Never Felt Old

By noragrace9

1 min read

I am 77 and never had any health issues. Did all my yard work, painted my house, and went to the gym 5 days a week.

Last March got sick with a virus and could barely function. Lots of blood work, which didn't show anything wrong. Frustrating time.

Finally, my PC sent me to a rheumatologist and was diagnosed with MCTD. Been on Hydroxychloroquine for four months. It has helped. I look the same but I don't feel the same, now I feel my age.

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RHall Community Admin
Hi Nora! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story. As someone new to mixed connective tissue disease, I imagine you've been doing some research. You may have already seen this, but we have a great article on MCTD that may be helpful for you! <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/arthritis-awareness-mixed-connective-tissue-disorder' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/arthritis-awareness-mixed-connective-tissue-disorder/</a> Welcome to the community! Warmly, Reggie (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member)
L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
Noragrace9: I have to admit i know very little about MCTD. I do have a friend who has been diagnosed. she suggested I took at this web site for information. Perhaps it will be helpful to you: <a href='https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/autoimmune-disorders-of-connective-tissue/mixed-connective-tissue-disease-mctd' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/autoimmune-disorders-of-connective-tissue/mixed-connective-tissue-disease-mctd</a> The website is sponsored by Merck, but it seems fairly generic. Given the few web sites I looked at it appears that hydroxychloroquine (PLAQUENIL) is a first line treatment. Here are two others I thought helpful. Mayo Clinic: <a href='https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mixed-connective-tissue-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375152' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mixed-connective-tissue-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375152</a> NIH: <a href='https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7051/mixed-connective-tissue-disease' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7051/mixed-connective-tissue-disease</a> I note that MCTD fits under the category of rare diseases. thus it mihgt be helpful to look at NORD - the National Organization of Rare Diseases <a href='https://rarediseases.org/for-patients-and-families/information-resources/rare-disease-information/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://rarediseases.org/for-patients-and-families/information-resources/rare-disease-information/</a> I hope this is helpful to you. I wish I could be more helpful. rick - moderator
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