Hi I have MCTD with overlap of systemic sceledarma

@sonnyforee10. Hi and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Yes, lots of people take supplements even if doctor disagrees. Supplements are all different and the manufacturing is also different. The best way to determine which are best and which are total duds, is to speak with someone who really knows and studies supplements. This person is hard to find, so hurry up!
Don’t rush to change doctors! If your current one is treating all of your autoimmune diseases and you’re doing OK, stick with her!
I’m not taking supplements and I’m getting PT for my back pain, which is probably related to all the stress these autoimmune diseases bring.
Will you look for a knowledgable person who really understands supplements?

I will look for someone with knowledge on this thank you very much!!

You need to remember different doctors typically have different beliefs, as my PCP says it’s not that one is better than another, we just have different tool boxes. My PCP is a Functional Medicine Specialist and she knows a lot about supplements which would be a good type of doctor to have your team. She is not against prescribing medication, she just likes to get down to why do things are wacky in the body. Supplements don’t work for everyone either. I don’t know about the back pain I don’t have any. I also go to the gym 3 times a week and do a lot of stretching and strength training. If you’re not doing any of that I suggest that you do. Exercise is a huge complement to this disease. You don’t have to join a gym but being physically active can certainly improve your symptoms. I believe exercise is medicine in itself. For those who are older and have to start the process may have a more difficult time. I on the other hand have never been inactive so maybe it easy for me to say, but any time of movement everyday is important for health, disease or no disease. Hope this helps somewhat. Keep fighting, don’t stress out. Everyone on this site has different issues, some worse then others, so do what works for you and that might not be the same as the next person.

Thanks for your thoughts and you are right. I’m 70 yrs old and have never been inactive either I’ve been doing yoga and Pilates for 3 yrs and still doing it. I know it’s helping with everything except my back. However it doesn’t hurt when I’m exercising! Thanks again