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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lizardqueen 09/26/2017

Hi All, let me introduce myself. 42 year old lady, hubby and almost 7 year old daughter. I am a preschool teacher and support worker for children with special needs, I also provide respite in my home or childs' home. My health problems have been my whole life and basically my whole gut system, bladder, bones, joints and whatever else is compromised with autoimmune diseases, diagnosed with: Celiac disease (2008), MCTD (2014), Interstitial Cystitis (2016), Degenerative Disc Disease along my whole spine (2010), Supraventricular Tachycardia (2013).

I am looking forward to being on this site with fellow sufferers. Why? Simply because most of you UNDERSTAND. That is huge; I don't have to watch what I say or lie about how I am feeling today or suffer silently.

I am here to learn what helps other, to answer questions or ask them and find support or be a support.

Thanks

MToennis 09/28/2017

So glad you found us! Sounds like you have run the gambit of problems, but you seem to be handling them, caring for a home, have a job and loving a child and spouse! Good for you! Just remember to take some time for yourself. Stress is a killer with this disease.
Mary Ann

hillsandvalleys 10/13/2017

Welcome aboard. I think you're correct about finding people who will understand many of your feelings and challenges ... of which you have quite few. As Mary Ann said, stress is likely the key overriding factor that can exacerbate symptoms... poor dietary choices as well. But stress is the one thing to focus on minimizing in your daily life... so do make sure to take a good dose of time for yourself during the day... it will pay dividends.
Rick

lizardqueen 03/11/2018

Here is an update:
I have been on medical leave EI from work since January 15 due to chronic pain from the worst flare-up since being diagnosed. My Rheumatologist says that it is systemically which means, lucky me, that it is involving absolutely all of my autoimmune diseases and health issues right now. I am going to be going on Short-term disability for a length of time as well hoping that I will be getting back to work again.
But, for now, it is one day at a time. I am lucky to have such a great team of DRs that work comprehensively together and that for my disability case that I have such documented notes and DRs that agree that disability is the way to go right now. So they will all help with letters and filling out where they need to for me, I should have no issues.
Thanks for your continued support because as you know it helps immensely. Cheers

MToennis 03/12/2018

I am sorry to hear about the flare. Here's hoping for a turn around!
Mary Ann

11_2016 03/13/2018

Hope you are rounding a corner with your health!! Well wishes! -Ashlee

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