Possible autoimmune disease, but no appointment

Have you made an appointment with an endocrinologist? I do not know your issues but an endocrinologist knows much about autoimmune issues, hormonal abnormalities, many many tests a rheumatologist would. It may be worth while to collect your files and your concerns and start afresh…perhaps an endocrinologist or another specialist. Good health,

@tlro I'll ask again - what underlying disease do you think you have? In your title, you mention autoimmune disease, here you call it a connective tissue disease, so it seems you have a specific suspicion.
With your variety of symptoms, it seems you might benefit most from referral to a multi-specialty practice like Mayo, or a similar facility nearer your home. This would be best done by a doctor who has access to most of your records.

@tlro My PCP has suspected autoimmune disease for years but it did not show up on my blood tests. I do have hypothyroidism. This summer I developed many symptoms and severe pain in my arms and shoulders, as well as my hands and wrists. My PCP diagnosed polymyalgia rheumatica and prescribed steroids. They helped a lot but it's not good to stay on them for long. She referred me to a rheumatologist and, miraculously I was able to get an appointment. The rheumatologist ordered MRIs for my shoulders and hands and wrists and sure enough, the results showed inflammation arthritis! The rheumatologist diagnosed seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and I'm taking methotrexate and tapering off prednisone.

@tlro thank you I will look into it.