My name is Amanda. I was diagnosed with JDM when I was 3 in 1/2002. I showed symptoms of JDM for almost 4 months prior to being diagnosed. My pediatrian at the time had never seen JDM and it wasn’t until my blood work showed a positive ANA. By this time, I hadn’t walked in several weeks and was extrememly weak. Most of my muscles and joints were swollen. I was lucky and showed improvement almost immediately on Prednisone and did not go into the hospital. Although, by the time I felt better, my muscles in my legs had atrophied and I still couldn’t walk. It wasn’t until after six months of physical therapy did I walk again with the help of a walker. I am now able to walk without any help, though stairs are a challenge. I have flared twice since being diagnosed and managed to stay medication free for about 4 months before I flared again about 1 ½ years ago. I am currently on Prednisone and Methotrexate and go the physical therapy once a week due to contracture of muscles in my legs. After being homeschooled for my first two years of school, I finally have the strength to go to school with the other kids.