u/FortuitousFireweed

Has anyone found anything that helps with their fatigue? I'm on plaquenil, try my best to get good sleep, and am trying really hard to implement energy conservation techniques.

I started drinking coffee again which has actually helped quite a bit 😅

Edit: I am at 1 month of plaquenil and am excited for when I get to 6+ months to feel the full effects!

If anyone has supplemental ways to support fatigue I'd love to know your experience!

I'm trying to do more self care/stress mgmnt (dry brushing, relaxing hobbies, foot soaks, massage), journal, keep in touch with friends as the mental fatigue of FOMO with life also exhausts me.

I am hoping to get pregnant in the next two years or so. I am a little worried due to the medications I'm on which are hydroxychloroquine/plaquenil and duloxetine/cymbalta. My rheumatologist pretty much said, "Yeah, you're fine on those go for it," and was essential unbothered and nonchalant. My GP recommended I go to a specialist as I'm approaching a "geriatric" pregnancy (I am 32).

Any UCTD moms out there with any insight on conceiving, childbirth, flares, pain, or would like to share their pregnancy journey?

Has anyone found any relief with certain supplements, massages, tools, etc.

I've been looking into turmeric, lymphatic drainage massage, etc. to help my UCTD symptoms.

I have a heated wrist band and gloves that have been amazing for pain mgmt.

I'm on plaquenil which had been helpful, but I'm only a month in.

Has anyone else had various blood pressure spikes after getting their UCTD diagnosis?

I have started 400mg hydroxychloroquine. It's been about 1.5 weeks.

I take it on a full stomach. I've consistently had a stomach ache, bloating, and constant trips to the restroom 😅 Has anyone else had this experience? I know it's going to take a bit for my stomach to get used to it.

Has anyone not had success with hydrochloroquine? I know it's early. I'm just curious of if people have had success with other medications.

After 3+ years of questions, pain, and feeling medically gaslit-- I am happy to report I got diagnosed with UCTD! Am I excited to have an autoimmune disease? Nope. Not at all. Am I excited to finally feel validated, heard, and starting meds that finally address my symptoms? Yes. Yes, indeed.

Has anyone been part of the UCTD crew that has NOT developed into lupus, RA or another diagnosis?

Those of you who have lived with this disease for a while... what are your words of wisdom to the newbie?

Thanks!

Hi there. Please LMK if there is a better thread for me to post this.

Has anyone experienced weight gain with their meds? I'm in the process of a diagnosis and am pretty sure it's leaning towards an unspecified connective tissue disease. I had a corticosteroid shot for back pain that really helped with my joint pain in my hands, wrist, and feet. I gained weight quickly and am hoping to try and lose some of it before my weddings in July. Anyone else have this experience?