What is a Spoonie?
What is a spoonie, you ask? A spoonie is someone living with a chronic illness. The word is derived from The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino. You’ll find this nickname, along with others, used by many in online social media (Twitter, Facebook, forums, etc…).
Other nicknames used to describe people living with fibromyalgia are fibromites, fibromyalgics and fibromyalgia warriors. For the people who use these nicknames they are positive terms that help create a large community of support.
By Jenna Visscher
Jenna is an amazing artist and fellow spoonie that is living with fibromyalgia and Ankylosing Spondylitis. She has an amazing project, called Art Apple A Day, where she creates 1 piece of apple art per day to support and help bring awareness to Ankylosing Spondylitis. To learn more about the relationship between fibromyalgia and Anklylosing Spondylitis read my post, Apples and Ankylosing Spondylitis. Did you spot all the awareness ribbons, butterflies, flowers, “FF” monogram and the apple in the spoon?
Comments
Comment from Megan Aue
Time March 2, 2011 at 3:32 pm
This spoon is beautiful!! I love it and would love to have one.
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Comment from Sharlene Peerson
Time March 29, 2011 at 12:10 pm
I love the spoon too. Has anyone thought of decorating spoons to raise awareness for chronic pain? I am a fibro warrior
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Felicia Fibro Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
I know that there are various spoonie things to buy on the internet, like little spoons on necklaces, but I don’t know if there are any decorative full-sized spoons.
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Kathy Reply:
August 8th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Hi Felicia!
I just found your site via several others starting with twitter!
I have never heard of spoonies? I also am living with Fibromyalgia~ Ankylosing Spondylitis, OA in spine, hips and knees. Also deal with other “overlapping” conditions of Fibro. I’m always thrilled when I’m lead by my guardian to a new site with people dealing with the same issues. It gets really lonely, doesn’t it?
I’ll do my best to keep in touch. It’s a crap shoot on how I will feel day to day. I have 2 shops on Etsy and I’m also on Crafted Elegance.org! Keep up the great work. Gentle Hugs, Kathy
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Comment from Catherine
Time July 8, 2011 at 6:04 am
I’m a Spoonie! I don’t have fibromyalgia (my Mum does), but I suffer from Lymphodaema Distichiasis and associated Dry Eye. Basically ingrowing eyelashes and constant irritaion in my eyes. This blog is a great idea, thanks!
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Comment from Luceanna
Time August 4, 2011 at 8:36 pm
I just found your blog and I think its great! I have fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and rhumatoid athritis. We need more blogs like yours. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!
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Felicia Fibro Reply:
August 4th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
Welcome, Luceanna! I’m so glad you enjoy the site!
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Comment from Susan Hellmann
Time September 14, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Hi all! I’m new to the group, I’ve been diagnosed w/fibro & chronic fatigue for about 9 years. I’m a mom of two wonderful daughters that are 15 and soon to be 11 at the first of December and a great husband to match. I’m sorry we all have to meet at this type of group, but its great to hear what everyone is out there trying and whats working, not working or some not even heard of before. I look forward to chatting with all! I hope you have a pain free Thursday! Susan in Ky
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Comment from April
Time September 15, 2011 at 11:55 am
I’m also a spoonie. 
I was wondering, actually, what that term came from as I’ve seen it on several websites/forums but it’s not been explained – so thank you!! I just this year got diagnosed with fibro, so it’s been a struggle to learn my limits, etc. My husband has also been amazing.
Thanks for writing this blog!! I intend to keep reading it as it has been very helpful thus far.
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Felicia Fibro Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Thanks, April! I’m glad I was able to help explain it, as its a common question, for sure. Good luck as you find your way with fibro. The first couple years are certainly the roughest, so I’m glad you’re got some great support!
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Comment from Carol
Time September 19, 2011 at 10:59 am
I found out almost a year ago & it has not been easy to deal with & no one understands it.. Past 4 days my right knee is making it difficult to walk & stand.. Not sure what to do glad I found this site..
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Comment from tracibelles
Time October 19, 2011 at 6:02 am
I am wondering if anyone has gotten better enough to go to work? I graduated w my masters as a Physicians assistant and have not been able to take my boards. I have not been able to work one day as a PA. I just want to study and pass my boards but something always happens. I was wondering if anyone has gotten better enough to go to work.
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Comment from Suzanne or Sue
Time October 31, 2011 at 12:18 am
Hey. Another Newby. I normally am attached to NO More Fibromyalgia but I was brainlesslessly touring Tweet and getting no where fast when I fell down the rabbit hole and found u. Best rabbit hole ever:). I like that soMe r still working and others I have met have just managed for the first time in 2 years, to lravel her bed to. Her recliner. The stories r sOooo sad and some triumphant but always a core belief system . It gives strength. Jesus Bless us all with ur strength and keep all evil from our homeless and homeless kids. Bless the children…Thank U Jesus aNd forgive us all our sins. Ur Name on high. Jesus prepares a place for Me in Heaven. Thank u Lord.
