What is Dermatomyositis?

We have started this blog to help keep everyone updated on Michelle's progress. We are hopeful that this will be a useful tool to keep prayer needs and praises available to all of you! Michelle is a dear, dear friend and has done so much for so many of us. I, Heidi, and others may type some of the updates for Michelle until she feels better because it hurts her terribly right now to type.

The following is an email that was sent out to our small group which I will post now for all of you. This details much of the information about the disease and how it has progressed and what treatments Michelle is currently receiving.

5/29/08
Please pray for Michelle Brouwer. She has been suffering the last several weeks with severe muscle pain in her arms and legs and also a rash on her back.

The skin rash and muscle soreness has been diagnosed as Dermatomyositis (an autoimmune disease). This is an inflammatory muscle disease which also shows itself by red rashes. (Which started on her back and moved to her fingers and knee). She also has experienced progressive muscle weakness. Because she has also had some labored breathing when she is up and about her Immunologist recommended she come in for immediate steroid infusions. She did this last Tuesday and Wednesday (May 20 and 21).

The pain in her legs has decreased, but she still has severe pain in her arms. Michelle is unable to lift her arms and cannot hold anything without experiencing pain. 80% of people with Dermatomyositis respond to the steroids. We pray that this is the case with Michelle. If this goes into her lungs or heart there can be more serious results.

The doctors have been encouraged because some of the pain has subsided, but they are planning on another steroid infusion either today or tomorrow. The doctors may also include immune suppression drugs into the treatment if necessary. Michelle has been instructed to not do anything that hurts, which means she cannot use her arms at all (the doctors are trying to stop the muscle damage)!

The doctors and Michelle are hopeful that the next week will bring relief to the pain. Julia and Jaclyn have been well cared for this past week and a half by many dear friends. They have now gone to Edgerton with Michelle's parents for over a week.

Pray that this week of rest will enable the medication to work and that the Dermatomyositis will be stopped.

Michelle has also been diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis which is an inflammation of the colon. There is an increased level of specialized white blood cells in her colon which leads to chronic diarrhea. This is treatable with medication.

These diagnoses all fall under the autoimmune disease spectrum.

Michelle got a simple flu-like virus a little over a month ago which started her immune system attacking her own body.

Michelle covets your prayers. Her biggest concern at this point is that the steroids will work so that it does not spread to her heart, lungs or throat. Pray for guidance for the doctors as they consider the best treatment plans.