Hi, I am 70 years old and a 43+ year survivor of MCTD. I have so many illnesses now it is a joke with me and my doctors. The only way to survive this it to realize that you cannot do anything about it. It will be what it will be. Just learn to live with one thing at a time. Realize that you may not be able to do this but you can still do that. Change to doing things that matter and let the other things go. Make sure your partner and children understands what you are going through on a simple explanation basis so they understands why you can't do what you use to. Let them help you by taking some of the household chores off your shoulders. I also find meditation and deep breathing (especially through the pain) very helpful. It took years to master but it was well worth it. Good luck to you and remember, keep smiling.