Arthritis Mom

I have not been back to work since the twins were born and I guess I'd forgotten. I'd forgotten what it's like to be around people who don't know about the rheumatoid arthritis.

I was sitting in class tonight and feeling fine. At the break I stood up and realized my knees had stiffened up. As I made my way to the restroom the old thoughts ran through my head. Are my knees going to loosen up after walking a bit? Is it noticeable? Can I walk a little more normally even though it hurts? No. Is someone going to ask me if I have a sprain? If they ask what am I going to say?

I often decide what to say at the last minute. On one hand I don't know the other students, and it's none of their business. On the other hand I'm going to be in class with them for several months and some of them I'll see in future classes, and it's better to be open and honest if asked directly. I can go either way.

Luckily for me by the time I returned to the classroom the stiffness had worked itself out. During the rest of the class I adjusted positions several times and stretched my legs under the table every so often. My knees felt pretty good at the end of class. Now I am at home with my feet up and all those old questions have been put off for another day.