Jeffrey Dahmer: The Untold Story of His Life and Battle with Polymyositis
CREDIT: A big thank you to our incredible contributor, Sunny, for uncovering and sharing this remarkable discovery back in 2023. We truly appreciate you bringing such a valuable find to our attention!
Uncovering the Truth Behind the Headlines: What You Need to Know
Ever noticed Jeffrey Dahmer's unusual gait or the stiff way he moved his arms? Netflix certainly did—their lead actor even wore hand weights to nail his distinctive posture. But here’s something you might not know: Jeffrey Dahmer suffered from polymyositis, a rare and debilitating condition that made basic activities like walking or lifting objects a constant struggle.
This shocking truth raises some big questions. Could the actions sensationalized by the media even have been possible for someone battling such an illness? And why was this critical detail ignored during the trial and buried by the media?
In this article, we’ll dive into the evidence of Dahmer’s condition and uncover why it was conveniently left out of the narrative. We’ll also explore the ethical implications of how Dahmer was portrayed and discuss how these portrayals can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Get ready to rethink what you thought you knew.
What is Polymyositis?
Polymyositis is a rare and debilitating autoimmune disease that takes aim at your muscles, leading to inflammation and weakness that can impact your whole body—even the muscles you rely on to breathe and swallow. It can make everyday actions like running, walking, or lifting objects feel like a challenge.
Treatments like high-dose steroids are commonly used, and starting early—ideally within the first three months of symptoms—can make a big difference. While there’s no cure, advancements in treatment mean symptoms can be controlled, giving patients the chance to regain strength and enjoy a better quality of life.
The common symptoms of polymyositis include:
Muscle pain and stiffness
Muscle weakness, particularly in the belly (abdomen), shoulders, upper arms, and hips
Joint pain and stiffness
Trouble catching your breath
Problems with swallowing
Irregular heart rhythms, if the heart muscle becomes inflamed
Struggling to climb stairs, lifting your arms, or even standing up from a chair might be some of the signs. In some cases, muscle weakness affecting eating and swallowing can lead to weight loss and poor nutrition. Polymyositis that is treated but can't be managed well can cause severe disability. It can lead to an inability to swallow or breathe without help (respiratory failure).
The internet is full of trusted medical resources that dive into these challenges, but this revelation adds a whole new perspective to Jeff’s struggles. It offers a deeper, more personal understanding of the unreported obstacles he faced.
Interestingly, evidence suggests that Jeffrey Dahmer was diagnosed with this condition in 1988 and was receiving treatment by the time of his arrest in 1991.
This detail raises an intriguing question: how could someone battling such a debilitating illness commit such gruesome acts with precision and strength? It further highlights the flaws in Carl Crew's portrayal of Dahmer in his film. Could it be that Crew’s script, rather than reflecting reality, was crafted for shock value and entertainment?
After all, the video’s own cover admits the story is fictionalized.
Jeff’s Hidden Health Battle Revealed
In a surprising court testimony, psychiatrist Dr. Frederick Fosdal, who evaluated Jeffrey Dahmer, disclosed that Jeff had turned to steroids for a year to address a shoulder problem. But that’s not the full story.
Digging deeper into a collection of psychiatrist reports, aptly titled Psych Reports, is where we learn that Jeff had polymyositis.
The passage states: “Had polymyositis for about one year in his shoulder - was on Prednisone, 1 tablet a day for one year.”
The reason behind the claim that Jeff had polymyositis for "about one year" remains a mystery. Because polymyositis is incurable, but with proper care, vitamins, and regular doctor visits, remission is achievable.
Here’s something else that’s interesting: a Halcion prescription for Jeff, concealed during the so-called trial. It was written by Dr. Bruce S. Hong—who, interestingly, isn’t just any doctor but a rheumatologist. What exactly does a rheumatologist do? They specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your joints, muscles, bones, and immune system. Think arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune disorders.
Considering Jeff's condition, it's no surprise he turned to a rheumatology specialist for treatment.
Here’s another intriguing excerpt from the April 27, 1992, report by clinical psychologist Kathleen P. Stafford, prepared for the Ohio trial. In the second paragraph, it’s revealed that Jeff was treated with Prednisone, a steroid, for joint pain, ‘‘approximately four years ago’’ (1988). Interestingly, there’s no mention of polymyositis in the report, though this condition can sometimes spread to the joints and cause pain.
It all makes sense now—Jeffrey Dahmer’s distinctive walk wasn’t just a quirk or sign of his chilling media persona. His frail shoulders and stiff posture hinted at something deeper. In televised court footage, you can see him struggle to rise from his chair, a telling sign of polymyositis. The hidden condition adds another layer to the story, revealing clues in plain sight.
This explains his noticeable weight loss and why he looked so thin during his first court appearance (as seen in the image below). These physical changes weren’t just random—they were clear signs of the debilitating disease that had been affecting him long before his reported arrest.
After his arrest, Jeff's rapid weight gain wasn’t from ‘‘prison food’’ as some media claimed—it was more likely the result of a more aggressive steroid treatment prescribed by his doctors. These steroids, essential for managing his medical condition, came with a common side effect: significant weight gain. While the treatment was vital for his health, it also brought visible changes that sparked widespread speculation.
Prednisone can sometimes cause fat to redistribute to areas like the face, back of the neck, and abdomen, though these changes differ from person to person. Typically, higher doses and longer treatments lead to more noticeable effects. It can also disrupt sleep, which may throw off the hormones that control appetite.
And here’s a widely shared image of Jeff in a wheelchair. Despite media claims that ‘‘heavy shackles’’ on his ankles made it impossible for him to walk, this simply isn’t true. There’s ample video footage showing him freely walking in public without any issue!
The reality is that due to the mobility challenges posed by this condition, a wheelchair may be necessary for extended distances or during flare-ups.
In Lionel Dahmer's book A Father's Story, an interesting detail emerges about Jeffrey Dahmer’s apartment: among the alleged grim evidence, investigators found vitamins, proteins, and calcium—an odd mix for someone described as a ‘‘necrophiliac serial killer’’ obsessed with his next victim. Yet, these items are perfectly ordinary for someone focused on health.
The calcium is particularly intriguing, as steroid use can deplete calcium levels, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Even more surprising? Acne lotion was also discovered, hinting that it could have been a side effect of steroid treatments. These small but unexpected details paint a more complex and puzzling picture of the man behind the supposed crimes.
Steroids are known to suppress the immune system, leaving people more vulnerable to infections. They weaken the body’s defenses, increasing the risk of fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that can lead to serious illness. Yet somehow, we’re supposed to believe Jeff was chopping up dead bodies in his cramped apartment, surrounded by countless biohazards, and never got sick?
Sounds a bit far-fetched, doesn’t it?
In a real-life scenario, a proper cross-examination during the preliminary hearing—something Jeff was denied—could have changed everything. It would have revealed that his condition made it impossible for him to commit these acts and exposed the glaring red flags in his confession, like the use of another man’s social security number. A sharp judge, seeing the clear lack of probable cause, would have thrown out the charges without hesitation.
In conclusion, Jeffrey Dahmer’s struggle with polymyositis adds a deeper, more complex layer to this case, challenging the way media often shapes our perceptions. The truth is rarely as simple as the stories we’re told, reminding us to question, analyze, and dig deeper before accepting anything at face value.
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