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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Allergies & Immunity
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Just diagnosed today

deleted_user
deleted_user
I asked about prednisone the other day and have been in the group reading and learning while waiting on my results. I guess I will be sticking around here since they came back positive and I was officially after years of many doctors playing the guessing game with me. I have been put on Plaquenil and refused treatment with prednisone. Any advice as far as supplements or foods and other things that may be helpful? I grew up with my mother having Lupus so I am no stranger to autoimmune disorders but until I was tested for this I wasn't even aware of it. So I guess this is my hello post as well as my post to ask for some tips and advice.

-Jaime
MToennis
MToennis
Sorry for your diagnosis but glad to have you here! Welcome!
Mary Ann
deleted_user
deleted_user
Welcome!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well, sorry for your diagnosis, it can be abit overwhelming. I was diagnosed 3 months ago and still haven't gotten a grip on things. Hope the plaquenil starts to make you feel better, it took about 6 weeks for me but now I seem to feeling well most of the time.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well, overwhelming is a perfect word for it. I honestly expected myself to handle it better than I am, I guess it just had not sunk in until now. I hope I can see good results with it as well I just have to remember to give it time. At least I know not to get too frustrated if I don't start noticing much difference soon.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Along with my plaquenil (which my doctor is about to change to a stronger immune suppresent) I also take a muti vitamin (for women 50+ -- and i'm 35), along with a prescribed high dosage of Vitamin D. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. But welcome to the site. It is a great source of information. :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was really unsure about taking a multi-vitamin although I do already. I am also taking Omega 3, Glucosamine & MSM, Vitamin D, Vitamin E (for skin). Thanks for the welcome!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think the most important thing is to listen to your body. I have take multi-vitamins in the past that haven't worked out for me. I found one that seems to help, give me energy, not give me stomach or other problems -- so I have stuck with it. What works for me -- may not work for others and vice versa. ;)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have to take the gummy ones, haha. The other ones the way they smell will make me vomit not even joking. I open the bottle and the smell just gets to me.
newstarttoday
newstarttoday
I have been taking plaquenil for over a year now and do feel a lot better. I have heard of other things like Glucosamine, Omega 3 and fish oil. I keep meaning to become a bit more holistic in treatment. Hope you feel better!
Terrilynne
Terrilynne
Plaquenil kicked in in about a month for me. I was told not to take supplements by my rheumy; omega 3, vitamin d are ok but she said not to take other immune boosting supplements... Our immune systems are over active and attacking our systems so no need to add to THAT!
It is overwhelming ...the best thing I have found that helps is this site. I am on Plaquenil (200 mg twice a day) and 10mg methotrexate once a week. It seems to keep me going. Sun and stress tend to cause flairs so I am trying to learn how to manage the stress. Cant do alot about the sun ( haha)!
Welcome, at least you know what you're dealing with now.

Terrilynne
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