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Talking about pain at work

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 5/9/2014 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
I've recently started back to work from long term medical disability leave. I'm struggling with not answering honest with too much detail when people ask how I am. I don't know what to do to not talk about my pain... any suggestoins
Posted 5/9/2014 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, that is one subject that I think the less said the better. I say that because I have seen it come back around & bite the person in the butt later because of some busy bodies. The first time you are actually sick with say the flu the first thing they will think is oh great I hope she is not going to be missing a lot of work again. The best answer to give is that you & your drs are all working through this & change the subject. Most people know nothing about chronic pain to begin with & to me discussing it at your job is just not the place to do it.

Take care.
Posted 5/9/2014 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Unless it is a boss or someone who really needs some info, I'd just keep it short and vague. Lots of times I will just try to make a little joke or something. Sometimes I say things like:

You don't want to know about it, trust me.

I don't feel like getting into it right now.

Let's just say I'm glad to be back at work.

I'm hanging in there.

Or, try to just say "i'm ok" and change the subject. The fewer details you give, the less they have to talk about you with each other, and changing the subject will clue most people in to the fact that you are just ready to move on and do not want to discuss it with them. Of course, there will be those clueless few, who may just be curious or think that asking you lots of questions shows they care or something. You may have to be more direct with them.

I have spent the majority of my life trying to avoid that question (how are you doing?) and all the similar ones like "what happened/what's wrong?" etc. For sure, I have found the best thing to do is give a generic answer (you are still being polite, and likely the person asking was trying to be polite in the first place), and (unlike my post) make it short. Giving any details seems to invite more questions and people sometimes just kinda get carried away.

Of course, tell anyone you want anything you feel comfortable. Sometimes it helps to also remind those people that you don't really want everyone to know your business.

Sorry i wrote such a long post about keeping things short and sweet.
Posted 5/9/2014 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, keep it short with something like "hanging in there" or "doing ok" and let it go at that. If someone wants to press just tell them that you do not wish to discuss it at this time.
Posted 5/9/2014 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Agree w/Sunny & Jim ..

In general, smile & tell a 'white lie' (unless the question is from YOUR supervisor & you have to tell her/him)
Posted 5/9/2014 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Agree with all of the above.

The work place is not the place to get into this subject, plus it is truly not their business.

I agree with Susie that the less said the better as it could backfire quickly and easily on you....

Be polite, but firm....








M.
Posted 5/11/2014 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Agree with all of the above. And, if they continue, ask them something about themselves. Ask how they are doing or ask where they got those beautiful shoes, etc.
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