A few ago months ago I was a beaming Bride-to-Be, planning day in and day out, trying to ignore the pain and swelling I was having in my hands. As the pain got worse, my fingers started changing colors, and the swelling reached a point where I couldn’t even get on my engagement ring. I decided I should probably go see the doctor.
My doctor kept saying that I probably just had a bad case of Raynaud’s (bad blood circulation to your hands and feet) but I just didn’t feel right. I was tired more than usual, losing hair, sleep, and my joints ached. My hands were excruciatingly painful, my thumb especially, it would lose all feeling, and I started getting severe tissue damage. I asked to see a specialist and my doctor finally agreed.
The Rheumatologist took one look at me and knew it was more than Raynaud’s. After more blood tests than I can count, I was diagnosed with Multi Connective Tissue Disease (Scleroderma, Lupus, and Polymyositis all rolled into one disease – primarily, I have Scleroderma). I was blown away! No one had ever had auto-immune diseases in my family, and I was always very healthy, even through childhood. I was immediately put on 5 different medications, and have monthly visits to my Rheumatologist, and of course monthly blood work to see how the disease is progressing. I have to wear gloves and keep my self bundled/warm at all times; I really had to change a larger part of my life style.
I have now been happily married for almost 3 months! The disease has set us back financially and, of course, constantly keeps my wonderful Husband, and myself, worried but I know I will make it through this! I have family and friends who love and support me and, of course, I have my amazing husband to hold my hand through it all! I love him so much and will never let anything, not even a disease, take me away from him! I will ”Fight like a Girl” for him, my family, and myself!
Chanel
United States
Submitted 11-11-11
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is inspiring! I have recently been diagnosed with MCTD. The physical problems are very frustrating. I have not been put on any medication specifically for this disease yet. Your symptoms are very similar to mine. Good luck to you!
Hi Chanel
I too have MCTD. I also have an under active thyroid gland, fibromyalgia, swollen glands everywhere and trouble with my tum – check me out I’m a lucky thing!
Anyway here’s some things that I’ve found to really help –
A SAD lamp – cured my insomnia straight away and no more antidepressants needed.
A diet free from gluten, lactose and unfortunately alcohol. I’m still having trouble with the latter
The biggest thing and I mean the worst is processed foods and refined sugars. As soon as I eat sugar my joints hurt and swell and the tiredness is unbearable.
Wishing you well x