what do you say when ask how you feel?

I am repeatedly ask by friends how I feel?  I know they are trying to show they care but I have found that they really just want to hear "fine". 

How do you respond when everyday is such a struggle with anxiety, pain, vision, fatigue, etc. ? Yes I am better than I had been but I feel as if as soon as I say good they think that's it, I am cured, I'm fine, maybe she won't be such a moody b**ch anymore (excuse my language).  They just don't get the constantly living on the edge, never knowing how I am going to feel not only from day to day but from  hour to hour. 

Just looking for maybe a clever or proper response. 

It has taken me years to realize what my sister told me and that is that it is MY PROBLEM not their problem and people in general don't want to hear about problems. 

Thanks for any suggestions.  Hope today is a good one for you!

I don't have this problem bec no one asks! LOL I told everyone how bad this is and how bad it can get, so people do not expect me to be cured. I don't bring it up and they don't ask. I think is better this way. Yes, your sister is right, people do not want to hear your problems. I have learned that about 10 yrs ago. If you ask me, that is a superficial attitude, but I find that that's how most people are. I only have on friend that I can talk to ab. everything. So she is the only one I talk to ab. this.

No one else knows how to make me feel better, so why bring it up? I have been healthier and stronger than ANYONE I have ever met, and I guess people thing I can do everything, still. I hide my weakness and pain bec no matter what they would say, I do not feel better. Everyone is different, so do what is best for you. It was overwhelming at first for me, but I found this is the best way (FOR ME) to cope, and that is the road I chose.

I just say what my dad used to say, "I'm hanging in there!" It's noncommital and most people commiserate with me after I've said that ("oh I know what you mean," or "times are though, aren't they?" etc.). They don't necessarily even interpret my comment as one about health so it doesn't generate any uncomfortable conversation. It wouldn't be appropriate to answer a social 'how are you feeling' with the honest and (even worse) complete answer, so I chuck my "hanging in there" into the conversation and see where it goes. Other than my husband, there is no one in my life who sincerely wants to know the literal answer to that question.

Rose

"50% of the people who ask don't want to hear it and the other half don't care"...I've said that for years. My usual response is "fair to middlin" and let it go at that. I've become pretty withdrawn from most folks and situations because I know how people gossip. I figure if they're not willing to listen or, better yet, help, I'm not going to be fodder for their gossip sessions.....I seem to live in the middle of a thicket of people who have, or even want, no lives except for facebook and talking about people. What's with that????? I never did understand not having too much to do to keep me busy....!! Other lymies are the only ones who understand right now....sooooo, basically this forum gets the brunt of my whining!!!!

Yeah I have come to the realization that when the storm gets rough, there are those that prefer only sunshine. Well who the hell doesn't! Thanks everyone. I guess if I'm lucky enough to be feeling good enough to be out, I should just say I am good and let them take it as they want. Thank goodness for this site to whine or vent or whatever.

If you don't feel like talking about illness, and someone asks "How are you feeling?", just say, "With my hands." For clarification: "I'm feeling with my hands."

Another line I've used is, "Can't complain - if you complain, nothing happens, may as well not bother." (Must be stated rather quickly.)

Your tone should be friendly and lighthearted.

I often say, "I'm Ok". I usually always get a reaction, even if a small acknowledgement and I don't feel like I'm lying about myself either.

I am in pretty good shape for the shape I am in....... or if someone asks "how is it going" I will respond "Hit and Miss"