How many spoons lupus

She did not ask about specific symptoms or the drugs that were needed — just what was it like to be chronically sick. Miserandino was initially at a loss, but then she noticed spoons at the table and elsewhere around the diner.

That is when she came up with an incredibly simple and powerful metaphor … spoons! She explained that lupus gives you a limited amount of energy each day — and this energy can be thought of as a certain number of spoons.

She handed her friend some spoons and then described what it was like to go through each day knowing that, with every activity, spoons would be taken away from her. By the end of the evening, Miserandino felt understood, and her friend gained new compassion and perspective. A spoonie is someone who lives with a chronic disease like lupus and only has so many spoons to use each day.

For a spoonie, routine tasks like taking a shower or walking the dog can be exhausting and cost a lot of spoons. Identifying as a spoonie is a way for those living with chronic illness to feel connected. Spoonies always have someone to turn to when they need support from someone who truly understands what it is like to feel fatigued, in constant pain, or constantly worried.

As Miserandino explains, being a spoonie means slowing down — often way down — and remembering to put yourself first. Living a full life with chronic illness means cultivating patience and self-awareness. It means not pushing yourself too hard or setting unrealistic goals and expectations. I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn't want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit.

She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly "Christine, How do you do it? Do you really do this everyday? But I can never make it go away and I can't forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, "I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared" It's hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything.

I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day's plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war.

It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count "spoons". After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can't go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine.

I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said "Don't worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don't have room for wasted time, or wasted "spoons" and I chose to spend this time with you.

Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn't just good for understanding Lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness.

Hopefully, they don't take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my "spoons". All About Lupus. What is Lupus. Symptoms of Lupus. Treatment for Lupus.

Diagnose and Monitor Lupus. Causes of Lupus. Living with Lupus. Discoid Lupus. Harm reduction centers are joining forces with hospitals to provide drug addicts and other clients with a single place for all of their medical needs. A water line break can lead to temporary contamination. It can also stand for a cardiac care unit, which provides specialized…. Depending on the issue, telemedicine may be the answer, or at least a temporary…. Pandemic and epidemic both refer to disease outbreaks.

Epidemic refers to disease across a region, and pandemic refers to disease in many countries. Telehealth options are making a big difference for people seeking medical help during the COVID pandemic — especially older adults. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Share on Pinterest. Written by Kirsten Schultz — Updated on April 18, Read this next. Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph. Providing Clean Needles and Basic Healthcare Under One Roof Harm reduction centers are joining forces with hospitals to provide drug addicts and other clients with a single place for all of their medical needs.

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