Hello I'm new here and it's good to be able to contact people who may be going through the same feelings of isolation following my diagnosis

[Menamoptops]

I was finally diagnosed with Dermatomyositis in April last year after about 5 years of symptoms which my GP dismissed as psoriasis and me being neurotic. It's been a very difficult journey made worse by my Dad's death and the deaths of 2 close friends and my Mum in law all within 9 months of my diagnosis. I have extreme anxiety at the moment but was wondering if anyone has any tips for curing splits on fingers and helping insomnia. Thanks.

[marcuspaul123]

I used old fashioned Vaseline for cracked and split fingers and general dry skin it helped don’t waste money on expensive body shop creams ect vasline acts as a barrier to split and chapped skin it works for me not sure what you can do about insomnia? Paul

[Menamoptops in reply to marcuspaul123]

Thanks for your advice, I must have tried dozens of lotions and potions over the years and some feel like acid when you apply it to splits.The GP even prescribed a cream which said do not put on cracked or broken skin, this was for my fingers covered in splits that bled! I will try Vaseline thanks at least it shouldn't hurt.

[Catpuss66]

Try and head over to Facebook group myositis community forum, we not long had a thread regarding split fingers lots of ideas there .lovely group.

[Jobug]

So sorry you went through all that!

As far as the finger splitting, I use coconut oil. That’s all that eases it without pain for me.

Message me if you need to chat. I was newly diagnosed with DM in July of this year. It is so difficult to make the life adjustments.

There are several groups on Facebook that are so helpful and a huge support to us with Myositis: a few are specific to dermatomyositis. Check it out

Melissa

[hopegalore20]

Hi Menamoptops,

Like yourself it took quite a long time for myself to diagnosed as having Dermatomyositis. As this condition is quite rare, GP’s just think you have an allergy to something!!!

Eventually when I seen a Dermatologist, that’s when I was correctly diagnosed. That was over 5andhalf years ago. Disease still very active.

Hopefully by the time that you receive my message you will have been given the best treatment to deal with your dry skin on your hands.

I use diprobase. Helped eased the dryness and helped with the scabs also.

With Regards to getting a good nights sleep, sorry I cannot help you here, I get very little sleep each night.

Hoping you are getting good treatment and on your way to feeling a whole lot better with life.

Stay Safe 🌈👍

[Smarty12]

I'm so sorry to hear it took so long for your diagnosis. As it is quite rare it seems it can be overlooked for a long time. If you're condition treats you as mine does then I'm sure the sadness and stress you've suffered have wiped you out. There are some mindfulness meditation listening on the Internet, YouTube. I have found them to be very helpful with sleeping (even though I didn't have much faith in them to begin with). If you have been prescribed a tub of cream for your psoriasis then it might be worth you just sitting with one hand in it at a time for a while. This worked for me and I also put my psoriasis creams on my hands before putting on cotton gloves to go to bed at night. I remember how painful they were and I truly hope these suggestions help for you. Please message me if there's anything else you're wanting to know. I might be able to help.