I recently found myself in a situation that many CFers can probably relate to: answering the dreaded question, “How are you feeling today? Better?”

Although I am so fortunate to have friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances that genuinely want to know the status of my health when they see or hear I'm ill, this question can get rather complicated. After all, what happens when the “insignificant cold” turns into more?

Over the past six weeks, I would say that no less than 3-5 people a day -- aside from doctors and nurses -- have asked me how I am feeling. While this is a kind and sweet gesture that I assume holds zero ill will, it puts me in an uncomfortable position.

For the last six weeks, I was -- for the most part -- getting worse, not better. So, with each inquiry I would try to be cheerful and honest by saying, “Not quite over it yet!” or “I'm working on getting better!” or “I got some new meds. I hope they kick in soon!” With those I'm closest to I'd say, “I actually feel worse today.” or “I think I might need to be hospitalized.”

Whether intentional or unintentional, there is a cultural expectation when someone asks how you are doing to respond with, “Fine” or “Good, how are you?” But when you are sick, the response is less obvious.

I truly want to be better and I would love to tell you that I'm getting over it and feeling great, and that I plan on being able to get back into the real world very soon. Unfortunately, that isn't the case for many of us with CF. The chronic nature of this and many other diseases means that sometimes I spend up to half of the year in some stage of illness or recovery.

When it comes to having a disease like CF, social cues can be tiresome. How much should I share? I can't tell everyone my cold turned into a lung infection that led to a (luckily, only) eight-day hospital stay; I'm better, but I'm not 100% and am still having lingering symptoms that make each day a little more difficult.

I hope I can draw some attention to the unwitting urge that sickies like myself feel to either lie or sugar-coat an already exhausting situation. Although I know I'm beyond blessed and truly do not want to sound ungrateful, I hope I can make the following suggestion:

Next time you hear someone is ill, just keep it to, “I hear you're not feeling well. I hope you get better soon!” Or even, “I'm thinking of you! Is there anything you need?” We appreciate the concern, and I know that I, for one, would be grateful.