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Comment from Aileen Gimlin
Time December 16, 2011 at 7:40 pm
Just found this site! I have had fibro for ~26 years. Thanks to my fantiastic husband I was able to retire from Nursing after 32 years of mostly part-time work. Last week I realized, after hosting a Christmas Potluck, and then sleeping for 2 days straight, that I still need to pace myself….and not volunteer just because I have the ability or time!
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Felicia Fibro Reply:
December 16th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
I feel like pacing will never feel easy – it always seems to take diligent work to make sure that I pace myself!
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Comment from Lisa
Time December 26, 2011 at 9:56 am
I need to find some of the “spoonie” things on the internet. I love the spoon so beautiful!
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Comment from Sherry
Time January 11, 2012 at 6:34 pm
I just found this site and am very impressed with it. I am a member of the fibro folks and was diagnosed about a year ago. I am not real sure that my physician (family practitioner) is who I should continue to see as my fibro physician. I am still in the stage of trying to find a medication that at least half way works. I am a full time student and was working to bridge my LPN to an RN. But, I feel I can truthfully say that my Fibro was the leading cause for me being bumped out of the program with only 1 semester to go. While working on my clinicals, I remember having to stretch and crawl up under a counter and was unable to get back up. I was so humiliated and hurt both physically and emotionally. Then the ole brain fog and horrible fatigue and weakness was just too much. Now I realize that if I had my RN license, I would not be able to do the physical work. I am in my 50′s and am questioning myself if I will be able to work at all. At this point in the game, I find myself just about at a loss. I haven’t had a full nights rest in at least 2 years. This morning I gave up trying to sleep at 3:00am. The pain was more than I could tolerate. I look forward to using this site to gain as much information as I can and hopefully to be an encouragement for others. Thanks again for establishing the site.
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Comment from darlene bohannon
Time February 8, 2012 at 12:03 am
i too have am a spoonie,thanks for bring awareness to fibro.we need our cause shouted !!!!!!!!!!!!
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Comment from Jeanie
Time September 2, 2012 at 1:21 am
Hello
I was diagnosed with fybro seven years ago. Having to give up work was the hardest thing. I have tried all kinds of stuff to try and keep myself busy and get work. Nothing was going my way. I then decided to take a diploma course in freelance jounalism and I passed. So now I can try and earn my keep doing something I really enjoy. I am not sure how its going to turn out but God willing I hope to begin ‘earning my keep’ and maintain independance.
Jeanie recently posted: Hip Hip Hooray
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Comment from Paul
Time July 11, 2013 at 5:14 am
Hi I’m Paul, yes thats right, not Pauline, Paul, I take it guys are allowed on this site?
I have had Crohns Disease for almost thirty years which flares every now and then, I had my fourth operation last year to remove yet some more small bowel, I have had constant trouble with pain for years and have only very recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia which in a way pleased me, as it was a relief to put a name to it, I’m sure many others have had similar experiences, i.e. any pain or symptom I went to the Doctor with would be explained away with,ah! that will be the Crohns Disease, the trouble is it is crippling me and the temporary euphoria of finding out what it is has worn off, but I am pleased to find (well not pleased, but I’m sure you know what I mean) that there are others that know what I am going through. so if guys are allowed in I’ll be popping back from time to time for some understanding, advice, or just a chat.
Jeanie, good luck, I have been unable to work for over 18 months now and it drives me mad but I cant do anything physical and cant seem to concentrate on anything for to long that needs any thought?
My first question to ask anyone would be does anyone else suffer problems with their eyes at all that they think is to do with the Fybromyalgia ?
Thanks,
Be back soon.
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Comment from Noely
Time September 5, 2013 at 4:10 pm
Hi nice to meet you guys <3 I'm a spoonie! I have fibro too! I'm 18 and I've had it for 7 years! It's hard, but I try to stay active, even though I'm constantly in pain nothing will stop me fibromyalgia warrior!! Woop woop!
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Comment from Grania
Time November 8, 2013 at 3:18 am
Hello Paul, Crohn’s and fibro together – nasty mix! I’ve had fibro for about 10 yrs and it affected my eyes in that they became very dry and scratchy, also liable to infection. Have found that bathing them 2/3 times a day with saline solution (make your own with 1tspn salt to a pint of boiled water) helps a lot.
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Felicia Fibro Reply:
March 6th, 2011 at 12:15 am
Isn’t it? Jenna did such a great job!
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