MCTD = No Real Name

Spent the afternoon traveling to and from UM to see the rheumatologist.  I was curious to see what he would have to say about the $3,000 test that was run in CA that I am now stuck paying $300 on.  (I guess it is better than the full amount.)  He was pleased to see the difference in my hands and face immediately.  He explained that what I have is complicated (No S@#$ Sherlock!).  The bottom line is that since I tested positive for Sjogren’s, Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis and there are some other factors that I tested positive for, it has been decided that I have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD).

What does that mean in the long run?  Who knows….To me it just sounds like they have no clue what is really going on with me, but the doctor is happy the treatment is working.

So, the autoimmune medication is being upped and I have been put on progression plan to down my prednisone.  I need to increase my exercise a little bit more and take off the weight I gained from the prednisone.

Nothing new there.  The only thing new I discussed with him was the burning tongue and tingling lips.  He thinks that it could be symptom related instead of medicine related.  I guess I will see as I transition over the summer to a higher dosage of the medication and get off steroids.  I will still be on the anti-bacterial due to the medication.

He did give me an exercise to help with the arthritis in my hips.  I will start that Saturday along with pushing 6 blocks for the doggie walk.