HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Carpal tunnel and UCTD

Support Forums
>
Lupus
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/16/2014 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
First of all, I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor last year. It blocks my growth hormone. I started taking Norditropin and it worked great. I actually wanted to get out of bed. We got new insurance in January and they wouldn't give me that and gave me Omnitrope instead. It didn't work for me. My joints hurt and I didn't have any desire to exercise like I did with Norditropin. My doctor fought and finally got me ok'd to take Norditropin and I start tonight!

On a side note, but maybe it isn't, I was diagnosed with pleurisy in Feb. after a terrible bout with bronchitis.

Then, about 4 months ago, my husband had me go to his rheumatologist and I was diagnosed with UCTD. I am currently taking Plaquenil, Ambien, Naproxen and the GH.

I guess it will soon be apparent (a month or so) what is causing my joint pain the UCTD or the growth hormone I feel I didn't respond to.

Now...today I'm seeing my neurologist for severe carpal tunnel symptoms. This came on suddenly last week when I was driving half way across the country. I could barely hold the steering wheel.

Never ending. Does UCTD and carpal tunnel coexist? Anyone else have these two? It's hard to explain these issues with my husband. He has ankylosing spondylitis and I don't want to bother him too much.
Posted 9/16/2014 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome :) I have carpal tunnel and the other one under the elbow as well which I can't remember at the moment what it's called. I also have lupus which previously was a diagnosis of UCTD.

I have bronchitis at the moment as well. I actually have to go back to the drs today as it's been a week of antibiotics and I'm worse. I'm hoping it's not pneumonia again.

Joint pain, nerve damage, infections etc are somewhat part in parcel of connective tissue/autoimmune diseases in my experience.
Posted 9/16/2014 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! It is refreshing (unfortunately) to chat with someone who understands.

I do have a question. I know that UCTD affects the joints, but what about the connective tissues, i.e. tendons, ligaments? It has to be called connective tissue disease for some reason, but I can't find any answers. I've torn my bicep tendon 3 times. (2x on one shoulder, and 1x on the other) I've also had rotator cuff tears twice on the same shoulder. Doesn't seem to be healing properly. Any correlation?
Posted 9/17/2014 10:37 AM (GMT 0)
No problem, yes connective tissue diseases affect the tendons, ligaments etc. I found this;

"Many autoimmune disorders affect connective tissue in a variety of organs. Connective tissue is the structural tissue that gives strength to joints, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.

In autoimmune disorders, inflammation and the immune response may result in connective tissue damage, not only in and around joints but also in other tissues, including vital organs, such as the kidneys and organs in the gastrointestinal tract. The sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium), the membrane that covers the lungs (pleura), and even the brain can be affected. The type and severity of symptoms depend on which organs are affected."

http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone_joint_and_muscle_disorders/autoimmune_disorders_of_connective_tissue/overview_of_autoimmune_disorders_of_connective_tissue.html

I hope that helps!
Posted 9/18/2014 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
I too have UCTD. It's taken me a while to get this disease. Its like Lupus but its not, it's like RA but it's not. My hands and ankles are affected the most. I have had gastrointestinal problems for almost two years, but I'm told it's not related to the UCTD. I do wonder though. I've been on Plaquenil for 5 years. At one point I also took immuran. That was a little scary. Thankfully I'm back to just the plaquenil and im doing great. Keep trying it takes a while for the med to kick in. Good luck to you.
Posted 9/19/2014 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you escapin. The plaquenil gave me terrible dreams at first, every night. Now it's only once and a while, but still graphic and terrifying.
My feet and ankles seem to be swelling a lot lately. My toes look like little Vienna sausages ;)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply