"But you don't look sick" spoons story

I don't even know how to start writing this, only to ask that whether you or young or old, healthy or not, to read the article posted below. All of us are familiar with AIDS; we may not understand it but we know it affects the immune system. There are other illnesses out there that affects immune systems and that women are more susceptible to getting than men. It is important that, as women, we are aware of the epidemic of these illnesses as we do NOT have a choice as to whether we become afflicted with them. You cannot "catch" this illness. You could live in a germfree environment and still get this disease. You could go to bed healthy and wake up barely able to move. I am talking about a clump of autoimmune illnesses that are somehow all related to each other: Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia are only three that you may have heard of. Do not think that you will never come down with similar illnesses because you are a vegetarian, because you work out regularly or otherwise take care of yourself. Even if you, yourself, never has to personally fight these illnesses, you WILL be exposed to them through a friend or family member and should know how to support them. Trust me here, I know what I'm talking about. I used to lift weights, play racquetball, jog and exercise daily at the YMCA. I now have RA (rheumatoid arthritis). Please read the following, then do some research. Remember, Ladies, knowledge IS power:



http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/spoons.htm

THANK YOU!!!! I now have a better understanding of what my SIL's mother goes through! I work with her a lot, and she has lupus. I understand now why she comes to work an hour late and why she leaves an hour early. It is getting worse, and she is planning on retiring "early" on her next birthday. (she'll be like 56 or something) Her daughter is one year older than me and she was diagnosed with lupus about two summers ago.



I myself was told by my Dr that I am at high risk for R.A.. I have psoriasis, and the two are connected some how. I think it's time that I start learning about it! Thank you again for sharing this!

Although it hasn't been "proven" by science yet, these illnesses do have a tendency to run in families. My best personal advice would be, if you believe you may be at risk, ask your physician to perform a simple blood test for you that will let you know for sure. Stress is one of the main causes for flareups.

Lanak, psoriasis IS related! Take a look here: http://www.arthritis.org I believe you'll find interesting info.

For those of you who are not aware, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus and the other related illnesses are all autoimmune diseases. Simply stated, your body's immune system is confused; it sees your joints, organs, soft tissues, etc. as being foreign (as a "normal" immune system sees an infection) and tries to destroy it. The meds prescribed are meant to slow down your immune system, thus slowing the progression of the damage. The downside is, this makes the patient very susceptible to even the smallest infection, ie the common cold. A simple finger cut could develop into a life threatening situation. THIS IS ANOTHER REASON TO NOT GO INTO PUBLIC IF YOU ARE SICK! You do not want to be responsible for a person with an autoimmune illness to be hospitalized. I personally wash my hands before and after unpacking groceries, items from the Dollar Store, etc.

Thanks for all the comments. It's great to know the article has been helpful!

A very old thread for me to dig out, but something that affects me

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year and am still struggling to come to terms with it.

Thank you for the post, even though I am a couple of years late!

Thank you for sharing! I have to count my "spoons" everyday as I have Spinal and Nerual Stenosis, bulged discs, my spine being considered as one from someone in their seventies, arthritis, and the list goes on. I use a cane as my legs don't support me and doctors can't do anything for me, except tell me I'm headed for a chair on wheels within 5 years. Having to have someone help you get up in the morning, help you dress, etc. is bad enough, but to not be able to pick up my grand babies is the worse. I have to plan my tasks very carefully as the pain never goes away (only intensifies with anything I try to do). Most people laugh, sneeze, cough, etc. without thinking about it, but for me, these things take the pain and sends it all the way down my legs...if I'm standing it causes such pain it almost drops me. I could use more "spoons", but I will also continue to use mine carefully. I didn't mean to share all that, but once I got started, I couldn't stop.
Always remember to live each day to the fullest and NOT take even the little things for granted. When you see someone on the street struggle with walking, and doing everyday activities, stop and consider what "they" had struggle through to get that far.

Sorry, I got on a roll with this one. I will get off my box now.
Deb

Thank you very much for the info. My sister has fibromyalgia, and this sure helps me understand things a lot better.
Now I will be able to help her out. Understanding how she feels makes all the difference in the world. She keeps saying that we just don't know what it is like. She is right. Now, I will remember the spoons. Hopefully I can loan her a couple of mine.