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...

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stillpooped 12/13/2012

Does anyone have any thoughts on hot tubs for pain management? (in conjunction with plaquenil and naproxen)

deleted_user 12/28/2012

Certainly cant hurt! Ive got one and it works great for sore muscles, not so sure about join pain.

vivre 12/28/2012

I've read that they are bad if you have pulmonary hypertension, high blood pressure or heart problems.

I don't have any of those conditions or a hot tub, and start most days by soaking in a hot bath to loosen up my joints.

auggie70 12/29/2012

They are alot of work and I feel like I need to shower after to get the chlorine smell off, however they feel good on the joints!!!!!

brunob 12/30/2012

because my lungs are compromised I have to stay out.....I miss it though

stillpooped 12/31/2012

Tried the hot tub for about 30 minutes today. I could actually move my knees with ease. The breathing was a bit difficult with the steam coming off the water. Temp was set at 104 degrees, maybe the breathing will be better with the temps in the 90's. Thanks for the feedback all. : )

brunob 01/01/2013

if you have any respiratory issues you need to be very careful about mould and mildew.

Terrilynne 01/02/2013

I have a hot tub and love it! It works great on joint pain and stiffness. If you have tendon pain you need to ice your tendons afterward. They warm up and can stay loose afterward so I tend to ice my Achilles' tendons after the hot tub. Our temp for the hot tub stays at 102 and works well for me.
They are a bit of work but so worth it. A hot bath works well but if my joints are really bad it is hard to get in and out of the bath tub. Hot tub is much easier to get in and out of.
If you have heart, lung , or are sensitive to chemicals you might want to stick with a heating pad.

stillpooped 01/17/2013

Thanks for all the relies. @Brunob I have no diagnosed pulmonary disease, but finding the hot tub not as gentle on my breathing as it is on my joints. I have lost faith in my pulmonologist as she is not a PAH specialist. That is a real concern for me as I have many of the symptoms which prompted my rhuemy for making the referral to rule out Pulmonary Hypertension. My echo indicated an elevation in pulmonary pressure so she wants to repeat in six months. PFT and chest x-ray were within normal limits. No six minute walk test. I went on the PAH website and it was most helpful. I have an appt. in February for a six minute walk and echo in the AM followed by a MD appt to go over the results the same afternoon. Not looking for a diagnosis for PHT but if I have it, I want it to be treated now and not wait to see if in six months I need a cardiac cath.

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