Hello, all. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus nearly two years ago. Since then, I've done all I could to deny and ignore it. I'm in the middle of what I assume is a flare and need some advice.
I have a rheumatologist, but he never really gave me much information and no treatment plan. He's allowed me to remain in my lovely little denial box. Recently, I began suffering from horrendous PMS and evil acne break-outs. I was set to begin a course of birth control as prescribed by my gyne, when the nurse read that I had been diagnosed with Lupus in my file. They told me that I needed to speak with my rheumatologist and get an okay from him before they would allow the prescription. He was pretty serious when he told me that it was not a good idea to take the pills and that it would cause flare ups to become worse and more frequent.
Well, that just pissed me off. I'm 34 and feel awful having these giant blister like marks on my face. It grosses me out, I can't imagine what other people must think...
So, anyway, I've been doing some research (finally) and I see that there is so much involved! I feel like I just don't have the whole story. I wonder if I should get a new doctor, but mostly, I wonder what I can do to feel better that maybe doesn't involve medication.
Any advice you can give would be appreciated. I know it's time I give in and get started on some sort of treatment before it gets out of hand.
Maggie
I have a rheumatologist, but he never really gave me much information and no treatment plan. He's allowed me to remain in my lovely little denial box. Recently, I began suffering from horrendous PMS and evil acne break-outs. I was set to begin a course of birth control as prescribed by my gyne, when the nurse read that I had been diagnosed with Lupus in my file. They told me that I needed to speak with my rheumatologist and get an okay from him before they would allow the prescription. He was pretty serious when he told me that it was not a good idea to take the pills and that it would cause flare ups to become worse and more frequent.
Well, that just pissed me off. I'm 34 and feel awful having these giant blister like marks on my face. It grosses me out, I can't imagine what other people must think...
So, anyway, I've been doing some research (finally) and I see that there is so much involved! I feel like I just don't have the whole story. I wonder if I should get a new doctor, but mostly, I wonder what I can do to feel better that maybe doesn't involve medication.
Any advice you can give would be appreciated. I know it's time I give in and get started on some sort of treatment before it gets out of hand.
Maggie