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Is this a flare?

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Posted 10/21/2009 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease about a month ago. I was given a systemic cortisone shot and put on anti-inflammatories and meds for Reynauds. The past few days I have had a sore thoat- my glands are swollen but I felt ok. Today however, my thoat still hurts, along with every muscle and joint in my bosy. Im in agony. I have no cold or flu symptoms apart from swollen glands in my neck so its not the flu. Is this what a flare is like? Im new to this and don't really know much yet.
Posted 10/21/2009 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Lynn,

Flare = return of symptoms.  Sore throat and swollen glands are not typical symptoms of mctd but muscle and joint soreness definitely are.  Treatment for mctd is usually LONG TERM prednisone and also prednisone sparing meds like imuran and methotrexate to suppress your immune system.  A single shot or a short term treatment will only brieflly, if at all, suppress your immune system.  I have been on pred and imuran for over 4 years although the doses are now minimal.  I was on 60mg of pred initially and after 9 months still on 25mg and 150mg of imuran.  Short term, one time treatments don't work for a disease like mctd.

Is your doctor a rheumy? Is he experienced in treating AI diseases?  I suggest that you find another, experienced doctor.  If he has treated lupus patients he will know how to treat mctd.  It is unusual to give a single shot for mctd and expect results.  Don't wait since your disease is symptomatic and might get worse.

Bill

Posted 10/21/2009 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
I've never heard of having a sore throat while flaring, but I do have a lot of muscle and joint pain. For me, a flare is like an explosion of my already present symptoms. I always have joint and muscle pain (muscle pain may in fact be caused my my fibro) but when I flare it is much worse. A flare for me feels like I have the flu. I sometimes run a low grade fever. Call your rheumy's office and talk to his nurse. They might want to increase your meds or have you come in. Don't ever hesitate to call your rheumy. We can talk to you about our own experiences but we can't give you medical advice. I hope you feel better real soon. Please let us know.
Posted 10/21/2009 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lynny, I also have MCTD. A couple of weeks ago my throat and glands became sore,
throughout the week other symptoms popped up, sinus drainge and coughing up green
phlegm. I ended up with a bad sinus and chest infection. My rheumy took me off the
Methotrexate until the infection is gone. I was put on two differant antibiotics.

Like Patty said, "Call your rheumy's office and talk to his nurse,"

An infection can put all your MCTD symptoms into high gear. Hope you are feeling better
soon!

Hugs

Robin
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