stress really does take a toll on the body. i have insomnia, heart palpations, etc. since i've broken my elbows, i had to get medical clearance and i hope they don't find anything wrong with me. about 4 years ago, when my mother was dying, i was having these terrible pains in my right knee. it hurt so bad, i couldn't sleep at night. had to have a cortisone shot to relieve the pain, and it was diagnosed as arthritis, but the doctor said that the stress i was going through manifested itself. it's like your body is reacting to the stress in your life. Marle, it wouldn't hurt to get checked out and please try to take care of yourself.