On Thursday, March 27, I am 58. I started having symptoms of chronic hives and swelling at 17. I was diagnos with beginning stage of Lupus on my blood test. My Doctir would give me a Lupus test each year for the last 3 years. This is the first time the test was positive. Does Lupus entail symptoms of imbalance in walking and dizzyness. I have been getting up very dizzy and walking imbalanced to get to the bathroom. It is a strain on my eyes to read or think when use the computer. Also I have been experiencing for over 40 years symptoms of chronic hives and swelling. I can t sit in air condition room or under a fan, outside in cold weather which affects my body with chronic hives, swelling, and pain my all my joints. After chronic swelling my body is very weak for several days and I m in bed to recover my strength. I also get very sick with colds throughout my body and have to stay home in bed for several days, even when I get the flu shot. I have been treated with chronic allergy with benedryl, Claritin, zantex, epic pen, and prednisone over 40 years. At this time I m not taking prednisone. It gives me very strong side effects, but it is the medicine that works well to keep swelling and hives in control. My Doctor said that one of the antibodies in test show positive for Lupus. He wants me to start using Plaquenil 200mg. 1 tab PO BID. Please clarify for me. Thank you, May Brown