It took years before I felt comfortable enough with the word “disabled” to use it in terms of my own health and its capacity.

There’s a point where my spine has curved enough for me to admit it. I’m disabled, and there are different levels of disability.

Sometimes, I need a walking stick, cane, staff, or broken-off tree branch to keep my balance – and other days, I don’t. Like with any chronic health condition, there are great days and questionable ones.

I was in my mid-teens when “many surgeries” and “pain” was diagnosed with a name. Connective tissue disorder.

What has it all meant for my card playing?

Here are 4 truths from a disabled card player.

1. I probably wouldn’t pass a doping test.

The average morning contains enough prescription medication to make WADA dizzy.

For chronic illnesses, a therapeutic exemption form is used. I guess I’d need fifty forms, or a very long scroll to list medications upon. Let’s just say that a chronic patient’s basic medication needs are enough to keep anti-doping leagues busy for a while.

2. I’m not about to win a shuffling contest.

Arthritis is a natural consequence of most types of connective tissue disorder. While I sport a decent typing speed and practice the skill often, there are some actions my hands don’t want to co-operate with on good days.

I practice shuffling often. It’s great for releasing general hand tension.

But don’t assume the above sentence means I’m any good at it.

I don’t practice shuffling to win any contests, and it’s (very) likely that I won’t be good enough to.

3. No, I don’t like to travel.

The question of travel is a complicated one.

If I’d like to go anywhere, there are a hundred-and-one questions which have to be answered first: Has the medication been packed? Is the cane or walking stick present? Is my back currently stuck, and what’s it going to feel like in two hours?

I enjoy the freedom that online tabletop gaming gives.

Instead of travelling, I can precede a bridge game with a quick walk to the kitchen. Even on rough days, that’s okay.

4. If I say that it’s a bad day, believe it.

Chronic patients have rough days. I would imagine that it’s the same for everyone, and I can confirm that it can be like this for me.

There are days that just aren’t cut out for doing the things you’ve initially planned for. Sometimes it’s a missed trip to the beach, other times it could have been a postponed bridge tournament.

Do you have any health conditions that has impacted how bridge gets played at your house?