Thanks-- it sounds like a lot, but many if not most days, I feel like I'm not getting as much done as most people my age who are still working, and the things I get done take forEVer!

The brain fog is worse when I'm under pressure or anxious about something-- I'll put something down and not remember where I put it, which eats more time, and makes me more anxious, etc. The psychological impact of the disorder is formidable, particularly the isolation-- and I've seen some posts about that here, I'm going to go back and troll through the earlier posts-- though I think it's important to remember that the primary cause is physical, and I have only limited, partial control over it.

Thanks for the links to the osteoarthritis groups! That IS what's worrying me most, you are correct-- at least at the moment. I have also started having episodes of low fever with body pain, usually after exercise, which is maddening. Like, why could I ride 12 miles yesterday and felt great, and today I rode four miles and took a 5-minute swim in 80 degree water, and woke up four hours later with severe chills, trembling so bad I could barely hold a glass of water to take Tylenol. These are more like my symptoms as an adolescent, but so far, this just happens a few times a year. It did keep me out of work for a day a few weeks ago.

I found Mayo Connect through a Google search for new articles on MCTD, something I do about once a month. First time this place has ever turned up. I used to be a member of the Daily Strength group for MCTD, but that forum got sold and redesigned so no one could use it, and everyone left.