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Connective Tissue Disease - Experience

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What is a connective tissue disease?

Connective tissue diseases are actually a group of medical diseases. A connective tissue disease is any disease that has the connective tissues of the body as a primary target of pathology. The connective tissues are the structural portions of our body that essentially hold the cells of the body together. These tissues form a framework, or matrix, for the body. The connective tissues are composed of two major structural protein molecules, collagen and elastin. There are many different types of collagen protein that vary in amount in each of the body's tissues. Elastin has the capability of stretching and returning to its original length -- like a spring or rubber band. Elastin is the major component of ligaments (tissues that attach bone to bone) and skin. In patients with connective tissue diseases, it is common for collagen and elastin to become injured by inflammation.

Many connective tissue diseases feature abnormal immune system activity with inflammation in tissues as a result of an immune system that is directed against one's own body tissues (autoimmunity).

Diseases in which inflammation or weakness of collagen tends to occur are also referred to as collagen diseases. Collagen vascular disease is a somewhat antiquated term used to describe diseases of the connective tissues that typically include diseases that can be (but are not necessarily) associated with blood vessel abnormalities.

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Comment from: deidre, 55-64 Female (Patient) Published: May 02

After receiving chemo and radiation for breast cancer, I was left with all kinds of medical issues. One was called multiple connective tissue disease, due to having noticeable symptoms of RA, lupus, and arthralgia. The pain is unbearable at times. Then I go through my boils breakout(s), which sometimes take a month to resolve. I get cortisone shots in my feet and my big toe(s), and frankly, I am getting tired.

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