RA Post: Just One More Peculiar Thing

Mulling over thoughts the last several days. Shocking, yes, that I was thinking yet again. 
I was thinking how, over the last ten + years (and as they say on Laverne and Shirley: "Did you ever think you'd say anything was ten years ago?" ) how I was a tired social butterfly. I'd go to most any get-together, some I stayed half an hour at, some I'd be one of the last three to leave...signs, one, of RA and fibro flaring, as from one day to the next I had differing energy levels. Massively noticeable energy levels. Massively noticeable health swings. 
I know I complained for several years about being tired. Even so far as to speak to doctors, have blood work done. I was tested for RF (rheumatoid factor--a marker for RA that can be a false positive and a false negative. That is why, technically, one is never fully diagnosed with RA. It is always a "working diagnosis", as there is not even an 80% positive test) with negative results. The same for sed rate (red blood cell settling) and ANA (forgetful RA brain does not recall what this is. Likely no one really cares ;)  ). Nothing was "wrong" with me. 
Now, as I spend most days quietly at home with visitors when I can handle such a thing, I think how odd it is that I am not going stir crazy. Being ill makes that happen---no one wants to visit when they feel horrible. Yet for so many years I managed to make it to some things. 
I miss my dear family-friends....my friends who are so close that I call them sisters, or brothers. "sisters" children I consider nieces and nephews. I love them all---I know the sentaments are returned mightily, even while my presence is missing. The internet is a blessing for the chronically ill. It allows for more contact than might otherwise be available. 
Support groups are available 24/7...my groups have members around the world: England, Australia, South Africa. Someone is there to talk, to listen to the endless complaints an RA sufferer might need to vent. Again, a blessing---and many will be praying for you right then and there, asking God to strengthen and be with the sufferer. 
RA has been teaching me many things. A different outlook on the illnesses my patients faced, the fear of illness, and the strain of illness. I have had the blessing to study the Bible in more depth than I have ever had "time" for before; to absorb ideas of great pastors and authors, to counter ideas not sound with biblical teaching. to find myself in deeper commune with my Lord than ever before. 
I do not want to be sick, and I hope that I will receive total remission...yet I am very grateful for the blessings available to me right here, right now.