Newly Diagnosed and Feeling Sick
Hi guys! How is everyone? I was recently officially diagnosed with Lupus (about a month and a half ago) and started Plaquenil - I have not noticed a difference, but I have not seen any side effects, so I'll take it. Because of my insurance, I HAVE to go into the office to get any advanced testing done, and I'm sure ya'll are familiar with that process.
I was just wondering if anyone else had these symptoms or if you could recommend a test that could be run. It feels like I have a high fever (sweaty and gross, but also chills/cold like crazy), lightheaded and dizzy, and super tired. Basic CBC/Dif, comp, and vit levels are all normal. I'm on week 2 of this and I'm going insane.
Hi
! I'm glad you found our community - it is great that you are reaching out early in your lupus journey. I'm so glad to hear that Plaquenil hasn't caused any bad side effects, but it does typically take about 6 months to reach peak effect. My first rheumatologist made me wait 6 months after starting Plaquenil before adding anything else on, but looking back I wish I would have pushed for more aggressive treatment because I suffered a lot during that waiting period. Just my personal experience, but if you feel like your symptoms aren't under control I'd reach out to them for more help. I definitely understand how it can be a pain to get labs done.
Fevers are common with lupus patients, but they're typically low grade, so you may want to check in with your primary care physician as well as your rheumatologist and share those symptoms. It could be lupus, but it could also be from something else, like an infection. I'm often quick to blame things on lupus only to find out later it was something else entirely.
I'm sorry it's been two rough weeks of symptoms. Do you have a way to check your blood pressure? Especially with feeling light-headed and dizzy it would be good to check, and then you could send those vitals to your doctor along with your symptom list to help get guidance on the next steps to getting you feeling better. I can't recommend any tests unfortunately but I definitely think you need some form of treatment and I'm hoping your doctors can find an answer for you soon. Wishing you the best and please keep us updated! -Ava, lupus.net team
Some of the symptoms you describe are pretty common with lupus. But I would definitely let the doctor know so you can rule out anything else. This just may be a flare but you can't know for sure until you speak with your doctor. I hope it has gotten better for you. Welcome to the forum. ~Racquel~ lupus.net team member
