So - warnings, I guess. If swelling bothers you, go away? I've been struggling since this past Friday. Most of my friends know I suffer with an invisible illness - Rheumatoid Disease. Friday I was hit with a painful flare up and it has gotten progressively worse each day since. I actually have very nice ankles and feet, and meaty calves from dance. But the swelling has become so bad that it's consumed my entire left leg, ankle, foot, and spread to my toes. You can see the top of my foot has domed. My right leg is bad, but not as much as my left. (It is so swollen it jiggles. Fucked Up.) My hands are also swollen and aching. I had to take off my wedding bands to be quasi comfortable. I'm fortunate in having a strong will. I will myself to get out of bed, to wash my hair, to button my pants, to fasten my bra, to drive to work and take notes in a meeting. But it exhausts me so much to do these things, and then I get depressed when my husband has to help me take my clothes off, brush my hair at night, and help me get into bed. So to my friends - I love you. Please stick with me. I'm trying my best but I haven't felt social. I've been in bed except for when I've forced myself to go to work or I've tried to be out in public. I'm unhappy but I'm trying to get through each day hour by hour. I ask for your patience and understanding. And I ask that you not judge people who use their disability placards - especially when you can't see anything wrong.