Connective Tissue Disorders - I am gaining weight like crazy! And I am NOT on any steroids! Is there

I too have MCTD and have both gained weight and lost weight. If you can get some pain relief and follow a diet plan that cuts down on foods that lead to inflammation including some fish (not all most are good to cut inflammation) and adding foods that cut inflammation like the ones high in omega 3s it will help. A low impact exercise program works good also such as walking or pool exercise program even on the days you hurt. I started out at 94# was 189# at my heaviest and am now down to 140#. All of my original weight gain was antidepressant because until then I couldn't gain the weight. But at the same time MCTD hit and has thrown me from one specialist to adding quite a few and still adding and still discovering what other autoimmune diseases are wrapped into my MCTD. I pray for relief and weight loss for all of you it does help and with some pain relief it can be bearable.

Thank you for sharing MrsMo, I've been diagnosed with MCTD for two yrs now and I gained 12 pounds in 8 months. I used to exercise yoga every day and stop doing for five months due to horrible muscle and joint pain. Every day I ask my self if it will ever get better?

I am so sorry for both of you - what a horrible disease.
You have my deepest caring, thoughts and prayers.
Hoping you get some much needed help and things
might settle down somewhat.
Good luck and God bless.
I have never heard of the diseases you have.
I have an autoimmune disease, among other things, which is named
Prurigo Nodularis and it is maddening.
Again, God bless you,
Trish Schiesser

Oh yes! I have been diagnosed now for 10 months and have gained 30lbs. Every time I have an appointment there is something else wrong I'm at 4 specialists at the moment. I have not lost any weight at all. I even joined a gym to try to prevent weight gain but then my body couldn't take anymore. All my joints and extremities became swollen and then the pain became unbearable.

I feel your pain! I have been small my whole life and never had trouble losing weight until now. Medication can definitely be a factor. Also, if you go through periods of depression or just your typical MCTD flare ups (aren't they wonderful?!), it's easy to put on weight when it takes everything in you to move. With all of this, if you're like me, you don't always get the exercise you need. When we only take in calories but aren't burning nearly enough, weight gain is inevitable. Good luck to you!