Polymyositis – when medication doesn’t help

Polymyositis – when medication doesn’t help

Polymyositis is a rare disease in which the muscles become inflamed. As a result, those affected often feel weak, especially in the shoulders, arms, hips or legs. Things like climbing stairs, lifting or even getting dressed can suddenly become difficult. The disease usually develops slowly and requires long-term treatment.

Those affected are often given medication to slow down the immune system. Sometimes so-called chemotherapies are also used – i.e. drugs that are actually known from cancer treatment. However, these drugs do not always help as desired. And sometimes they lead to severe side effects: persistent dizziness, constant tiredness, nausea or problems with the liver and kidneys can be the result. For some people, this makes treatment an additional burden.

It is therefore important not only to look at the disease from a medical perspective, but also to take the whole person into account – i.e. body, mind and living environment. In addition to medication, exercise therapy, an adapted diet or discussions with psychologists can also help people to cope better with the disease. It’s not just about treating symptoms, but also about how well you can live with the disease.

Toxopheresis – when other treatments don’t work

A special treatment option is toxopheresis. In this procedure, the blood is filtered to remove specific harmful substances—such as inflammatory mediators. It can be thought of as a kind of “blood cleansing.” In severe cases, toxopheresis can help alleviate symptoms. It is always part of a broader treatment plan and is tailored to the individual patient.

Conclusion

Polymyositis is a complex disease that is not always easy to treat. If medications such as chemotherapy do not have the desired effect or cause too many side effects, it is all the more important to consider alternative and complementary approaches. These include not only medical options such as toxopheresis, but also supportive measures that make everyday life easier and improve well-being. A holistic view – which includes the body, soul and life situation – can help you to live better with the illness and discover new sources of strength.