Hello! Fibro definitely affects my temple attendance, church attendance, and the number of activities I attend, unfortunately. A couple of weeks ago my husband didn’t want to go alone to the temple and I let him talk me into going with him (against my better judgment). I went so that he would have company for the 6-hour round-trip commute (we go to the Bismarck Temple in North Dakota). I felt unwell and waited in the car while he attended, then we ate lunch and headed home. I felt terrible during the drive, and I attribute the fibro flare that came afterward to the trip (but I’m still glad I went).

Last week I missed our annual Picnic in the Park because of Fibro. In the past when I’ve attended, things haven’t gone well because it’s too hot and my body just can’t handle the summer heat. It’s times like these that I feel isolated.

Usually I am able to go to church but I have to plan ahead because getting ready takes twice as long as it should. My shower exhausts me, even though it’s short and I take care not to use water that’s too hot. I have to rest in bed once I’m dressed, then I sit down while I fix my hair. The entire time I’m getting ready, I am overheating, even though I make sure to turn the A/C on beforehand. And when I overheat, I become nauseated and often develop IBS symptoms, as well! It’s definitely a sacrifice for me to go to church most weeks but it’s one that is worth it. I love the people in our tiny branch so much. They are all such genuinely warm, caring people who put The Savior at the center of their lives.

My calling doesn’t demand a lot of time or effort so I’m able to keep it. My husband is Branch President so that helps too, as he asks me what I feel I can do, and he’s understanding when I say that at the moment I don’t have it in me to prepare and deliver a talk. I’m sure that even if it were someone else asking me to speak in church, they would be understanding, as well.

I understand what you’re saying about not having enough spoons to get to an activity. I am really sorry to hear that attending has been so difficult. I pray that the Lord will comfort and sustain you, and your husband, too, as you continue doing what you can do. I’m sure that He is pleased with your efforts and your desire to stay close to Him. You are so fortunate to have a live devotional meet with President Nelson!! I hope that tomorrow is a good day for you so that you can focus all of your attention on the message he shares!

Please take care. Love, from one Mormon Fibro Warrior to Another!

Hi Liska! My answer to your question will be mostly cut and pasted from a couple of Web sites. Since with fibromyalgialive we live with chronic pain and fatigue, “energy becomes a precious resource and daily life tasks must be prioritized because there simply isn’t enough for everything. The fibromyalgia spoon theory explains how people with chronic illnesses ration energy.”

“The fibromyalgia spoon theory goes something like this: A person starts the day with a certain number of spoons. Each spoon represents a burst of energy. Showering in the morning might require a spoon. Getting dressed is another spoon.”

From Wikipedia: The spoon theory is a disability metaphor and neologism used to explain the reduced amount of energy available for activities of daily living and productive tasks that may result from disability or chronic illness. ... A person who runs out of spoons has no choice but to rest until their spoons are replenished.

Hope this helps!!

@A MyFibroTeam Member

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A MyFibro...

I start the day with a boxful of fluffy ducks, sometimes just waking up uses a couple, that’s if I ‘ve even had some sleep.

What are spoons?