As the TMA blog reflects, 2024 was a busy and exciting year for TMA! We published 45 posts, including 15 personal stories from members sharing how they live their best lives with myositis. This is three times as many blog posts as in 2023 and the most we’ve ever published in a single year!
Following are the five most-read blogs in 2024, which include several from previous years, including member stories and advice on resources for those with these rare, debilitating diseases.
Immune boosting supplements can make autoimmunity worse
April 8, 2024 Immune boosting supplements do have an effect on the immune system, but they can make autoimmune diseases worse.
How to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits with myositis
June 22, 2022 If you have myositis, you may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Myositis can have severe symptoms that are disabling, including weakness, swelling, and muscle damage. Here is a closer look at applying for disability benefits with myositis.
Member stories: Lisa Motley
June 3, 2021 In this video, former TMA board member, Lisa Motley, tells the story of being diagnosed with IBM in 2015. She shares thoughts on how she copes with and stays positive in the face of this rare disease.
June 2, 2023 Myositis can make it hard to earn a living. Financial resources are available for qualified individuals. It never hurts to ask.
IBM patients battle for veterans benefits
November 16, 2023 Recently, two members of TMA’s Military Veterans with Myositis Affinity Group were successful in acquiring disability benefits from the Veterans Administration. These benefits can provide significant relief for those who have served our country.
Looking at just the posts published in 2024, these are the ones readers found most helpful:
More on immune boosting supplements
May 17, 2024 Our article about immune boosting supplements (April 8, 2024) raised many questions about the effects of herbal products for those who live with myositis. Here are some of the answers.
July 23, 2024 Researchers have started exploring the use of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T-cell) therapy for autoimmune diseases, including idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM).
May 27, 2024 Dan and Alicia Lowther were featured in the film “Not The Life We Wanted: An Inclusion Body Myositis Documentary.” It’s a compelling new documentary that features veterans and families affected by inclusion body myositis (IBM).
Celebrating World Myositis Day: Myositis Africa
September 21, 2024 Cynthia Ikediashi, who lives in Lagos, Nigeria, started experiencing weakness in her arms, thighs, and legs accompanied by extreme tiredness, classic symptoms of myositis.
TMA is responsible for my correct diagnosis
November 26, 2024 When Malati Marlene Shinazy’s muscles started getting weaker, it took seven years to get what turned out to be an incorrect diagnosis. It wasn’t until she attended her first International Annual Patient Conference that her condition was correctly diagnosed by a member of TMA’s Medical Advisory Board.
Do you have a myositis story? Send it to us and we will share it with the community!! Here is a list of writing prompts to help guide your thoughts.