Game of Bones

I don’t watch much television. When I am feeling well, I am on the go. However, for the past six months, I have had a lot of down time recovering from bronchitis, then a flare up of costochondritis, and a handful of broken ribs. As you can guess, I have had quite a bit of time to watch shows that I hadn’t thought I would ever have time for. One of those being Game of Thrones.

First off, how the heck have I survived without this show!!???

Secondly, watching everyone battle for the throne made me think of the battle that is constantly going on in my body.

My chronic conditions are my enemies

Psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, costochondritis, and coccydynia are my sworn enemies. They have been trying to take over my body since 1999.They tried crippling me by attacking my feet, knees, and spine. They forced me into submission when they attacked my neck in 2007. My enemies are ruthless. They have no regard for my authority. They will do whatever they wish to remove me from my throne.

Fighting to remain the ruler of my body

I have no choice but to fight. I refuse to give up my crown or throne to any disease. There have been times when my enemies have come close to overthrowing me. But even when they imprison me, I find the strength to break free and retake my crown and throne.

Continued training

Unlike Game of Thrones, I cannot kill my enemies. Like Game of Thrones, the battle is never-ending. Because of this I must never stop training or improving my warrior moves. I train by continually pulling foods that increase inflammation from my diet. I grow stronger with daily exercise. Sometimes, it is not physical strength that helps me hold onto my crown and throne, it is the ability to outwit my enemies by utilizing mobility aids when needed. Other times I need assistance and allow myself to ask my husband, children, and friends for help. I limit the size and power of my enemies armies with treatments that have little or no side effects.

Protecting my kingdom

If I have learned anything from living with my chronic illnesses and watching Game of Thrones, it is that no one is as invested in protecting my crown and throne as I am. I have been and will continue to be betrayed by doctors who don’t understand chronic illnesses, medications that only mask pain, and people who think living with chronic pain isn’t a life worth living.

I do this by getting to know my body. How one symptom or pain can lead to another. I respect my body by not running it into the ground. I am careful about who I invite into my kingdom. There’s no place for toxic people or chemicals inside the walls of my castle.

I refuse to give up my throne and will continue to learn about and try new ways to fight for my health. And while I may occasionally fall, you can bet your HBO subscription that I will rise more powerful than before.