We took the kids to a baseball game last night. I was walking around with one of the babies and noticed many people there with visible illnesses or disabilities. To them I look like any other mom walking around with her cranky baby. On this night I was feeling lucky to have an invisible illness. I always say if you have to have a disease there are worse one's to get than rheumatoid arthritis, and the visible/invisible factor is another reason this is true. If I want to share my invisible illness with someone it's my choice. If I want to pretend I am healthy and normal, most days I can. Even when my foot hurts people easily assume I sprained something and it's temporary, not a chronic illness that I will be dealing with every day for the rest of my life.
There are many with rheumatoid arthritis who's illness is visible, who need canes or wheelchairs to get around and who have noticeable joint damage. There might be a day in the future when I don't have the luxury of faking it. So for now I think I'll count my blessings.
Posted by
Jennie
on
August 31, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Categories:
Invisible Illness
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2 comments:
I know what you mean. Some people see me limping and think, "Oh you just injured your ankle, knee or back." I am thnakful that I am moblie and can still do many of the things I like to do.
That's a really good point. I have days when I am plain old relieved that, even though I may be dealing with RA issues internally, I don't have to out myself in public unless I want to.
Just found your blog-am looking forward to getting caught up!
Sara
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