u/aliencuisine

So I’ve just been diagnosed with UCTD but I’ve have symptoms since my early 20’s (I’m 37 now). One of my first symptoms was dry eyes that made my eyes red and sticky. I’ve never used eye drops and I don’t really know why. I just got so used to the sensation that I didn’t bother. Anyways, I recently had an eye exam and my doctor said my cornea looked like sand paper and that I should be using drops so I got some that he recommended but I feel like they don’t make much of a difference. Is this common? I’m thinking maybe they’re working but they just don’t feel like anything. I keep using them over and over and they still feel so dry. Anyone else experience this?

I was recently diagnosed with UCTD after having symptoms since my late teens and I’m currently 37! Doc thinks I might have Axspa as well and is also testing me for Sjogrens. He prescribed hydroxychloroquine and said I could be potentially developing Lupus, which scares me so much. I am terrified of taking meds and developing side effects but I’m also terrified of not taking the meds and then develop something more serious. Has anyone NOT taken the meds and had their diagnosis turn from mild to worse or turn into something more serious?

Hello everyone! I have been experiencing the most confusing health issues since I was a late teenager, started with the worst back pain of my life and then lots of stomach issues and lung issues as well. In college I was so so sick and would often go to the ER for all sorts of things including neuro symptoms, gastro, joint pain, confusion, extreme fatigue and fainting spells. Blood work always looked “perfect” and was told it was all in my head and was lookin for pain meds. I gave up and stopped going to doctors for help. In my early 30’s I had a terrible flare and found a new primary care who sent me for more tests. I ended up getting diagnosed with narcolepsy and food allergies so I started eliminating all those foods and lo and behold my symptoms became less and less frequent. I thought I was cured but then got another big flare and this time had ulcers in my mouth and other mucousy areas of the body, rashes, hair started falling out, and had awful dry mouth and eyes. I’m about to be 38 and saw a rheumo for the first time EVER after getting a mild positive ANA on a Function Health test. This doctor I went to listened to my history and symptoms and immediately said that “perfect” blood work doesn’t rule out autoimmunity and that I should’ve been referred years ago. I felt SO SEEN for the first time ever. I got my diagnosis 2 days ago. UCTD - but he is thinking I may have AxSpa and Sjogrens too. I’ve never heard of these things! He put me on hydroxychloroquine but I’m so so scared to start the meds. He warned me that I may be developing Lupus based off my urine test? I’m so new to this I don’t know why and I hope he’s wrong.

I’m so sorry that there are so many battling this but also so relieved to NOT be alone. For so long I really gaslit myself that I was weak and crazy and I could Will myself into feeling better. What a roller coaster!