@A MyLupusTeam Member Thank you for your response. I have never had an issue with refusing medication because my PCPs know that I dont take medication unless there is a clear diagnosis. They won't even recommend medication... This rheumatologist seems to not care about me as a patient so after my next appointment with her, where I get a second round of bloodwork, I will be getting a new rheumatologist. Doctors are not God and we have the right to question their recommendations. I always question my care if I need clarity because ultimately, I have to live with their decisions... I asked her what type of Cutaneous Lupus do I have and she just said its Cutaneous Lupus. There are subtypes. I also sent a message about sores in my head and tender spots and it took her two weeks to respond. Her response was to see my dermatologist. I don't like her vibe so I will be getting a new doctor... Also, she didnt send me to an ophthalmologist so they can check my eyes before starting hydroxychloroquine. So I won't be staring that medication.

Mentioned Users

A MyLupus...

Hydroxychloroquine also reduces/prevents flares in a lot of lupus patients. It’s also proven to prolong life expectancy. I would also be careful about refusing medications on a regular basis, that will come up in disability cases (if you ever need to file) and many doctors will refuse to keep on patients who refuse their advice/recommendations. I’ve seen it happen at least a dozen times in the past 2 years. I’ve literally heard a rheumatologist tell a patient “you won’t take the medications I order, but show up every few months in a massive flare looking for a quick fix with steroid injections; I don’t practice medicine like that. You can go to the ER for these things and I will recommend another rheumatologist but I will no longer be seeing you”.

I’ve been on it for 25 years with no issues.