What is an inclusion body myositis? Peter Frampton reveals his diagnosis and his farewell tour



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/ Source: TODAY & # 39; HUI

By A. Pawlowski

The famous musician Peter Frampton announces his farewell tour as he fights an inflammatory disease that weakens and wastes his muscles and threatens his ability to play the guitar.

Frampton, 68, was diagnosed with inclusion-related myositis (IBM) almost four years ago, but her disclosure is now public as the disease progresses.

"Listen, it's not a life threatening. It changes a life, "said Frampton in an interview with CBS This Morning.

"What will happen, unfortunately, is that it affects the finger flexors … so for a guitarist, it's not very good."

Frampton was diagnosed after a series of unsettling falls – a typical symptom – such as stumbling on a guitar cord on stage, falling while hitting a ball and falling over on vacation with his daughter. He also noticed that when he boarded planes, he could not place heavy objects in the upper luggage compartments as his arms became weaker, he told Rolling Stone. A visit to a neurologist finally confirmed the diagnosis.

Frampton now finds that going up and down is "the most difficult thing", so much so that he will have to get a cane. But his guitar playing is still excellent, although he does not know how it will be in a year, he said. That's why he is now recording frenzied music and planning a farewell tour this summer.

There is no treatment for IBM, but the musician participates in a new drug trial and finds solace in his training.

"At the moment, the only thing that works for me is exercise. I work as a maniac all the time. It strengthens the muscle I have. It seems that the best thing for IBM to do is to train every day, "he told the magazine.

What is an inclusion body myositis?

IBM is a progressive muscle disorder that typically develops after the age of 50, according to the National Institutes of Health's Rare and Genetic Diseases Information Center.

According to studies, there are 3.5 cases of IBM per 100,000 population in this age group and this strikes men more than three times more often than women.

Patients experience progressive and painless weakening of the muscles of the legs, arms, fingers and wrists. Facial muscles may also be involved, and some people have trouble swallowing, although Frampton has stated that his ability to swallow – and therefore his voice – was not affected.

The exact cause is unknown, with genetic, immune-related, and environmental factors thought to play a role. Some doctors believe that IBM is an autoimmune disease, said the Cleveland Clinic. Others think that an infection with an unknown virus could be implicated.

According to the National Institutes of Health, most people need help for their basic daily activities 15 years from now, and some will need a wheelchair. But IBM does not affect life expectancy.

What are the symptoms?

The Johns Hopkins Myositis Center and the Cleveland Clinic list the following warning signs:

  • Falling, tripping or weak hands may be among the first symptoms
  • Difficulty grasping, pinching and buttoning
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Muscle weakness that progresses slowly over months or years

How is IBM diagnosed?

Doctors perform a medical examination and take into account the patient's medical history. A muscle biopsy may reveal the presence of inclusion bodies, or clumps of discarded cell material, for which the disease is named, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Blood tests and other muscle tests also play a role in the diagnosis.

what is the treatement?

IBM can not cure, but the disease can be managed through exercise, fall prevention, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Medications that inhibit the immune system can benefit a small number of patients.

"Obviously, it's not the best thing to do every morning, but I'm a very positive person, I've always been, I'm also a resilient person," Frampton told Rolling. Stone. "You can not really knock me too far before I get out, get up and move on."

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