How and when do you bring up the subject of having an invisible chronic disease?

[hedgehog]

Last edited Wed Jul 18, 2012, 01:18 PM - Edit history (1)

Looking back, I realize now that my Sjogren's often left me exhausted when other people would have thought me to be having a great time. Fro example - being away from home for an extended work conference. If I wanted to be alert for Monday's meetings, I had to bow out of a lot of the week-end activities. How do you explain without sounding like a hypochondriac?

[Warpy]

1. My closest friends know I'm sick as hell

and I always told my employer because when I get tired enough to have to sit down, it means I have to sit down unless I'm in the middle of a code. In that case, I see it through and then collapse.

When I have to beg off optional activities, I just plead fatigue, not illness. People tend to respect that and leave you alone because it's not a plea for any sympathy.

[mopinko]

2. yup. just had to explain that to someone, and

i was thinking about making a larger announcement to friends, etc. that if i say i might be there, i might not. i just can't predict what will happen after 5 pm, and try not to have to.
i do usually say i was tired, but sometimes include whatever ridiculous circumstance occurred today that ruined my evening.