Lupus Questions & Advice
 

Hi everyone,

I am new to this site and have recently been diagnosed with a mild case of Lupus.

A bit of background about myself.
I am 31 and have been trying to conceive for the past couple of years.
After 2 miscarriages (Chemical Pregnancy and Ectopic Pregnancy), my hubby and I moved on to IVF.
Our first cycle failed after which my Fertility Specialist ordered further testing.
These tests revealed a high positive ANA "titre > 1/1280 with a speckled pattern"
They also found positive ENA (of type RNP). Additionally I had a slightly elevated Anti-dsDNA of 11 (I think normal is 10). He referred me to a Rheumatologist. In the meantime, I started my 2nd IVF cycle with Dexamethasone, Clexane and Low Dose Aspirin. During the 2nd cycle, I had an appointment with the Rheumatologist and he ordered for more blood tests.

After the failure of my 2nd IVF cycle, my rheumatologist suggested going on Anti-Malarials (Plaquenil) for 3-4 months and to stop IVF in the meantime. My 2nd round of blood tests revealed the same information except my Anti-dsDNA levels increased to 13.

My rheumatologist has suggested going on Plaquenil for a minimum of 3 months to try and get the Anti-dsDNA levels back to normal. He has indicated that on a scale of 1 to 10, my lupus would be 1/2.

My questions are:
[LIST][*]Anyone with similar stories that went on to having a successful pregnancy[*]How long does it take for Anti-dsDNA levels to drop generally? Since mine are not so high, I was thinking it shouldn't take very long...[*]I have read that DHEA can help people who have lupus? Is this true and how does it help? Will it reduce any of the ANA or Anti-dsDNA levels?[*]Any other information you can share[/LIST]
Thanks.