Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The Spoon Theory

It's a cold, rainy day in upstate NY. I was sitting at my computer, reading my daily blogs, when I came across a link to a website called "But You Don't Look Sick". On this website is an article, written by Christine Miserandino entitled "The Spoon Theory". Christine has Lupus. Even though I do not, I could really identify with her story.
As I go through my daily struggles with nerve pain, I have wondered many times what will happen if I don't get any better. Will I have to live with the pain, numbness, weakness and lack of energy for the rest of my life? Will it get worse? How will other people treat me? Will they understand what I'm going through? Will I lose friends or family who are just too tired of dealing with me?
Awful thoughts, I confess. But I do have them. Especially on days like today.
Back to the article. It pretty much describes how I have to plan my days so that I have enough energy to do the things that are "necessary". To conserve my "spoons", so that I have enough left to help my daughter with her homework and her shower that day. To rearrange my tasks so that I can spend an hour at school to help out in her class.
I think for anyone who lives with chronic pain, this story will strike a chord. For those who love someone with chronic pain, it helps explain what it is like.

4 comments:

Jen said...

Ooh, love the new blog look! Thank you for posting this link, I cried reading it, even though I don't have Lupus, Crohn's is a daily battle that I often feel like no one else understands. It's inspiring me to write a similar story to tell my friends and family when they don't understand what I go through.

Lisa said...

Thanks, Jenny! I cried when I read the spoon story, too. I'm so glad it has inspired you! I hope you post your story once you have it written!

lace1070 said...

I love the spoon theory ~ it's a tangible way to explain to people what it's like to live with pain ~ Hopw u r feeling better ~ love the way u changed around your blog ~ hugs ~ Lace

Lisa said...

Thanks Lace! I decided it was time to jazz it up a bit! I hope you are well, also. I like the Mulder and Scully thingy...I'd like to figure out how to do that!

Hugs...back atcha!