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 am finding myself having a hard time distinguishing between depression/anxiety and MCTD. Does anyone else have this challenge?
I am having a tough time at work and I am looking for a new job. I am the primary bread winner in my house. I am pretty sure my supervisor is trying to run me out because of my disease. 2 years ago, he lowered one of my performance scores bc I was at doctors' offices so much. When I mentioned to him that this was illegal, he went off, and our relationship has never been the same. Plus, he keeps lowering my scores and treating me differently than my counterpart. I feel my performance has been consistent with the exception of about 5 months when I was getting a bunch of tests done and I was in the hospital a lot.
Of course, all of this makes me depressed and anxious and more sick than I should be.
I can't get out of bed, especially on Mondays after I have pushed it hard on the weekend either trying to have fun and/or do chores. My dysphagia is getting bad again, my headaches are back, and I've developed chronic mild hip pain. My concentration is horrible.
So, MCTD or depression? Both?
Any thoughts or advice would be great.
Thanks! Gabrielle
I am finding myself having a hard time distinguishing between depression/anxiety and MCTD. Does anyone else have this challenge?
I am having a tough time at work and I am looking for a new job. I am the primary bread winner in my house. I am pretty sure my supervisor is trying to run me out because of my disease. 2 years ago, he lowered one of my performance scores bc I was at doctors' offices so much. When I mentioned to him that this was illegal, he went off, and our relationship has never been the same. Plus, he keeps lowering my scores and treating me differently than my counterpart. I feel my performance has been consistent with the exception of about 5 months when I was getting a bunch of tests done and I was in the hospital a lot.
Of course, all of this makes me depressed and anxious and more sick than I should be.
I can't get out of bed, especially on Mondays after I have pushed it hard on the weekend either trying to have fun and/or do chores. My dysphagia is getting bad again, my headaches are back, and I've developed chronic mild hip pain. My concentration is horrible.
So, MCTD or depression? Both?
Any thoughts or advice would be great.
Thanks! Gabrielle
However, it was only recently that I realized that a lot of the pain that overcame my body was caused by depression and anxiety . . . and STRESS.
I think you are right by stopping and analyzing whether or not your boss is pushing you out. I too have felt uncomfortable at work because of the time I have missed. The pain triggered by stress/depression/anxiety shouldn't be minimized. Because of that, I agree with you about considering switching jobs . . . a healthier and less stressful environment would be much better for you, your spirit, your body, and ultimately your family.
Good luck in whatever decision you make!
http://www.ei-resource.org/articles/fibromyalgia-articles/vicious-cycle-of-fibromyalgia-and-emotional-impact:-what-to-do/
they know MCTD can take on many forms, anyway see what you think
Robert
Gabrielle
For me, the 293.83 is what accellerates the mood swings, or what gives them a weird flavor, like you can almost taste them. It feels biochemical. It has the same quality to it as brain fog-- and it often occurrs at the same time as brain fog. Like yesterday, I couldn't think fast at all, and I was also horribly depressed. It seems like a lof of neurotransmitter is involved, and it's way back down the brainstem somewhere where we do our reptile thinking. That's 293.83.
The adjustment disorder is more like, "I can't believe I have this frickin' illness, no one gets it, I'm sick of explaining it, what does the future hold?" The adjustment disorder feels like it's more in the prefrontal cortex.
Just more mad theories!
It's a vicious cycle of pain, stress, anxiety, depression -- all of which creates more pain.
Take care and try not to let the b*****d get you down.
AnnMarie
Work stress/boss stress can be very difficult, especially considering how many hours we are at work every day. It's hard. Try to take the best care of yourself as you possibly can on the weekends, especially on Sunday so you are best able to tackle those Mondays. Try to lightend up on working and or playing hard on the weekends if at all possible especially during this tough time at work.
Also, if you like your job, try to focus on your passion for your work rather on your bosses bad behavior. I know this is hard, but it might help a little. Bosses can be real creeps and sometimes those in "power" , shouldn't be. Hang in there and take care of yourself.
Gabrielle
Obviously, I need to keep working on it! Still looking for that new job...
Best wishes,
Gabrielle
I'm in pretty bad shape today. I have been alternating between complete and total exhaustion, being unable to move or work, and being so irritated that I really wanted to break every window in the house with a baseball bat.
No unprescribed medication or alcohol or recreational drugs or taking any medication in excess of recommended dosage or at non-recomended times for 105 days.
My opinion? For the most part, it's the fucking illness. Sure, the recovery from alcohol adds some topspin to it-- but the wild swings in energy level? That's MCTD. Other people in program do not complain about that, though they do complain about other kinds of mood swings.
Just curious if you are taking a Niacin (B3) supplement? Coincidentally I googled it the other day for my husband's mood swings (adrenal & cortisol issues) and came across information specifically from Food Matters.
Hope you don't mind the input.
Jen
I usually go from complete exhaustion to complete anxiety. Sounds a little bit different than what you go through. Wish I could be of more help.
Gabrielle