Sorry I don’t know how to word this but why would it be upsetting if people asked her questions about living with this?
I’d like to know just so I can be more sensitive in the future. I’d have never thought it would be a problem and would have asked way too many questions. Is this unique to this case or something I should avoid in general?
It isn't unique to this case - anyone who is different will get genuine questions over it. But there are a few problems I have with it:
1) The medical details of my life aren't any of your business. And people tend to let their curiosity cross those lines. They don't do it deliberately, and it doesn't bother everyone. But it is absolutely personal.
2) When we do get questions, we get the same questions all the time. To be blunt, I get tired of answering them.
3) For my particular problems, I have a pile of symptoms and things that trigger them, but no formal diagnosis of anything (even after years of doctors). I just don't like to get into it because once people dig in, they start trying to help. Try this herb, try this pill, see my doctor, etc. They mean well. And they really think they are suggesting things I haven't already done. But all it really does is rekindle old frustrations.
So everyone is different. Many people won't have my obvious bitterness from #3. Some people are fine with questions. But you never know. We are all different people. So I'd recommend not asking questions. But at the same time, that doesn't mean to avoid the subject. There is a nice balance where you just talk about the direct impact it has on the current situation without turning it into a huge conversation. And if you get to know someone well enough, just ask them directly if they mind questions.
Don't ever feel bad about honest curiosity due to wanting to understand another. Some people won't want to talk about things, and that's ok. Accept and move on. But most people will, and it is not rude to, at the very least, ask if it is ok to ask. If someone gets offended at even that level of question, that's on them, not you.
Don't worry, if you read the article well and then read her other article you'll see what kind of person she is and why she comes up with that conclusion.
You are probably wise enough to know when it's socially appropriate to ask questions, so go on.
I’d like to know just so I can be more sensitive in the future. I’d have never thought it would be a problem and would have asked way too many questions. Is this unique to this case or something I should avoid in general?