Last November, I had a follow-up appointment with the Long Covid Clinic. The doctors evaluated my Long Covid symptoms including chronic fatigue, brain fog and anxiety. They were glad that I was continuing to follow up with my Primary Care doctor and my psychiatrist to help address these health concerns.
However, it seemed there was not much anyone could do to guide me through the chronic fatigue. And, I feel very misunderstood by others when I explain the number of naps I take, and how important sleeping at night is to me. The constant exhaustion is a helpless feeling because I am always playing a game of catch-up on sleep, yet I still feel tired.
When I brought this to the attention of the Long Covid Clinic doctor, he explained the spoon theory to me. He wanted me to better understand my limits as it related to my physical and mental energy throughout the day and week. His interpretation of this theory as it related to my story was the guidance that I needed to put the chronic fatigue that I deal with into perspective.
He said that every person wakes up in the morning with 20 spoons, the spoons representing energy. A person such as myself gets ready for the day by brushing my teeth and washing my face. By doing this, I have just used 2 of my spoons. Then, I make lunches, take my daughter to school, do the dishes and fold laundry. Lets just say that by doing these activities, I have used 8 more of my spoons. Therefore, by 10am, I have already used half my spoons. And I still have the rest of the day to get through.
It is now noon, and my body is ready to take a nap. An hour nap can replace, lets just say, 5 spoons. This gives me 15 spoons to support my mental and physical health through the remainder of the day. Adversely, when I have a full day of activities, I might miss my nap. Therefore, I am out of spoons earlier in the day so I need to push through to bedtime. This is why I try to nap during the day and sleep at night to help replenish my spoons.
The explanation of this theory put Chronic Fatigue Syndrome into perspective for me. And I use it to explain to others why I need to take naps. And when I am not resting, you are likely to see me around town with my special shoes on, wide-eyed and ready to go for the day!
Love Note: With all my heart, I genuinely request that due to the content written, please seek the guidance of professional help should you feel you need it.
