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 thought I'd give an update since I have been on the higher dosage of methotrexate for a few months now. I only seem to visit these boards every few months for some reason so most of you probably don't know me lol. Its weird, I love reading these boards because it makes me feel less alone in this journey, but I don't visit too much because I try not to focus too much on this dumb disease if I can help it.
Anyway, a recap! Diagnosed September of last year. Started plaquenil from my very first Rheumy appointment. We tried various prednisone tapers over the next few months with limited success. Then we started on a low dosage of Methotrexate and steadily worked our way up as I was having no success with it either. Basically what amounted to a year long flare that was never under control.
However, it has been 2 months at my current dosage and I'm doing well! Ok, it's not perfect, but I'm ok with that. I am functional, I can take care of my kids and home (mostly!). After a year of non-stop pain, this feels like a miracle. It's tenuous no doubt. The day before I have to take my methotrexate the pain starts in and it very easily flares up at other times, like if I go to Target and get under UV lights for too long. It feels like its just barely contained and the disease will take over the minute I let my guard down or do too much. But still, a vast improvement!
Anyway, just wanted to give some good news to people who I know will appreciate what it means to be able to just do the basics off life!
Also, here is my med info for anyone who is curious:
Methotrexate - 20mg once a week
Prednisone - 2.5mg daily
Plaquenil - 400mg daily
Amlodipine - 5mg daily (for Raynauds, its helping!)
Folic Acid - 1000mg daily
Zoloft -150mg daily
Non-Presctription Vitamins: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin D
I thought I'd give an update since I have been on the higher dosage of methotrexate for a few months now. I only seem to visit these boards every few months for some reason so most of you probably don't know me lol. Its weird, I love reading these boards because it makes me feel less alone in this journey, but I don't visit too much because I try not to focus too much on this dumb disease if I can help it.
Anyway, a recap! Diagnosed September of last year. Started plaquenil from my very first Rheumy appointment. We tried various prednisone tapers over the next few months with limited success. Then we started on a low dosage of Methotrexate and steadily worked our way up as I was having no success with it either. Basically what amounted to a year long flare that was never under control.
However, it has been 2 months at my current dosage and I'm doing well! Ok, it's not perfect, but I'm ok with that. I am functional, I can take care of my kids and home (mostly!). After a year of non-stop pain, this feels like a miracle. It's tenuous no doubt. The day before I have to take my methotrexate the pain starts in and it very easily flares up at other times, like if I go to Target and get under UV lights for too long. It feels like its just barely contained and the disease will take over the minute I let my guard down or do too much. But still, a vast improvement!
Anyway, just wanted to give some good news to people who I know will appreciate what it means to be able to just do the basics off life!
Also, here is my med info for anyone who is curious:
Methotrexate - 20mg once a week
Prednisone - 2.5mg daily
Plaquenil - 400mg daily
Amlodipine - 5mg daily (for Raynauds, its helping!)
Folic Acid - 1000mg daily
Zoloft -150mg daily
Non-Presctription Vitamins: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin D
Oh and those store lights kill me (target, walmart). I try not to go, but occasionally I get dragged in by a family member/friend. If I spend more than an hour in there, I start getting disoriented and feverish!
Stay well!
Take care