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Post by librarylady on Aug 12, 2014 13:31:23 GMT
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Post by alibama on Aug 12, 2014 16:43:26 GMT
Thank you for sharing. I will check it out.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 9, 2024 0:26:37 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2014 17:06:41 GMT
Yup I love try spoon theory and use it to explain my RA when people ask.
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Post by Basket1lady on Aug 12, 2014 17:54:22 GMT
What a powerful story. I wish I had seen this two years ago. I have a mass in my inner ear that affects my balance and mimics the symptoms of a brain injury. After 18 months of intense physical therapy, I'm 90% back. But some days, the only think I could do was my PT. I had to do that, or it would never get better. And it took days to recover from the big session I did once a week up at Walter Reed.
Sending a {gentle} hug to all those who are hurting today.
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grammanisi
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,741 
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Post by grammanisi on Aug 12, 2014 18:27:28 GMT
I have Lupus and have shared this article with people that just don't seem to get it.
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Post by doxielady on Aug 12, 2014 18:53:54 GMT
I've seen this posted before, and I have to say, for me, it doesn't fit.
I have RA and deal with mobility, energy and pain issues constantly. While I don't bring it up in normal conversation, if I do, I simply state that I'm not having a good day, or don't have much energy or whatever.
But to talk about "how many spoons" I have sounds like I'm talking like a 5 year old. It feels confusing and childlike to talk about spoons when dealing with chronic, serious issues.
Plus, I don't think it's even accurate to state that someone has a set amount of energy each day. It can wax and wane depending on what's going on, if I get rest, etc. I can wake up with nothing and yet get better during the day. I hate to limit myself mentally by saying I only have x amount of energy each day.
While it's a cute story, it doesn't work for me at all.
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Post by librarylady on Aug 12, 2014 21:02:59 GMT
I've seen this posted before, and I have to say, for me, it doesn't fit. I have RA and deal with mobility, energy and pain issues constantly. While I don't bring it up in normal conversation, if I do, I simply state that I'm not having a good day, or don't have much energy or whatever. But to talk about "how many spoons" I have sounds like I'm talking like a 5 year old. It feels confusing and childlike to talk about spoons when dealing with chronic, serious issues. Plus, I don't think it's even accurate to state that someone has a set amount of energy each day. It can wax and wane depending on what's going on, if I get rest, etc. I can wake up with nothing and yet get better during the day. I hate to limit myself mentally by saying I only have x amount of energy each day. While it's a cute story, it doesn't work for me at all. ..That's why we have chocolate and vanilla......... But, the lady who sent this, will say to the group that she is just out of spoons today and we know she is having a bad day. I suspect that she gets tired of saying that  is her problem that day. But, of course, if it does not work for you or fit your style....... |
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lesley
Drama Llama
My best friend Turriff, desperately missed.
Posts: 7,298
Location: Scotland, Scotland, Scotland
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Post by lesley on Aug 12, 2014 21:16:41 GMT
My daughter uses this analogy quite a lot. She has Aspergers and suffers from serious depression, PTSD and OCD. If she's had a particularly stressful day, and can't handle any more, she'll say she's out of spoons. Like Doxielady, I have RA, and also deal constantly with pain and exhaustion and sometimes limited mobility. The analogy doesn't resonate so well with me, again because my illness waxes and wanes. I can see how it might be useful to try to explain to others what it is like to have a chronic illness, but I've found other ways to do this.
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Post by lightetc on Aug 12, 2014 22:04:31 GMT
I don't use it regularly, but I do show it to people every now and again when I see they're trying to understand more. Not for the number of spoons I have but for the coherent description of the sorts of things that use up energy in a day. The fact that I have to think about everything I eat and have to remember to take my medication. I have to plan ahead to ensure I'm not caught out - without food I can eat, medication, comfy clothes, somewhere to sit, having to walk too far etc.
Sometimes I have to choose between two things I'd really like to do with only the energy for one. Or things I dont particularly want to do take precedence. Sometimes it is a choice between cooking and washing up. Or eating and showering. These constant decisions and planning drain what little energy I have very quickly, something people without of chronic illness have zero comprehension of because they've never needed to do it day in day out. So this particular piece gives them just a little insight into the thought process involved in my day.
I have never said "I'm out of spoons" but I know that for some people, it's exactly the right thing.
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Post by kkrenn on Aug 12, 2014 22:31:09 GMT
I tried to share this with my family to try and explain how my RSD/CRPS affects my daily life. They didn't really get it. They try so hard to understand but they live 3000 miles away and don't watch how it happens.
The only one whole truly gets it is my dh, he is amazing at seeing when I'm reaching my limit and making me rest. We went to a family reunion this weekend and it was a 5 hr drive round trip. I did it but he insisted I take Sunday to recover.
So, I agree that the spoon theory doesn't fit all chronic illnesses.
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back to *pea*ality
Pearl Clutcher
Not my circus, not my monkeys ~refugee pea #59
Posts: 3,149
Jun 25, 2014 19:51:11 GMT
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Post by back to *pea*ality on Aug 12, 2014 23:48:24 GMT
I don't talk about my heath issues related to autoimmune disorders. I don't "look sick" and I think most people think you are a hypochondriac if you talk about it. Even doctors who have no idea how to help you the best they can do is offer an anti depressant.
I talk to others who have the same I conditions and have received support, acceptance and some really great advice.
In the article the friend wanted to understand and was open to it. I think the author was able to break it down in a relatable way - tfs!
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Post by candygurl on Aug 12, 2014 23:53:48 GMT
Going to send this to my sister. She has a complex heart defect and so many times people have said the same thing to her.
She uses a handicap placard and has been questioned before. People need to judge less and be more polite, she is happy to explain why she cannot walk far.
Like many kids with a heart defect, it's an invisible illness for the most part. Only when you can see a scar would you even know.
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is her problem that day. But, of course, if it does not work for you or fit your style.......
