.

I’m neuro spicy and looking for a housekeeper or business that can provide additional services to help with things that housekeeping services don’t do. I need help keeping up with my kitchen, dishes and I are not friends, a several visit project organizing my garage (just need someone to help me get the manual labor part done, not just body doubling), and typical housekeeping maintenance services for my living room and bathroom. I do not need a professional organizer, I know what I want and where I want it but need help getting it there. I’m a small business owner that works from home and all my unfinished projects are making it hard for me to work and to relax. If any of you know of this unicorn, please let me know!

I’m neuro spicy and looking for a housekeeper or business that can provide additional services to help with things that housekeeping services don’t do. I need help keeping up with my kitchen, dishes and I are not friends, a several visit project organizing my garage (just need someone to help me get the manual labor part done, not just body doubling), and typical housekeeping maintenance services for my living room and bathroom. I do not need a professional organizer, I know what I want and where I want it but need help getting it there. I’m a small business owner that works from home and all my unfinished projects are making it hard for me to work and to relax. If any of you know of this unicorn, please let me know!

short of it - i need food suggestions. seem to only be able to stomach rice and crackers. what bland foods have helped you especially those containing fiber and protein?

long of it - this is not my first rodeo with a GLP1. In the past, Id followed the typical routine of increasing the dosage every month but a few months in, the side effects were too much for me to stay on it. now i am having major issues with my back and neck and need to lose weight so i am giving it another try. i am six weeks in, didn't increase dosage, and am having the typical side effects. the side effects were minimal until this week. please note, these are the normal nausea side effects, it just seems that maybe i need longer periods to adjust. i am struggling to find something to eat this week besides rice and crackers. what bland foods have helped you especially those containing fiber and protein?

thank you!