Appointment prep
Prepare for a polymyositis evaluation
Progressive muscle weakness, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing or breathing are often blamed on deconditioning or 'just getting old.' Medvo helps you document the proximal weakness pattern and request rheumatology and antibody testing — framed as evaluation, never diagnosis.
Symptoms patients describe
- · Difficulty rising from chairs, climbing stairs, or lifting arms overhead
- · Fatigue, muscle pain, and trouble swallowing
- · Raynaud's or other overlap symptoms
Tests & referrals to request
Framed as evaluation — your clinician decides what is appropriate.
- · Muscle enzymes (CK, aldolase), myositis-specific antibodies (Jo-1, etc.)
- · Referral to rheumatologist; EMG and muscle biopsy if indicated
- · Screening for associated malignancy and lung involvement (antisynthetase syndrome)
If you've been dismissed
- · Weakness dismissed as 'deconditioning' or depression
- · No antibody panel or biopsy despite progressive proximal weakness