What is connective tissue disorder?

gowing · Newbie Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Posts: 14

I'm a 56 years old female and five years ago I'm diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
As you might know this is a very serious disease called autoimmune and it is about attacking my DNA by my own lymphocytes.
I'm using some very strong therapy and most of my previous symptoms are gone now but I started to suffer from some other symptoms like including fingers swelling, joint and or muscular pain and different digestive problems.
I contacted my doctor and, after a few testing, he discovered that I have developed some new condition called Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder.
I have been reading something about this disease but any extra information will be more than welcome.
Thanks

leiss · Newbie Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Posts: 13

Well, I think I can help you because my wife died from some other autoimmune disease called Rheumatoid Arthritis and she has also been diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder a couple of years before she died.
Basically, it is a disorder of the immune system, which normally functions to protect the body against several invading agenses.
In Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder, as in other autoimmune diseases parts of the complex immune system is over-active and produces increased amounts of abnormal antibodies that attack the patient's own organs.
You had typical signs of this condition- irritable bowel syndrome, digestive problems, joint and or muscular pain.
No matter what starts the process the results is an over production of collagen creating fibrosis in the internal organs including the kidneys, heart, lungs, stomach and joints leading to gradually failure of these organs.
Treatment is to take a combination of medications to eliminate pain and reduce symptoms.

What is connective tissue disorder?

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