DH and I both have a lot of major medical issues. I don't really like talking about it with friends or relatives. I find that people who haven't been in your shoes don't understand anyways.
I have one friend who has issues and her physical limitations as far as walking and energy levels are about the same as mine. I like going away with them, as she and I play out about the same time. We sit and rest and the guys can go do things that we aren't up to.
With DH waiting for a transplant, it comes up in conversation. But I'd rather talk about traveling, our grandkids, dogs, etc.
For some people, I think they have nothing else of interest going on in their lives and they focus on the medical stuff. They probably go to dr's appts and sit and watch tv.
One thing that sort of struck me.... a few times we have met strangers while on RV trips..... one couple was sitting with a dog and the dog was looking at us, almost like it knew we would walk over. Talked a few words to the owners. Later in the day we saw the same folks again. They asked if we were retired and the subject of the transplant came up. This guy was on the verge of starting dialysis and had a lot of questions that we answered. It was odd because if it weren't for their dog, we would have never spoken to them.
Another time a fellow started talking to us on the beach and it turned out he needed a heart transplant and his MIL who was with them was on the verge of starting dialysis too. He really just needed to talk about it.
In those two cases - it struck me as odd how the subject came out in a conversation with a total stranger. I think these folks felt better after talking to us - we shared our experiences and how we deal with traveling and keeping on living despite the problems. I really felt that in some small way, we helped them a bit. We really didn't go into personal details, but more or less shared what to expect in the process and how to keep on living and not let it be the end of the world.
So bottom line, I agree.... I don't need to hear all the nitty gritty details about other's health issues. There's better things in life to think and talk about. But sometimes there can be merit to health discussions.
