I use a mobility device. I’m on the autism spectrum. I manage mental illness, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue. I’m the creator of the Spoonies Authors Network and co-editor of the Nothing Without Us anthology. A huge part of my existence is now about promoting the works and voices of disabled/Deaf/neurodiverse folks and those who … Continue reading
I’m sure many of you will read that title and think: One too many cupcakes, Cait? Is all that sugar affecting your perception? Nope. It’s true. My first entry into feeling in community with a disabled person was when I bonded with Noola Quirk from Life in the ’Cosm. Okay, yeah, I know it seems … Continue reading
It’s just aches and pains; I’m not a real spoonie. That’s what my brain tells me and has been telling me for the past five years. I was first diagnosed at 30 years old with mild Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in the joints of my big toes. At the time, it felt like I had dislocated … Continue reading
The other day, a buddy of mine and I were discussing how the slightest medical procedures or even routine vaccinations can greatly impact our chronic fatigue symptoms. We can lose spoons just like POOF! I told my friend that having more time alloted to their fatigue budget would really help. Then I explained how in … Continue reading
Disclaimer: The following article is based on Laurie’s personal experiences with managing chronic pain. Always consult your own medical professionals to ensure you’re getting the best advice for you! Don’t get me wrong, summer is my favourite season. Usually. It’s hot, so the cold doesn’t make my bones ache. It’s dry, so the damp doesn’t … Continue reading
I have been trying so hard to stay out of social media arguments these days, stopping myself from reading or writing comments. Mostly because I find it comes to nothing in the end and drains my spoons. But then a thing happened this week I couldn’t ignore. A quote appeared on my Twitter timeline from … Continue reading
Super Spoonie Mom. Yeah, that’s me. I have chronic pain and a fatigue that has never gone away. I’m also the mother of a two-year-old who, I swear, is nuclear powered. Most kids, when they have run around for three hours, crash and sleep. NOT THIS CHILD. Nope. She keeps going. If I could only … Continue reading
I love genealogy, especially since I discovered my late father descended from English kings, including Richard III—although I did have to delete his father’s line in 2012 (see article from The Guardian). This is relevant because my father’s family includes a lot of people with scoliosis, just like Richard III, or as I call him now, … Continue reading
Just to set the record straight, I’m not brave, okay? I live with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and relapse-and-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). I can’t count the number of people who have called me brave. I always smile and nod when they say this, but the truth is that bravery has nothing to do with it. … Continue reading
