Hi, I'm 33, and new to this community after recently being diagnosed with 'undifferentiated connective tissue disease' with a lot of features of lupus. I have photosensitivity, rashes, fatigue, aching joints, and sadly have had 2 second trimester miscarriages in the last 12 months. My ANA was homogeneous positive, all other results so far are apparently negative.
My rheumatologist told me about fermented foods being good, and cutting out processed foods/sugar. I'm just wondering if anyone has any specific tips/easy recipes/links to research about lifestyle changes please?
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Loopylou1234
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Hi — you sound very similar to me in symptoms, positive auto-antibodies and diagnosis. I have done well after being diagnosed over thirty years ago. Feel free to message me if you have any specific questions. One of the most important things is sun protection. And that means more than sunscreen! Take care of yourself.
I am sorry to hear about your miscarriages, I have the same diagnosis and had a miscarriage at 20 weeks too. I don't know anything about fermented foods and I shall certainly look into it. I would avoid the 'nightshade' family as they are inflammatory for example, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines etc. Which is really annoying as I love them all! I find I can tolerate them well now in small amounts apart from the tomatoes but would certainly avoid them during pregnancy.
As for the sun, keeping covered with loose linen clothing is really easy, plus a nice large brimmed hat. I love my garden and so spend a large amount of time outside and again I manage well. I did go too far at first by using sun block all the time and then became constantly ill with 10 colds in 12 m 😱so then I stopped the sun block and just covered up. That way I got enough light to absorb the vitamin D, as I found taking vitamin D supplements aggravated my reflux. So it's a lot of trial and error to see what works for you.
I agree it's best to rule out any heart problems quickly before going on to find out what else it might be. Oh dear, ignore this, I've answered in the wrong thread. It's going to be a foggy brain day. I'm so sorry.
Sorry I've been so quiet of late but I have UCTD, hEDS, Hughes, coeliac, dermographism...I am allergic/intolerant to loads of foods, meds - you name it it seems my stupid body goes 'nope. My heart goes out to you because food is a basic need for everything so when it feels like everything you eat cause so much trouble, it's easy to get disheartened. My darling Bob and myself have started following a Low FODMAP diet - hard but worth it! No onions, garlic, gf oats, milk, so far for me. I know it's hard but you're not alone my lovely and if you want to look into the diet, I can send you a link. Take very good care! Sending big, gentle hug xxx
Hi sorry about your losses. I also have MCTD and others. My Rheumotoligist made me cut gluten from my diet and it helped the inflammation. I live in US and use Pinterest online for recipe ideas. Good luck. Hugs!
Hello! I pretty much have the same symptoms as you and a positive ana. I did not have miscarriages though for which I feel extremely lucky and am so sorry for your loss. I actually think my sle was triggered in some way at that time in my life, maybe from the iud, maybe from the surgeries. SLE shouldn't be diagnosed with blood tests alone. Hopefully though they are considering the same treatments and hopefully you will have some improvement. My rheumy sent me home with a long lists of facts about lupus. But nothing about diet. Allergies can aggravate it, so I would assume if you have allergies to grasses avoid tomatoes and potatoes, allergies to trees avoid tree nuts etc. I'm allergic to an antibiotic (common for lupus) that they give to milk cows here. So I can't drink milk.
Welcome to the LUPUS UK HealthUnlocked Community! We offer a free information pack which you can download at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...
The Lupus Encyclopaedia states that “UCTD is a common diagnosis for patients of rheumatologists. In fact, more people have UCTD than have SLE. If diagnosed with UCTD, you are not alone; 10% to 20% of all referrals to major medical centre rheumatologists initially have an undifferentiated connective tissue disease”. An ANA test confirms whether or not someone has an autoimmune disorder, it is not sufficient in diagnosing lupus. To find out what criteria and tests are needed in order to make a diagnosis of lupus, click here lupusuk.org.uk/getting-diag...
We published a blog article on lupus, diet and healthy eating. There are a few foods that people with lupus find may aggravate their symptoms. Our blog article mentions some foods people with lupus may like to avoid: lupusuk.org.uk/diet-and-hea...
Please let us know how you get on, wishing you all the best.
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