We can talk all we want about how we don't let our illness control us, but let's face it, every disease has a set of rules that we need to follow, mostly, otherwise we suffer. Here are some of the rules I have to live by:
1. I have to eat leafy greens to help my eyes.
2. I can't eat leafy greens because of my GI issues.
3. Fresh fruit is healthy but the acidity wears down my tooth enamel and burns my intestines.
4. I have to have a bath and move slowly in order to prevent myself from puking.
5. I cannot do my hair and my makeup one right after the other or I will vomit.
6. I have to enjoy the little things.
7. I can't get excited over small things without causing a flare-up.
8. I have to eat salmon twice a week for my eyes.
9. I shouldn't have dairy products.
10. I need excellent sources of calcium for my bones since I am on no hormones and am in a medicinal menopause.
11. I am not supposed to cry if I get upset, otherwise I get a migraine.
12. I cannot bottle up my feelings because it will cause a flare-up.
13. I have to get a decent amount of exercise.
14. I can't exercise too much or I get motion sickness.
15. Tea helps me calm down and takes away food cravings.
16. I can't have too much tea because of my GI issues.
17. I cannot have any kind of coffee or chocolate without at least getting hives.
18. I should be doing some aqua-therapy.
19. My allergy to chlorine prevents me from doing any aqua-therapy.
20. UV exposure helps my psoriasis.
21. Too much sun and heat increases my nausea and discomfort.
22. To use my nails I have to get fake gel nails.
23. I have to watch my nail growth for signs of a flare up or other illnesses.
24. I need to keep busy and have a quality of life.
25. If I get too busy my body will crash.
26. I have to sleep up to 20 hours per day to get proper rest that I need.
27. I have major sleep issues and nightmares that prevent me from sleeping too much.
28. I have to eat properly to maintain energy and weight.
29. My body doesn't like to feel full or have any food in its system.
30. I have to take medication that causes more symptoms that subsequently need more medication.
These are only a few of my body's rules for survival.
How can we keep that all straight?
I don't make the rules... but I am the one who suffers if I don't try and follow the rules - even the contradictory ones.