Join now

Already a member? Sign in

Welcome to Inspire!

What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.

Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.

How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!

corner corner corner

What Helps?

mystory
1 Recommendation

Hello

I am 25 years old and was diagnosed with UCTD about two years ago.

I am still struggling with how to live with this disorder.

I find that I am getting depressed a lot off and on and that I fear that grad school is getting pointless. Am I going to finish school and then not be able to work? Am I going to have to try three/four times harder than my peers to do the same work they are doing?

What are some tips? Has anyone found a way to cope with this? Is there a work schedule that makes the condition easier? Are there any habits that I could take up?

Please help!

Explore topics in this discussion:

Pain Stress Mixed connective tissue disease

3 replies

kbaker

I understand how you feel. I have been living with UCTD for 10 years with no diagnosis untill 2 months ago. I am going through multiple test right now to see the extent of the disease and begin therapy. I wish I had an answer for you except to say to stay strong. I have found I have good periods and bad periods. I was never able to finish college because I became to ill and could not live up to the work load. I hope the best for you!

CTDJR2008

I have some advice for you. I found when I was going for my Masters and I was having problems with fatigue and other issues, that I needed to look at my typical day, etc. I started keeping a journal and as I went along, I started to see that I ahd more energy later at night. So what I did was gear my studying and work for later in the day and rested more during the day. Stress is also a factor. You have to find ways to relax. I found my own way to meditate by putting on music I liked (at a low level) and closing my eyes and focus on happy thoughts/memories.

Hope this helps.

Jon R talla@aol.com

lindzeg

I know how you feel. I was diagnosed w/ Mixed Connective Tissue Disease 3 years ago. The pain and issues are all over the place. What helps me to get to work everyday is a routine and a good nights rest. That is the only way I can make it through the week. I have to take a hot shower every morning to help my joint pain, meds and breakfest before leaving for work. I get breaks whenever I can fit them in. It is tough when everyone around you has so much more energy...but you just have to get as much rest as you can fit in!

Add to the discussion

Don't have an Inspire account? Join now!

Forgot password?

Group leaders

You