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...
OK, in January I got the flu. That turned into a sinus infection and double ear infection. After that I got pneumonia because the infections didn't clear up. Well guess what.... I still have the sinus infection and my chest is congested again. I am afraid it will turn into another lung infection. Does anyone else have issues with this?? I have been sick since January with no relief and I have to say, I am over it. Sorry for the little rant. Have a great day!
Get well.
Mary Ann
I don't get it-- if our immune systems are overactive, then why do we get infections? And why are infections particularly dangerous for us-- my doctor told me I should get the pneumonia shot when I am completely healthy again because lung infections are so serious with MCTD.
The other problem is prednisone lowers immunity-- obviously, or I wouldn't have gotten Shingles after taking it. So if we need prednisone, we put ourselves at greater risk. I was sick from February until May 1, pretty much a solid two months-- and just sick enough to still go to work.
MT, I wish I believed that the universal flu vaccine was possible. Of course, I do take the flu shot, and I think it protected me from the flu, but the last thing I got was a virus. I think only being exposed to something and surviving it is the only way to really build immunity, so the key is just to stay strong overall, any way you can. Eat right, exercise when it's possible, blah, blah, blah.