I am a 49 year woman who has had lupus since 1985. I was on social security disability up until about 5 years ago. I was feeling better and gave work a try. I have been on 9 mg of prednisone (tapered from 15), plaquenil, ibuprofen and tegretol and depakote (for seizures). In february of this year I had a torn meniscus repaired in my right knee. It triggered a flare which I cannot seem to get rid of. I have applied for social security again but was rejected the first time. They skipped the reconsideration (2nd decision) and I am waiting for the appeal process, which they say will take up to 18 mos. At this point I am on 50 mg of prednisone so that I can continue working. Even with that I hardly ever make a full week of work. I have recently had an mri, mra and carotid ultrasound for neurological symptoms like numbness on the right side of my face, dizziness, scalp tingling and shaky hands. All were negative. When I get really wiped out my speech gets weird like "me be ok", "i be fine". It seems like I can work for 2 - 8 hr days but then have to stay home the next day in order to finish the week. I have an uncle who died from wegener's granulomatosus and a brother who died from complications of mixed connective tissue disease. Any input would be appreciated. I am getting really frustrated.