I have just been diagnosed with discoid lupus and I do not like to take medications... does anyone know of relief for the lesions>>??

Lupus usually requires certain medications, usually corticosteroids.

I understand not liking to take medications, truly I do, but if you had a dangerous medical condition that medication was necessary to save your life, would you take it? Yeah, probably.

Hun, let me ask you this question and see what your answer would be, okay?

If you had high blood pressure and your life was at risk of a stroke or heart attack, would you take the medication that would save your life?

Just think about that before answering.

Lupus, while not life threatening, requires certain medications to keep it under control. Sometimes our bodies don't produce the chemicals we need to keep us healthy and alive, hence medication.

I can go on and on about the different disorders that require medication and why they are appropriate.

I have high blood pressure, I would never go a day without my medication, because my children need a mother.

Some people have diabetes and need insulin, without it they could lose their lives or a limb or two. So... they take their insulin and follow a proper diet.

Whether we "like" to take medications is different than if we NEED to take medications. I hope you see my point.

Two things that are good for lupus and have no side effects and I believe can be taken with medicines and all are

Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant, limit usage to 50 mg two or three times a week.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Side Effects to Expect (http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com/alpha-lipoic-acid-side-effects.html)
And
Omega 3 fatty acids

You can look up more in the search engines and ask your doctor if he can tell you if he knows of any problems with it.

Of course these two things alone would not be enough but may help some.

I'm in no way an expert in this area.. consider me to have enough knowledge to think I know what I'm talking about much of the time. Ill usually defer to j_9 and other medical professionals who have more experience and skills.

I have a friend who has lupus. If you've done any reading on it you probably know it's a disease that can be very individualized. Meaning you have a long process to work through to find what works best for you.

My friend has lived with this disease for years, and a long time ago was told to keep a record of her symptoms, treatments, effects, etc... you know you have this "project" in front of you... the more organized you are, the better. When you can walk into a med care providers office with a detailed record of what your body has been doing and what the treatments have been doing, it's a useful body of information. Chances are you are going to have to work to find what works best for you.

Also, I wanted to mention acupuncture. My friend doesn't use this for her disease, but I've read about it used as a complementary treatment for the disease... and I've read much about acupuncture because my wife chose it for a completely different med reason.

Not to sidetrack, but in our case she was having terrible, painful ovarian cysts and adhesions. As in her daughter called me on the phone one day when she was naked, on the bathroom floor, curled up in fetal position, in misery.

Three doctors later, one surgery later, she was still in pain. Western med had two answers... vicodin for the pain or a hysterectomy. She said no to both. After a talking to a friend whod worked through some of the same, she tried acupuncture, massage, and exercise. It took time, but it worked. I am a father of a naughty 4 year old today because she sought out alternative medicine.

So... I have a HARD time listening to the "chi" talk with acupuncture. Energy flow theory just sounds goofy to me. I have degrees in bio and chemistry. I've taught students who were pharmacy, med, nursing majors. I believe in much of what western med has to offer.

But I've seen what herbal treatment and acupuncture did for my wife up close and personal. And nearly everything they promised they could help with, they did. The only "failure" that happened was their attempt to help induce labor didn't kick things into gear as fast as expected, but her delivery was much faster (by many hours) than her previous. So... if her guy says he can do certain things... I believe it. He has never lied to her yet.

My understanding is some believe that acupuncture can help with pain management and blood flow... which might mean its more of a complement to treat the symptom, not the cause. But you are asking about alternative to meds, and I've seen acu mentioned for this.

Also, I'm not sure about the tie in to acupuncture and sex hormones, but I thought id read some through testosterone levels might be one reason the disease is more prevalent in women than in men, and I I've read acupuncture could help with hormone imbalances for other med issues, so maybe..?

At any rate, you might look for a good clinic in your area that does acupuncture. Talk to your doctor about it. Some are open to it. Some aren't. But there's no hurt in seeking out info.

In our case, it lead to my being a daddy and my wife being pain free. Powerful stuff.

Also, have you looked locally or online for lupus support groups that can get you info and resources quickly?

You might have done this already, just wanted to mention it.