Just so you are aware, the plaquenil is for your joint pain, it will not help protect you from viruses and infections. I took it for a few years, but it didnt seem to benefit me at all, so I stopped taking it. I remained on low dose steroids for almost 2 years and did a short course of methotrexate injections.(This helped calm my immune system down a bit) YYou have to take charge, who cares if someone thinks you are a pushy patient! Only YOU know how you feel! If you are not satified with your treatments or results, keep going back to the doctor! I know its frusterating! I have been sick since I was 15yrs old, I didnt get diagnosed until I was 26 (I am 31 now) The sucky part about lupus is that what works for me may not work for you, and what works for you in this flare, might not for the next flare, just dont give up! Learn to manage your days (Have you read the spoon theory yet? If not look it up, it helped me alot!) You have to learn your limits and how important good quality sleep is! Good Luck!View Thread