MCTD flares and hip/thigh pain that is limiting mobility and activity.

Has anyone with MCTD experienced a flare up that has lasted for months? My hips and thighs get so tight I can barely walk, stairs are a nightmare! I had blood work done in January and blood came back good. I’m waiting till June to get a CT or MRI done because under my current insurance my copay for those tests is over $2500.00 and once I’m on Medicare in June my copay goes down to $100.00. My PCP is wonderful and I’m waiting for a referral to a rheumatologist as the one in our community has retired. I get regular chiropractic care and will be starting acupuncture this week. I finished PT last fall and continue to do the exercises although some days it feels impossible. Otherwise things are okay, just frustrated with the lack of mobility. I’ve lost a lot of ground in the past few months and am concerned I may not get it back. Right now I’m not on any prescriptions because prior to this flare symptoms were controlled with nsaids. Diagnosed with MCTD after a wicked run with Covid in February 2022. Any suggestions would be appreciated.