Hi! I am new to this forum. In April, I noticed that my right big toe joint was red. It didn't hurt, was just red. Two months ago, the left big toe joint did the same thing. I started googling (yeah, I know I shouldn't) and kept getting hits for gout and RA. Shortly after, all my joints started popping (or did they always do that and I didn't notice?) So, I made an appt to see my Internist, who told me that he would run some tests to put my mind at ease but felt I was ok. Everything came out ok, including the Rheumatoid Factor and Gout (highly unlikely anyway b/c I am a 37yo female!) I saw an ortho about my toes who did xrays and said my toes looked perfect, all ten. No signs of arthritis. For a couple of weeks, I let go and felt good. Then, everything came rushing back and I started having joint pain here and there, sore muscles here and there, and my newest is an achy upper left arm. I have had some panic attacks now and the pains are wose during those. I saw my dr again today and asked about anxiety. He didnt want to prescribe anything until he ran some more tests - more for RA, Lupus, Lyme, Vitamin B deficiency, thyroid. My friends, those with anxiety and without, are trying to convince me that I am ok, that my brain is telling me that I am hurting when I may not be. I have no history of anxiety, but know I am anxious now. What I don't know is: Am I anxious b/c there is really something wrong with me or is my anxiety causing me to think there is? Can anxiety cause my joints to hurt (dull pain that comes and goes), muscles to be sore, etc???