that look at work

Sam,
I think we get all kinds of looks from family, friends, and co-workers. And many people don't understand and probably never will, although that's not the the case with everyone. For a lot of reasons, though, my opinion would be to take your medication privately. Sometimes I prefer to even take a couple of aspirin in private simply because, well, it is a private matter. Especially when we're talking about co-workers. The other thing is you leave yourself open to people who may want those pills for other reasons, and may even try to steal them, etc.

I wouldn't see it as hiding the fact you take pain meds, but do you let everyone else know all your medical history or financial history? I think it's fine to keep those things to share only with those we're close to, but for safety sake I wouldn't take pain meds in front of co-workers. Others may have different opinions.

PaLady

Sam, I have to agree with PAlady regarding the privacy of the medications. Who you tell and who you don't is entirely up to you. I ask myself before I tell someone, why am I telling them and what motive or or outcome am I trying to achieve. It is very difficult to hide the fact that we live in constant pain. For instance, all of my students, staff and those I am accountable to see me respond to pain and the outward effects (using a cane, difficulty walking, sitting or certain movements.) I do not share what medications I take as there are many people that abuse pills and are always looking for supplies. Even when I am asked about what medications I am on, I am very vague. I say something like, "I am constantly having my medications changed or I take only ones that are prescribed." I have even told some that push to know what medications I take that I prefer not to discuss the issue. I don't let people see me take my medications at work or at functions. The fact that many people don't understand or view anyone taking medications as addicts protects me from judgements that I don't desire. In the show house, the cameras always focus on the dr as he dispenses pills from a bottle and then the way he takes them. It is done to make him look like an addict. Thus, it is easy for people to make the connection with us. I am even ver discrete where I keep my medications at worm and if I carry them with me in a pocket, I put cotten or kleenex in the bottle so they don't raqttle when I walk. As per what people think, I don't let that bother me. I don't have time to worry about them. i have more important things to deal with which includes my pain.     

Sam....

First off its all up to you who you want to know.  Taking your pills, well I take me pills in my department for there is only me and a co-worker who is 18 and she is the sweetest person in the world.  I personally choose not to take them in front of others.  For the reason of getting all the strange looks.

I made one mistake.  I had to tell the man in charge when my injections started so that I could have Mondays off.  His data entry clerk got wind of it.  (she had to change my schedule in the computer).  She had just gotten out of rehab for drinking.  Here we go she had the Kahonos to lecture me on addiction.  But being my nice self I just told her I will always have it under control.

If you want to keep everything out in the open KUDOS to you.  But realize some others will think differently and some could have other ideas for your meds.

In a perfect world judgement wouldn't be passed so easy on others.  But sad to say our world is far from that.

Laurie

Heres another way of looking at it.  Your last post brought this to mind.  Have you ever thought that maybe its all in your head..lol  Just kidden what I mean is when we have chronic pain sometimes we become depressed or hypersenstive to those around us.  The looks might be cuz you pee'd in there cornflakes..lol  Kitchens can get under stress at times.  I know for I used to work in one I love to cook.

What I'm trying to say is sometimes we jump to conclusions when we feel so much pain.  I catch myself doing this with my hubby and have to stop myself.

Just an idea

Laurie

I am the Executive Chef and I have confided in my souse' chef tonight and expressed to her what I was feeling and she has assured me that it is all in my head because although they mite tease me by calling me Chef House it is all in fun. Yes I have been under a lot of pressure lately with all of the party's and events that are scheduled for this month so I guess that it was all in my head. Thank you for all of your help.

                                                                      Sam