What a couple of weeks it has been. Found out I have a sinus/ear infection so that explains where the dizziness is coming from, but this itching is just driving me crazy. My pcp thought it was my plaquenil, told me to stop taking it. Well, it has been a week and I am still itching like crazy; and now of course I hurt all over and am so tired. Supposed to go see the rheumy on friday to see what he says. Really don't want to go, but I guess I have too. I too am so sick of doctors. They all seem to be grasping at straws with me. My rheumy's NP even told me last time that I am weird and confuse them. I wanted to tell her thanks, but I already knew I was weird, I don't need you to tell me that.
Been trying to keep the kids inside since it is so hot here too, but then they seem to bounce off the walls with all the pent up energy. Wish I could bottle it, man would I be rich. We got a puppy two weekends ago. She is very entertaining for the kids, but it just adds one more thing on my to do list that never seems to get done. Although I have been enjoying her too, she is very playful.
Mary Ann, good luck to your daughter and son in law. It is hard right now to find a job, hope that they find something soon.

I've been feeling good, I think thanks to the plaquenil. I've been able to cut back further on the difene as pain level is down. I've been swimming laps three days a week in a gorgeous pool at the gym I joined and I think that's helping. My arms are starting to get a hint of muscle under the flab and the scale is moving in the right direction for a change! I had a flare up that lasted for two days, but since that followed a day of swimming, mowing half an acre of lawn, and a hike(!) I have to blame myself for waaaaayyyyy overdoing it. :-)
I'm still enjoying the sun on the days we have it...
Mary Ann, good on you for being firm with the kids. My mother, at nearly 80, has finally put her foot down and told her 29 year old leech of a grandson to hit the road... We've been trying to get her to do that for years as her "support" was only enabling him to continue being a loser!
Klw - A puppy's energy is such a good thing. They just make you laugh, don't they? Enjoy!

I think it is wonderful day.....I learn that over a year my pain in my foot is real. I have drop foot. what in the heck was that? I look it up just kidding. And the nurvo doctor said that because I can't move my toes etc Ihave it worse. whatever I knew it had to be lol
Well I am going thru more tests mri's and looking for more neurve damage and why he found numbness even in my face. right.
So will I ever learn what I have? I have no idea.
I was told I could come here and be part of your group last year. I been lost and should of come here more and read more what you all write. I have learn that there is someone else that don't have a clear idea if they have MCTD.
Well I don't either.
So I am finding that my arthrits is getting worse in pain....they saw more damage to my spin. And so what is next? I don't know.
I got some new pills I am afaird to take. The Pharmitis said it for diabetes that attacking my shelting around the neurves.
Oh
But Iknow that this new doctor doesn't know forsure what is wrong...exept the drop foot.
I guess my next year is looking for more answers....
I keep praying.
thank you for letting me rant on.

OK I think you are all wonderful and going thru so much in your lifes and health.

God Bless YOU All
Bee
hugs

Catalyzt is back... limping and licking his wounds, but crawling back, tail between his legs for deserting the pack for so long...

MT, you know about me and doctors, I had been avoiding them, now I'm catching up. I do not think they can help me, I want to be compliant with the treatment program so they can't give me a hard time later.

One thing that is important is to be really assertive about the diagnosis of MCTD. Will try to post links later, but WE have to be confident, WE have to know the three different diagnostic criteria used in clinical practice (most having to do with Anti-RNP) and WE have to advocate for this being an illness as a distinct clinical entity. It's what most of the research says, it's what our experience supports.

Havana, great on the swimming, it works for me so well, and that's why I always feel better in the summer! Frog, yeah-- like I need someone else to tell me I'm weird, like there's somehow I wouldn't know what a freak I am-- medically or otherwise! I take the fatigue seriously and nap often, with dog if possible.

Desert, I have no feeling in two toes, but that's from the stingray after the blood clot. I had more problems with neuropathy earlier that seem to have resolved.

Another note: 7 months and no smoking? Big difference in breathing. And considering that pulmonary is largest source of complications with MCTD? Yeah, I need to remind myself it's good that I did this, though i always feel BAD. I'm a BAD therapist intern who does paperwork too slowly, a BAD househusband who can't keep the house clean, a BAD husband, BAD friend, BAD member of the MCTD support group, blah, blah, blah, whine, whine, all BS!!

Okay, there's my check in! Hope it wasn't too depressing. Will be back in form soon...

Hey Cat! Time to see your therapist again! Bad, Bad, Bad HUH?
Think of all the things you do well!
Hmmmmm- Love your dog? Swim regularly? Play the guitar well?

Glad to have you back. You are a wonderful help on the forum. Hope to hear from you soon!
Mary Ann

Good morning All,
If you are or have been on methotrexate would you share your experience with it. I am supposed to start it at the end if the month and everything I read about it is horrible. Has it helped you?
Maryann,
Best thing you could do for your kids...hang in there! It seems like we are all sick of dr's.
Kiwi, I had/ have itching too. At first I thought it was the Plaquenil but I stayed on it. The itching comes and goes I think it is a part of the MCTD. Anyone else have itching?
Havana, keep up the swimming. I stopped exercising and can't seem to muster up the energy to go back to it. If I ever start again I am not going to stop! ( a promise to myself; ))
Desert bee, hope they figure it all out for you. Hang out with us on this board. Your symptoms are very familiar to all of us.
Cat....glad you are back! We all have missed you. Thanks for sharing your very bad, horrible days : )
My daughter is continuing to get better ...slowly but surely...
Terrilynne

I have periods of itching. From what, I dont know. Right now, I am OK but it will start without warning. I switch soaps, lotions, shampoo, detergent. Was convinced it was my meds. Then,,,,,, it stopped! Why oh Why?
Mary Ann