MCTD Support Group
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) or Sharp's syndrome is a human autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body. MCTD combines features of polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic scleroderma and is thus considered an overlap syndrome. MCTD commonly causes joint pain/swelling, Raynaud phenomenon, muscle inflammation, and scarring of...
Hi all, I have been getting horrible back and hip pain over the last week. I can barely walk from it or get into a comfortable position to sleep. I've been working 12 hour days sitting in front of a computer so I'm sure that has not helped. But I'm wondering if this could be related to the mctd?? Not sure if I should call the rheum or just let it ride out and try to take it easy. I feel like I worry about every little and pain now, but this one is horrible!
I lived for 2 years with horrible back pain, assuming it was MCTD. When I finally mentioned it to my primary care physician, she said it sounded like something was wrong with my spine and sent me to a spine and pain management center.
It turned out it had nothing to do with MCTD. I have lumbar degenerative disc disease at 44. I now have a spine doctor and she will give me HUGE shots of steroids in the spine (never a fun experience) when the pain is bad. She prescribed Gabapatin (painkiller) to take four times a day, but I have stopped taking it. I don't want to live on painkillers.
Hope this is helpful! Gabrielle