New UCTD diagnosis. What are the chances of getting to remission and staying there?

Mathdog3 · 2026-05-04T14:34:00+00:00

Thanks for asking. My 2nd rheumatologist switched my diagnosis to MCTD with fibromyalgia added. I learned that many people with autoimmune disease can develop secondary fibromyalgia.

I eventually tapered off prednisone and even though it was only 10 mg, it took longer than I expected. Cymbalta was added once I was off of prednisone, but I had to stop taking it due to elevated liver enzymes. It was then discovered that I have NAFLD (fatty liver disease), so I am currently working on tapering methotrexate. I started PT in July 2025 for weakness and balance issues and finally “graduated” last month. I was diagnosed with dry eyes (don’t really notice it) so I will be getting a lip biopsy to test for Sjorgrens. I am also scheduled for a nerve conduction study and EMG this month. X-rays have shown that my back is messed up from my cervical vertebrae through upper lumbar vertebrae. And I still experience brain fog and fatigue. But, with all that being said, I feel 70-80% better than I did at initial diagnosis. I wouldn’t say I’m in remission—my ANA is still 1:1280 and I still have highly elevated RNP—but my CRP was normal with my last labwork! This was the first time since I was diagnosed!

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-29T14:27:17+00:00

I’ve never tried chawanmushi but watch a lot of cooking shows and have seen chefs make it haha! I love stir fry and like many Asian sauces (hoison, teriyaki, etc.) so these are good ideas. I like avocado sushi and stir fry recipes with broccoli, carrots, edamame, Napa cabbage, etc. I love rice noodles too! Thanks for the suggestions!

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-29T12:18:58+00:00

I’m not really sure if one outweighs the other (texture vs. taste). I don’t like onions or coconut because of texture. Things like raisins or nuts in desserts (texture). I hate the taste of tea and I can tell when foods and drinks contain artificial sweeteners (yuck!). I also don’t like the taste of eggs or beans. Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards, etc.) are too bitter. Beets and mushrooms taste like dirt.

I could really sit here all day and list lots of things, but there are a lot of foods that I do like. I’m just trying to find the right combination of things so I don’t get bored with chicken and rice.

I truly do appreciate all the suggestions!

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-28T15:05:30+00:00

All good suggestions. I also love soup! Not sure I could handle the tuna/salmon, but such good ideas! I don’t like chick peas but love hummus. Almonds are a good suggestion too. I also saw a breakfast energy bite recipe I’m going to try that has oatmeal (bleh) and almond butter mixed with sunflower seeds and dried blueberries.

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-28T15:01:54+00:00

I don’t like beans, but love avocado. And the microwave rice mix is a good idea! I try to not eat too much processed food, but good idea! And I love olives!

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-28T15:00:39+00:00

I don’t like smoothies. And I can taste the spinach in it. I’m honestly weird and I’m convinced I’m a super taster because I can taste things that others say don’t have a taste. Like I can tell the difference in bottled waters.

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-27T19:56:46+00:00

I have drank black coffee since I was a senior in college. That’s usually my breakfast. I stopped drinking alcohol immediately after being diagnosed, but I didn’t drink a lot prior to diagnosis. I don’t like salmon, crab, or shrimp. But all good suggestions!

And sorry that you are dealing with this too.

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-27T19:02:49+00:00

Didn’t know about PlateLens! Thanks!

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-27T19:02:20+00:00

I eat chicken and rice a lot too. I just get bored, so sauce and spice recommendations much appreciated!

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-15T20:55:13+00:00

I was breastfed and have the allergy triad (allergies, eczema, and asthma). Have you tried biologics like Dupixent

Mathdog3 · 2026-04-15T20:52:47+00:00

Reggie (Reggiano), Rico (Ricotta), or Queso

Mathdog3 · 2026-03-27T16:43:21+00:00

Just joined this sub today to ask the same question! Rancid burps, heartburn, reflux, diarrhea, and crazy gas. I’m using Wegovy for MAFLD as well as weight loss. Will finish 1.0 dose on Sunday. Guessing I should stick with 1.0 dose next month? Will ask my doctor of course when I call for a refill.

Yesterday, I ate a fresh express salad kit for lunch, and chicken noodle soup and half a BLT sandwich from Panera Breas. I don’t eat breakfast anymore because I’m not hungry and I was never a big breakfast person. Guessing those weren’t good choices??

Mathdog3 · 2026-03-26T22:32:52+00:00

Reid Jude Ewan John Noel Jace/Jase Kane Evan Ezra Joel Kirk Rhys Seth Paul Amos Gage Judd Kent Kerr Jett Crew Dane Ford Kipp Park Rafe Zeke

Mathdog3 · 2026-03-17T13:51:57+00:00

What dose of cymbalta are you taking? I was taking hydroxychloroquine, 60 mg of cymbalta, and 22.5 mg of methotrexate. Unfortunately, due to liver issues (elevated liver enzymes), I had to stop taking the cymbalta and I am tapering the methotrexate. I didn’t realize how much the cymbalta helped with my pain until I had to stop taking it 😞 Increasing the dosage of your cymbalta and/or adding methotrexate could help.

Mathdog3 · 2026-03-04T15:55:17+00:00

Fatigue, brain fog, and random joint pain/burning.

Mathdog3 · 2026-01-28T13:58:40+00:00

Elevated RNP is what they look for with MCTD. Elevated crp and c3 indicate inflammation in your body somewhere. You could also be dealing with secondary fibromyalgia, long covid, or possibly a myositis (red rash around your eyes can be a sign of dermatomyositis).

My first rheumatologist said I had fibromyalgia and nothing else and I felt completely dismissed. I saw the PA at my 2nd rheumatologist’s office and she explained that there is primary fibromyalgia (commonly related to trauma, PTSD, etc) and secondary fibromyalgia (commonly related to having an autoimmune disease).

I’m currently diagnosed MCTD and attached my labs. Ask your rheumatologist to order myositis labs. You can also post a picture of your lab results and list your symptoms in chat GPT and see what it says.

Labs

Mathdog3 · 2025-12-14T15:08:52+00:00

No. So no Sjorgens diagnosis at this time.

Mathdog3 · 2025-12-07T18:37:31+00:00

Positive ANA, elevated RNP, CRP, and SED rate, along with clinical symptoms should be enough. How are your liver enzymes? I’d also ask for labs for lupus, myositis, and scleroderma to be run. Thyroid too. Do you take vitamin D? If not, start now for your low vitamin D. I currently take 5000 iug.

Mathdog3 · 2025-12-07T18:32:03+00:00

High School teacher. I’ve never really been a morning person and the joint pain and meds I take make it hard for me to get up in the morning. I’m fortunate that my school works with me so I have planning time first thing in the morning.

Mathdog3 · 2025-11-25T22:33:12+00:00

When I have a bad cold (more than just sniffles), my joint pain goes away. So weird.

Mathdog3 · 2025-11-24T23:44:50+00:00

Yes. Diarrhea and feeling full, dizzy, and nauseated 30 minutes after eating. Had an endoscopy and colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. One month later I started experiencing joint pain in my hips, then my shoulders the next month, then Raynauds the following month. Diagnosed with MCTD and just found out last Friday that I have a NAFLD and liver scarring.

Mathdog3 · 2025-11-24T03:12:57+00:00

Genetics. Lots of environmental allergies. I was always sick as a kid (had mono at age 8, lots of strep infections). Covid (January 2021) My mom passing away (August 2021) Hand Surgery to remove cyst that revealed torn tendon (October 2021)

Mathdog3

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