Hi, I've read all your discussion but have never wrote on here. So this is a first. I live in PA, where the weather is just starting to bring my symptoms out. I have just recently been diagnosed with Lupus. It took several doctors and a 2 year time span. Still to this day, Lupus does not show in my blood. It's comes up inconclusive. Biopsy of my skin is what they finally made the diagnosis with, along with my symptoms and photosensitivity in the sun. Anyway, I started on Plaquinel. I had to stop due to the nauseated constant feeling, as well as feeling faint. Has anyone had these symptoms? Do they pass eventually or should I try something else. Thanks for any help. Audrey
Sounds like you have discoid lupus, the plaqueinel takes some getting used to, the nausea should get better with time. Stick with it, and protect yourself whenever you are out doors in the sun.
Make sure you get your eyes checked frequently!
Hi I am tired of being tired all the time. I was to have a spotlesd home and now I'm lucky if I get the basics done. Thank god I have a great husband. I can get dinner made but as soon as I eat I have to lay down and leave the dishes to hubby. I was diagnosed 2 years ago with the positive ANA BUT IT WASN'T CONCLUSIVE TIL THE BIOPSY. i HAVE sle but I'm not in too much pain except for the osteoarthritis in both knees and now my left wrist and fingers are sore. I stated on plaquenil 1 1/2 years ago and it cured my mouth sores and hair loss has slowed down. I think I would have to find someting for the nausea rather than give up the plaquenil I have the photosensivity. My extremeties were covered with rash but that doesn't seem to bad right now. My eyes are showing some bad signs. I actually go to my opthamologist on Fri. Make sure you go to an OPTHAMOLOGIST regularly. can you take omeprazole for the nausea? I can't walk up one flight of stairs without feeling faint. So I limit going up and down stairs as much as possible. but my bedroom is on the second floor and my washing machine is in the basement. Good luck.
Cindy
I would continue it - I had that feeling too and it passed- take it with a non dairy food , never on an empty stomach - maybe get some seabands to help you. . . its worth it - plaquenil is the first line drug and doesn't have harsh side affects (other than checking the eyes every 6 months or year depending on the doc)
Sometimes I do get constantly nauseous and I feel so weak at times. But in my situation, it has alot to do with kidney failure. Plus, my rheumy says my lupus is in remission. You must have a conversation with your doctor about this.
Hi there. I would definitely discuss with a doc because of your history and specific symptoms. I had nausea and stomach aches when I first started plaquenil. I was given meds for the nausea and continued on the medication because I was told nausea is a common side effect that goes away with time.
I am glad i stuck it out because after the initial six months of taking Plaquenil there was a huge difference in morning pain level and sun sensitivity. I also noticed less hair loss.
Again, would not proceed without speaking with my doc but from my experience, those side effects did subside and the long term benefits sure were worth the short term issues.
I hope you find the right combo for you. I hope you start to feel better soon.
Thank you all for your input I truly appreciate it. I will call the doctor to discuss.
Hi, Audrey. I have had lupus for a long time, but it was fairly inactive with only occasional flares. I was able to lead somewhat of a normal life with very few meds. Then, about five months ago, I had the worst flare I have ever had. Due to reports on blood work ended up with my rheum (of course:)), a hematologist/oncologist for two treatments for body not producing iron, and now an endrocronologist (sp???) for everything that is just off the charts. I feel miserable. Started me on two RA drugs, which make me mildly nauseous, but so far I can handle it; then will try me on chemo drugs and do a bone marrow biopsy. I am sorry to go on like this when I really meant to give you some encouragement and welcome you to this group of wonderful people. Re symptoms: I think you should talk to your rheumy and tell him/her problems you are having. Perhaps you can take something else or they can give you something for the nausea. Make sure you keep a check on your blood pressure as it can make you feel faint if is too low...or too high......or just too too. I wish I could be a "cheerleader" for you,but I think I need one myself. I hope you start to feel better....also, make sure that you are comfortable with whatever specialist you are seeing. If any doctor makes you feel that it's "not such a big deal" and/or "you are more fortunate than a lot of people" (comments I have rec'd from former doctors)....anyway, find another doctor who understands the difficulties involved in living with this miserable disease. So, now that I am sure I have brightened your day, I truly wish you well and you will be in my prayers. Keep your head up. Linda
Hello, Ann, About six months ago I awoke in the middle of the night throwing up blood. Ambulance to ER where it was discovered I had a bleeding ulcer. Total shock as I never had any indication that I had ulcers. Spent one week in hospitalized where they put a permanent staple one the bleed, gave me blood transfusion and sent me home. That started this downward spiral and its just been one thing after another. In the 20+ years I’ve had lupus, this is the worst I have ever felt. It was difficult for me to begin posting on this site as I never talked about my health. I think I have been in a form of denial all these years but it’s rather difficult to deny an illness when you are losing your hair, have gained 40 pounds, have the infamous lupus rash on my face and arms and have become pretty much of a recluse. Aren’t you glad you asked 
But I have just started two new RA drugs and have many more appointments scheduled. Sorry I have rambled on so…this is the first time I have ever talked to anyone other than my beloved and supportive husband. I apologize for taking up so much space. Thank you for your support. God bless you and may you have a gentle night. Linda
Hi All,
I should say hi ladies, since this is who gets this lovely disease n NEEDS to vent about it. Getting your feelings out here is better than whining to others who just don’t “get it”.
I feel bad for you gals thst are having bad flares. It stinks! Messes w/ our lives. So not fun. Just remember, this too shall pass.
As far as advice on Plaquenil. It is the most benign of the lupus meds. So if you can take it, try to get past the nausea. I cannot take it, Allergic to sulfa drugs. So I ve had to try other drugs. Methotrexate is typically next. YUKKY! Worse side effects. I am on Imuran now, with it’s side effect being possible lymphoma some day. Nice huh? NOT!
Keep the Faith!!