The Myositis Association, Patient stories, Polymyositis

Bill Simeral, Wheaton, Illinois

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💻 Originally aired 2014.

[dashnja.]

I pray you are well today. Thank you for the hopeful story. ❤🙏🏼

[vegangrepresent]

Omg sir this is so inspiring. I'm in the process of being diagnosed. I have other several autoimmune conditions. I've been terrified so scared. I was into a panic anxiety attack until I saw this. YOU GIVE ME HOPE. I'm crying...there's hope..there's hope.

[chelechele]

So inspiring..I am trying my best to move forward. I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2018 and Lupus Nephritis in 2019 which affected my kidneys and really put me in a not so good place. Learning how to walk again due to edema...I have to keep going. Please pray for me as I will pray for you.

[melbasalcido]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am 72 and was diagnosed with myositis a year ago. Sometimes it’s hard to be hopeful when you hurt all over and after being super active now my day consists of two naps a day. And the worst part no one understands.

[lucyluu]

Praise God for your Recovery.. 🙏🏻 im struggling with fatigue n weakness since 2001. At times i improved but ive had many setbacks.. especially since 2013.

I go thru such fatigue n weakness that it's difficult to even hold my phone.. its a struggle to lift my arms at times. I was Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2001 but i don't think it's accurate and i really need to figure out what's causing this and How to improve.. Bless you and Thank you for your Story that is encouraging. Im 61 now and have been out of shape since 2013.. with periods of being able to function. I miss that!

[elizabethfalcone]

I knew Bill Simeral for many years . He was a gentleman and a good friend to me . I have lost touch with so many but Bill has a lot of knowledge . So great to see him here .

[lafayettefrierson]

if it wasn't for you I would be dead you gave me motivation and strength, to deal with my polymyositis that I no longer have.
thank you Bill for everything.

[melissad]

Wow. Thank you for sharing your story! I can relate to so much of this. I was diagnosed with lupus when I was 18 and given prednisone and plaquenil and eventually my symptoms got better. I was good for several years. Then a few years ago my symptoms came back and nothing seemed to help. And then a year ago it was like my health fell off a cliff. Unfortunately this time I've got the prednisone weight gain, even while dealing with the methotrexate nausea. It's so hard to go from very very fit (I used to do at home aerobics for 1.5 hours every night, and went dancing for 4 hours a night 2 weekend nights a week) to struggling to go 10 feet to the bathroom and back and living in a recliner. The cocoon description you used is also how I feel when faced with having to go somewhere new overnight. I live in a tiny home that I know how to comfortably navigate. Leaving that space for more than a few hours makes me anxious and I have to create multiple plans and backup plans to deal with being in new spaces for hours. So glad to know I'm not alone in this!

[Beapotter]

You are such an inspiration for ‘everyone’ with or without this disease. You spoke so eloquently about what you had so bravely endured. Thank you so much for this God bless you and family

[Darlene-jq]

You dont know what you can do until you challenge yourself. I do daily. WE thank you so much for sharing ❤️

[GauravBhargava]

What a warrior! Attitude is everything 👌

[dilemmix]

Oh Bill, you have been through so much, I can't imagine! I hope you are still doing well!
I'm feeling so sad because my mother has been diagnosed with polymyositis and she is 83. I hope there is still hope for her!

[joellemartel]

Amazing story, gives me a lot of hope that when you put your mind to it you can overcome...

[Kitkat]

I'm in the beginning stages of diagnosis...many symptoms of SLE and polymyositis...blood tests ANA positive, elevated creatine kinase, elevated CRP, reduced kidney function, muscle weakness, pain in all joints, swollen right leg, foot and ankle, fatigue and problems swallowing, choking on my own saliva, tremors and twitches in muscles, eye pain, problems walking, unable to open jars or do dishes. The worse is not being able to do the things I used to do and how I took for granted just going out for a walk.

[KarinWells]

You make my heart sing each time I hear your story. You are an inspiration to others who struggle with conditions that most people think are "impossible." Sharing your journey gives us the roadmap to help make medical miracles a reality for all of us.

You have proven that "where there is life, there's hope" and that "nothing is impossible."

[SpookiestBecky]

Bill! What an amazing story - thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your experience and your very inspiring journey! I love the 'get out of jail' sign! Sending you blessings and good vibes for continued healing - you're a warrior!

[kitodom]

Hey Bill!  I always love your comments on the BBs.  And just think, now you're a star!   ~cakes

[yvettekopp]

You are a role model. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[stephmax]

Thank you for sharing your story it will definitely help others. Health and wellness to us all ‼ 👍🏾

[sarahhill]

I have poly myositis and lupus with hepatitis, it’s also caused ILD. It is no fun, I tell you. Thank you sir for speaking out. I hope you continue to do well 🥰