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Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: May 9, 2023 | Replies (75)Comment receiving replies
Hi Everyone, I am new to Connect. I was diagnosed with UCTD in 2009. I have also been taking hydroxychloroquine (Plaqunil) since that time. My dr added Meloxicam after that which I took along time. Like many have said my Dr also told me UCTD is kind of the umbrella over Lupus, RA, and Sojourner because you have a little bit of all three but not enough of one that would put you in the category for that disease. He also said if my blood work didn't change much in 5 yrs it's likely it won't get worse. I still have flareup's of pain in joints and muscles and have tried other meds that they use for Fibromyalgia but I haven't found anything that works well. Celine helped but then my gut couldn't Handel any longer. I too have really been dealing with fatigue because of not sleeping well. My muscles just hurt from pressure of laying on them thru the night. So still looking for answers too.
Replies to "Hi Everyone, I am new to Connect. I was diagnosed with UCTD in 2009. I have..."
Hi. I was diagnosed Undiffetentiated Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Or UMCTD last June 2018. As my doctors explained I have a little of several autoimmune illnesses like lupus, RA, Etc... but primarily now
My immune system is attacking my
Lungs. I am on steroids and
Immunosuppressant drugs. They are trying to taper
My steroids but
Unfortunately I have a flair up every time. Like today I have a full
Blown asthma bronchitis infection caused
By my immune system attacking my lungs bec of the tapering . It’s a tedious slow process ... tapering of steroids. And yes “undifferentiated “ is same as “idiopathic”.
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I have been on hydroxychloroquine for approximately 8 months and it really helps. Had painful flare-ups prior to taking the drug (the locations varied; hands; wrists; collar bone; neck). No need for steroids since taking the hydroxychloroquine; just Advil or Aleve on days I can tell my immune system is trying to give me a flare-up. I guess I'm grateful that this is a pretty mild diagnosis to have at age 72 (compared with more serious illnesses). I'm active; exercise regularly; only drink "on occasion;" basically grateful that I'm in as good a shape as I am. Just wonder if anyone else has days when it's really hard to get up without an inordinate amount of sleep? Once in an "upright position," I'm rather hyperactive. That being said, there are days when I almost feel "drugged."