Is this common?

Has anyone checked you for gout? It is a type of arthritis that can also cause pain in various other joints in addition to or instead of the large toe.

Your symptoms may also be from Lupus, but I'm just trying to think of other things that may need to be looked in to so you can start feeling better :)

Take care,

No Dazed you are not crazy. I have goods days or good weeks and than BAM. It's gotten to the point where I hold my breath when I'm feeling HUMAN because I know it's only a matter of time before I fall on my face again. Like Frank said you have to try not to over do it on good days. Unfortunately we tend to want to catch up on everything we havn't been able to do. If you are cooking for turkey day try to delagate responsibility as much as possible. If you are going somewhere else don't feel guilty for letting others take care of things. The more you can rest the faster your start feeling better.

hugs carol

dazed,
For almost twenty years my blood tests showed up negative for lupus.  My rheumy said that your blood tests might never show anything different, then again they could go crazy.  Three years ago my blood tests starting showing positive results and continued to climb.  Before the blood tests showed positive my rheumy treated me based on my symptoms (which is what a good rheumy should do).  Now my blood tests show positive and I've got the official diagnosis in my chart. 

Your symptoms sound very familiar.  It sounds as though you might be in a flare.  You should go back into your doctor while you're feeling this way and let him exam you and run those blood tests again.  Ask him to treat you based on your symptoms, not on the results of the blood tests.

You're not going crazy, it's not all in your head ... what you're experiencing is very real and needs to be taken seriously.   You need to pace yourself, eat healthy and get as much rest as you can.  And if at all possible limit your stress.  I know, easier said than done.  If you need a shoulder or an ear, we're here, and we know what you're going through.  Hugs!

The symptoms you've experienced are fairly common for me (and my lupus) and indicate I've been doing too much. My toes and/or hands will randomly hurt/ache/tingle and I'll be extremely (more than usual!) tired for a few days. For me, it's definitely a small lupus reaction to whatever I've been up too -- it doesn't have to have been physical, sometimes this happens with mental exertion or stress. Unless you eat a lot of rich foods/drink and don't exercise, it probably isn't gout -- gout doesn't include fatigue. It could be a number of things, but if lupus is the best fit, then that probably hasn't changed. Don't forget that regardless of what your dr says, lupus is identified by having 4 of 11 symptoms, NOT by blood or urine tests. Check out the links in my signature for more information. Cheers,

dazed, I also have some of the experiences you've described. It reminds me a lot of how I felt when I first got sick. I felt off balance, very fatigued and weak and had joint pain. Initially I had a very low positive ANA and my fitst rheumy brushed it off and said I had fibro, so I went along with that until I kept getting worse and he completely ignored my new symptoms. I switched rhuemies and my next one was better and started treating my symptoms but wouldn't diagnose me with anything, but it was very clear that I didn't have fibro. I finally hit the jackpot with my 3rd rheumy who saw me when I was very sick and had lots of positive labs and symptoms, so I finally got a diagnosis and meds that have helped improve the quality of my life. Just don't give up. Like everyone said it can take a long time for a diagnosis. It can also take a long time for your labs to catch up to your symptoms. Hang in there and take care.

Thanks everyone for all your replies and support. I go to the Rheumy on Monday for the second time. The first time he said all tests were negative but will probably repeat them next visit (Mndy) I will let everybody know how I make out. He had a unconcerned attitude so I am curious to see what happens and what direction he is going to take.

Once again thanks.

dazed