The Spoon Theory (Intro)

Article Content Post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPhh_pGuQXM

Article Author: Christine Miserandino
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/the_spoon_theory/

Go to http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com - Whether you are chronically ill, care about someone who is, or simply want to learn more about myriads of chronic and/or invisible diseases.... this site is for everyone, as we ALL need support and information! And it's 100% free! (They do have an online store; you can support their efforts & expenses by getting yourself or a loved one a very reasonably priced gift.)

It's all about quality of life, and making the best of what we've got; healthy or sick, rich or poor, etc.! We all mourn what we lose in life, be it health or anything else for that matter. But we can use our negative experiences and turn them into positive ones! It takes time, work, patience, perseverance, support, trial & error, and desire.... but the destination is well worth the journey, and the journey itself is rewarding!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• chronic
• pain
• fatigue
• bipolar
• mental
• illness
• fibromyalgia
• cfs
• cfids
• invisible
• disease
• support
• health

[lindalu1000]

I was born with fabry disease and have also had lyme disease so I totally understand looking OK. I have also had cognitive problems when I had lyme. But I keep using every single spoon every single day because I know they could all be gone one day.R infusions every 2 weeks-not fun but the option is way less "spoons" so I do what I gotta do.

[Katatawnic]

@lindalu1000 Every one of my spoons get used up every day, whether I try to keep some in reserve or not. So I indeed have my days when I simply don't bother to try to save any. Use whatcha got when you got it. :)

[StealthGoblin1]

I think your "marbles" analogy is more effective than the "spoons" analogy. I think chronic illness not only affects one cognitively but also emotionally and changes mood.

[Katatawnic]

@StealthGoblin1 Yep, the emotional aspect is called lability, and if it's more "severe" it's even referred to as emotional incontinence... which I think is perfectly fitting and quite self-explanatory. Stroke sufferers are commonly known to have lability or emotional incontinence, but it hits most people that have severe chronic pain with OR without brain damage.

Thanks, BTW. I do like the "I lost my marbles!" expression, myself. ;)

[SuperScreamingEagle]

Yes, I shared that with my Orthopedic Doctor, he had never heard of it before. Its too bad that normal people don't understand. Ive been getting harrassed by someone here at youtube on a daily basis about being on social security disability (I have fibro/CFS, DDD, Osteoarthritis, Scolosis, Sciatica, the list goes on and on) but, I am supposed to just "go get a job." They dont understand, just go and getting a job, could send me to the hospital.

[Katatawnic]

@SuperScreamingEagle Nowhere near, even. lol

[exsequitur]

The spoon theory makes a lot of sense, and I can see that it has a strong meaning for you. I think it means something to all of us eventually, in many different ways. My son (he's 5) gets a huge number of spoons that he spends as fast as possible until they are all gone, then he naps a little, and gets them all back. Not fair! But seriously, when the number is so small, they become very precious.

I admire you for using yours to reach out and help others. You are wonderful!

[lindalu1000]

Have you had a test through Igenex for Lyme? Even though I have some severe problems because of fabry, lyme had me virtually bedridden. Two months of high does antibiotics and I felt like I had been re-born. I still had to be on high dose antibiotics for a year. I had major neuro problems. I still have sever pain & fatigue because of the fabry & am on IV infusions every 2 weeks. I still keep plugging away. I am taking Anatomy & Physiology right now even though I got a BA 20 years ago.

[brokendoll8777777]

dont you love hubby's or parnters being able to help with insurance. i had been with my guy living with him over a year before my taxes reflected that fact after another year i was then able to get onto his insurance *BIG Happy Dance* since before that i was paying for my healthcare out of savings/gift money i got from a dead realtive for school (that i had to leave/give up on for now at least due to chronic pain) all the while having no income *eye roll* thanks for uploading the vid of reading

[Katatawnic]

Ah yes, I've received that lovely sentiment on many occasions. We just moved into a larger house a couple weeks ago, and I'm nowhere near nearly adjusted to just the longer walks through the house it takes to get from the bedroom to the living room... and that's an understatement! If my jacuzzi wasn't now indoors, between the two rooms, I don't know how I'd be getting through this at ALL. People who don't live this just do NOT get it. What we wouldn't give to be able to work again!

[kmcwil01]

The only disgusting person here is YOU.