How do you respond when people ask you about a situation that got worse?

So much depends on my relationship with them and what they already know.

There are many people from my past who knew I had some health issues but nothing serious, moreso the type where I might be out a little longer with contagious illnesses but at the time I was able to do the same things in similar ways to most people, for the most part. When I run into one of them, their expectation of either having a driven career or being a stay at hom mom or some combination that falls between those things doesn't meet my reality. It feels awkward to give the update and I think most people feel awkward getting it too. To ease that tension a bit I do try to focus on the improvement and keep out details. Something like having a really tough time with my health but I've gotten much better at managing it and I'm easing myself into things to not overdo it.

With those I'm closer with, I have a much easier time discussing where I'm at.

I don't really have a great idea about my longer term prognosis - so it's not something I tend to bring up.

@vivelespatates

That's a great question.

I'm honestly not sure how to respond. Despite the fact that I suffer chronically, I do sometimes have my "good days", health wise. I've even experienced a dramatic change in my health, that lasted several months (at least with one of the major health issues that I face). I was almost at a point where I was feeling confident enough to get out more, then slowly the issues that kept me housebound and afraid to get out, started to creep back in early July (that's not even touching upon the health issues that make it difficult to get out or feel comfortable on a daily basis). I had to push myself to get out for my last appointment, I was in a lot of pain. I even contemplating going to the ER because of it, it was almost life threatening. Luckily I was able to get past it but I'm definitely not in a stable health condition. Only my sister knew about it, I only told my dad last night the severity of the issues I was and am facing.

The problem is, I'm afraid to tell my nurses that I'm not doing well again, and I feel forced to get outside more for doctor appointments. Granted it was the appointments that I requested and need, but I feel pressured to go since I put such an emphasis on getting seen. I don't want to disappoint anyone, especially myself. I want to go to these appointments because it's the only way I'll get better, but in order for me to get out, I've been having to neglect these issues TO get out. Seems rather counter-productive, huh? 😧

I broke down on the phone yesterday because I only have two weeks to get down to the medical supply store to be fitted for my circaids to help my lymphedema, despite having other appointments that I need to go to, for other chronic issues. I was forced to double book two appointments back to back on the same day this Friday. I had to ask my dad to drive me in case I need to have an emergency stop, since my public transportation wouldn't do that if I rode with them.

Sorry for the rant, I just thought your question touched upon a very important issue that people with disabilities and/or chronic health issues face.

It's frustrating to say the least. 😳😤