Myositis

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share a bit of my story. I was diagnosed with myositis at the age of 6. I'm 21 now, and I’ve struggled my whole life with anything physical — sports, working out, and running. That’s why I never really did them.

But I got into running in middle school. During that time, and all throughout high school, I would get sick for 2–6 weeks at a time. This would ruin my progress with running and getting better. My schoolwork would stack up to the roof because I was missing so many days. Eventually, I had to get homeschooled.

Then my fitness journey started. I was 6 feet tall and only 120 pounds. At my biggest, I reached 215 pounds — lean — while still running. It seems I injured both my legs, maybe from the constant inflammation. I’m still able to walk and move, but I can no longer run.

I’m still working out, but I’ve been going through ups and downs with my physical shape because I get sick often. From middle school to now, it feels like my legs are getting weaker and weaker. I’m not sure what shape my legs will be in when I reach my 30s. I don’t know if I’m over-exaggerating, but I feel like I might be in a wheelchair by then.

No matter what happens to me or my body, I’ll remain strong — and you should too.

I’m going to lineman school soon. The program is 4 months long, and I want to try to make as much money as I can while my body is still usable. I’m in a race against time.

If you read this all, I hope it gives you hope — or at least a realistic view of what life may be like with this condition.

I love you all.