The Myositis Association’s Website:
Myositis is a little known autoimmune disease affecting the body’s muscles. There are several different types of Myositis (Dermatomyositis, Inclusion-Body Myositis, and Juvenile Myositis) none of which are particularly fun to have. They are all usually accompanied by general muscle weakness (often severe), muscular pain, difficulty swallowing, and muscle degradation. There is currently no cure for this disease, and the drugs used to offset the disease usually have their own severe complications and side effects.
If anyone ever asks you to sponsor them in an event or for a contribution to support Myositis research, please do so. I have been diagnosed with Dermatomyositis and am fortunate that I have a great MD at the Johns Hopkins Myositis Center, my insurance covers the annual ECHO, CAT Scan, MRI, and EKG, I have been able to regenerate muscle faster than I lose it, and for the most part I have been able to stay off of medications. However, my hands generally look like the picture below, and I consider myself one of the fortunate ones.
Thanks.