Q: Which doctor should I consult for polymyositis?
A: A neurologist or rheumatologist must be consulted first and additional expertise may be required from a pulmonologist, physiotherapist and speech therapist.
Q: When should one consult a doctor?
A: When there is progressive weakness in the muscles which becomes a hindrance to a person’s daily activity, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
Q: What is the life expectancy of people with polymyositis?
A: People with polymyositis can survive for a good period of time provided there is timely intervention and they do not develop serious complications.
Q: What are some precautions necessary during the treatment?
A: A high protein diet is essential to replenish proteins lost in muscle damage and regular exercise is required both for countering weight gain from steroid therapy and avoiding inactivity of muscles.
Q: Why does a doctor advice a full body CT scan for polymyositis?
A: Doctors may advice full body CT scan or CT scans of the pelvis, abdomen and chest in order to detect any cancer which might be associated with polymyositis.
