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...
Hard day at work but fun! We had our annual Christmas party for our patients. 130 of them came and some brought a guest. They bring food to share so cooking wasnt hard although we did cater a little of it. I went to Walmart and got a vegetable tray. But I juggled food all day. Every person who came in brought food and I had to find a place to put it, usually by moving stuff around until I could make enough room. Seemed every plate involved moving 5 or 6 others! Plus cleaning up and taking care of sick people at the same time. I was sick from trying everyones offering but the food was wonderful! And very bad for you. All that fat, salt and sugar and these are heart patients!I told them they could cheat today but back on the diet tomorrow. At one point, I was calling a Dr about a patient whose heart was out of rhythm while holding a cake and a bag of canned goods! (We also collected food for a food pantry they have at the hospital.)
Of course this time of year also brings out the sadness in some people. Tears from those missing deceased spouses, children and parents. And discussions about the lonliness of Christmas spent alone. We always have those that say they would have no Christmas celebration if not for our party. So I am very tired but very satisfied. Think I will go to bed.
Mary Ann
Of course this time of year also brings out the sadness in some people. Tears from those missing deceased spouses, children and parents. And discussions about the lonliness of Christmas spent alone. We always have those that say they would have no Christmas celebration if not for our party. So I am very tired but very satisfied. Think I will go to bed.
Mary Ann
I have somehow managed to hold it together the last week or two, fever is gone and I am getting my work done. But no doubt about it, my leg is seriously trashed. I am in major pain after six hours at the office, and I'm in a vicious cycle where I cannot exercise-- I am just not in good enough shape, the swelling would get even worse. I am on pain pills every night, which I really don't like... After six hours sitting in a hard office chair, it's really distracting and my foot just gets totally swollen. And, of course, I can't take anything for pain at the office because the job is so mentally demanding.
The positive side is that I am liking the people a lot more, and it's great to be productive and be out of the house. How on earth I'm going to do this and go to school at the same time, I have no idea.
However, the key is not to obsess about the future, and take things one step at a time. After the holidays, I have to look into a pain clinic if this does not get better. I am not "graduating" to a higher dose or other meds if I can possibly help it. I am really glad I dosed tonight, because my leg still hurts. That venom and infection clearly caused some major inflammation, and did some additional vascular damage.
I may have to post a bit less frequently, thanks for putting up with my long posts! It is great to know you guys are out there.
Oh, and yeah-- Polar, sorry I got your antibiotic advice confused with Dallas's advice! You are all my heroes, but I'm embarrassed that I got confused. Even though I shouldn't be, because we all get the days of the week mixed up and get lost on the way to the post office! I know y'all understand....
Best,
--Cat