I had a really bad case of strep-throat a few years back and got a similar auto-immune problem afterwards. Never got a proper diagnosis because I looked okay an

I had a really bad case of strep-throat a few years back and got a similar auto-immune problem afterwards. Never got a proper diagnosis because I looked okay and put on a show of good spirits when talking. But for two months I couldn't leave the house; if I walked further than the kitchen my ankles and knees would swell so much that I would be moaning on my bed in pain for hours. I felt so lonely and so lost from the world. It took a year before the obvious symptoms really dissapeared (but I could hike again after about 4 months) and I still have trouble maintaining joint and muscle strength in my legs after getting a cold or virus. Now I can appreciate chronic illness and how isolating it is, even if just a little bit. You can have an amazing support network and still fall through the cracks. I am so glad that I still have my health and try not to take it for granted.