"The spoon theory" is really powerful stuff ... i just might use that myself :)
And americangirl74, i too come from the "suck it up. your fine" family. I completely understand how you want to suck it up and be "tough", because we really do. and you try so hard everyday. Just getting up out of bed is a challenge. But no one appreciates it. because to them, they take it for granted.
So even if the spoon theory does not work (though i hope it does), i hope you can find awareness and understanding among the rest of us :)
~Peace~
I have an answer for you. Google "the spoons theory" . It is a story of an event that happened to a young woman with a chronic debilitating disease, and how she used spoons at a restaurant to explain to her friend just how debilitating her day to day life is.
Many people with illnesses are now using the SPOONS STORY to explain what they're going through.
I hope this helps you!
Enzy