Yes, MCTD is an odd duck. I get respiratory inflammation as well, hard to breathe and stabbing pain in my left chest, they've chalked it up to pleurisy. Joint pain, tissue pain, esophageal dismotility , digestion kind of shuts down, weak urine stream, extreme fatigue , my vision becomes weaker , giant cell enteritis. It encompasses so many systems that it's hard to figure out what doesn't hurt. I now also have severe scoliosis and low bone density. No matter , I've been able to shut these flares down ( sometimes 6 weeks) then get back to long walks and Youtube aerobic work outs to build my strength and endurance. You are your biggest and most important project . Cucumber is fine , I'm ok with the nightshade vegetables as well. Blended vegetables green drink will provide your digestion with much needed prebiotics. Your immune system is 75% in your gut
So it's a good place to begin. It may not go away but you can make your experience with autoimmune failure much better. You can do it.
Hugs