Inclusion Body Myositis–Functional Rating Scale (IBM - FRS)

1. Swallowing

– 4 Normal

– 3 Early eating problems—occasional choking

– 2 Dietary consistency changes

– 1 Frequent choking

– 0 Needs tube feeding

2. Handwriting (with dominant hand prior to IBM onset)

– 4 Normal

– 3 Slow or sloppy; all words are legible

– 2 Not all words are legible

– 1 Able to grip pen but unable to write

– 0 unable to grip pen

 

3. Cutting food and handling utensils

– 4 Normal

– 3 Somewhat slow and clumsy, but no help needed

– 2 Can cut most foods, although clumsy and slow; some help needed

– 1 Food must be cut by someone, but can still feed slowly

– 0 Needs to be fed

4. Fine motor tasks (opening doors, using keys, picking up small objects)

– 4 Independent

– 3 Slow or clumsy in completing task

– 2 Independent but requires modified techniques or

assistive devices

– 1 Frequently requires assistance from caregiver

– 0 Unable

 

5. Dressing

– 4 Normal

– 3 Independent but with increased effort or decreased efficiency

– 2 Independent but requires assistive devices or modified techniques (Velcro snaps, shirts without buttons, etc)

– 1 Requires assistance from caregiver for some clothing items

– 0 total dependence

6. Hygiene (bathing and toileting)

– 4 Normal

– 3 Independent but with increased effort or decreased activity

– 2 Independent but requires use of assistive devices (shower chair, raised toilet seat, etc)

– 1 Requires occasional assistance from caregiver

– 0 Completely dependent

 

7. Turning in bed and adjusting covers

– 4 Normal

– 3 Somewhat slow and clumsy but no help needed

– 2 Can turn alone or adjust sheets, but with great difficulty

– 1 Can initiate, but not turn or adjust sheets alone

– 0 Unable or requires total assistance

 

8. Sit to stand

– 4 Independent (without use of arms)

– 3 Performs with substitute motions (leaning forward, rocking) but without use of arms

– 2 Requires use of arms

– 1 requires assistance from a device or person

– 0 Unable to stand

9. Walking

– 4 Normal

– 3 Slow or mild unsteadiness

– 2 Intermittent use of an assistive device (ankle–foot orthosis, cane, walker)

– 1 Dependent on assistive device

– 0 Wheelchair dependent

 

10. Climbing stairs

– 4 Normal

– 3 Slow with hesitation or increased effort; uses hand rail intermittently

– 2 Dependent on hand rail

– 1 Dependent on hand rail and additional support (cane or person)

– 0 Cannot climb stairs


This 10 point functional rating scale was developed by modifying
the ALS functional rating scale.  The highest score possible is 40, and the higher the score the better the person is functioning. Find out more about this rating scale.


 

Association between Polymyositis and adult coeliac disease

Personally I have known I could not tolerate wheat for over 18 years and have been on a gluten free diet before being diagnosed with Polymyositis. I am now on a strict gluten free diet and still have both gastrointestinal and muscle symptoms, though these symptoms are much reduced.

The following is an excerpt from a published medical article about Polymyositis (PM). I think it is quite easy to understand. Osteomalacia is softening of the bones.

Gastrointestinal investigation of 14 adult patients with polymyositis disclosed coeliac disease in five. The inflammatory myopathy in our patients is not the same as the myopathy often seen in coeliac disease with osteomalacia. One patient has been free from both gastrointestinal and muscular symptoms for 5 years on a gluten-free diet alone. The findings strongly suggest an association between polymyositis and adult coeliac disease.

This article by K. G. Henriksson, Claes Hallert, Klas Norrby and Anders Walan was published in Acta Neurologica Scandinavica  Volume 65, Issue 4, pages 301–319, April 1982

Article first published online: 29 JAN 2009

What about you? Do you find a connection between your polymyostis and glutensensitivity like me? I would love to hear about it in the comments here.