Anti inflammatories really help with the pain and sleep issues. If you dont hurt, it is easier to sleep. Like Celebrex or meloxocam (Mobic). Also, I took a mild anti anxiety drug for awhile at night. It really helped my sleep and I felt so much better the next day. Some say it can be addicting, but I took a half a tab and had no trouble at all stopping it. Good luck!
Mary Ann

Hello, I just came a cross this site randomly. I was hesitant to write, just reading the post. But I can't be concerned with my typos and grammar etc. I've got to share anything that may help someone or encourage someone to write and help me. I was diagnosed 06/16 with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.(sharps,collagen vascular, connective tissue) all the same. Would have been nice if my Rhumy would have just told me that all four names mean the same thing.

I now realize how important it is to research your doctor. The same way you look for a house or car. I was prescribed Hydroxychloriquine 200ml and Prednizone 10mg a day. I stayed on plaqunil for 7 months, it did nothing for me. I am now on Azathioprine (Imuran) 50mls and Gabapentin 300mls daily. But I didnt start these drugs right away out of fear. I had no ideal of the side affects until I went home and researched them. I cried and started to have anxiety, I would flare something wicked. I coulnt move at times. The pain in my chest which felt like knifes in front and back. the breathing when it hurts to swallow that feeling like a gumball is stuck. body pain feels like you got stampeded in the the black Friday sale.

But I think the worse feeling for me, is to know the med's aren't helping with the pain. Then going to the emergency just to be made, to feel like your some kind of junkie. Because they really don't have a clue about your disease. I say to PA> I think its Polymyotisis he tells me to wait let him go google it. Well there is so much I want to share... but my knees hurt when I sit at the computer and my hands go numb from the Raynauds. My neck hurts from the generative disc disease. Lol cause I am :) We all must keep hope alive. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm sorry that you hurt too. I was not trying to be a Debbie downer. But right now this is my truth. I do have 2 spoons still. not bad for the close of the day.

I forgot to tell you. I try and avoid carbs and tomatoes, red meats if possible these thing bring on flares for me like stress does. Use the spoon theory it really helps. B-12 and kale or good. for Scleroderma( hard dry thick skin) Eucern Red top excellent. Burning thigh... turn over on the other side and let the blood flow.

I have been on Methotrexate for three months, tolerating it well and it has helped with the burning, throbbing swollen hands, not with the Raynauds though, just started plaquenil and hoping it completely puts me in remission.... good luck!

Does the chest pain increase with a deep breath?

If so, please get assessed for pericarditis. Can be quite serious, but can be caught in time w/o long term damage. The pain is very specific-- chest pain on inhaling, if you have that, you MUST see a cardiologist and have them listen for a pericardial rub.

You may not get prescribed pain meds given the current hysteria over opioids. If you are, they will probably want you to demonstrate that you can only use them sparingly.

Welcome to the group, but sorry you had that experience. To have someone googling your symptoms in the ER... er, does not inspire confidence. I had an experience kind of like that, but it's a really long story. Anyway, hang in there, check back in and let us know how you are doing.