10 Questions Lupus Patients Should Ask Their Doctor About lupus 

As with most other health conditions, managing lupus is a team effort that involves the patient, the medical provider and the appropriate support network. While the doctor knows best, a patient benefits most by being proactive and asking the right questions of the medical provider. Only the patient knows the level of pain he or she is experiencing or the side effects brought on by prescribed medication. While many symptoms are typical of lupus or other patients, every individual is different and may experience conditions and situations that are unique or unconventional. 

The website, www.usinlupus.com, suggests that patients take charge by:

• Learning as much as they can
• Keep a careful eye on symptoms
• Explore new, healthy changes in life
• Follow the doctor's instructions
• Get help from family and friends
• Remember that there's always hope.

Additionally, webMD lists 10 Questions that patients-especially the newly-daignosed-- should ask their doctors about lupus:

1. Could any medications I'm taking be triggering my lupus symptoms?
2. Could another condition be causing my lupus symptoms?
3. Has the disease already damaged my kidneys or other organs?
4. Should I have a bone density test?
5. Should I be taking calcium or other supplements?
6. What are the possible side effects of my lupus drugs?
7. How long will I need to take these lupus drugs?
8. Is it safe for me to become pregnant if I have lupus? Are my lupus medications safe to take while I'm pregnant?
9. How often should I have checkups?
10. What lifestyle changes do you recommend?