How to tell older people you don’t want gory medical details?

[Anonymous]

"I'm so sorry I'm squeamish, please stop or I might pass out"

[Anonymous]

Dr. Jensen, my gastroenterologist, said he has never seen such a long hemorrhoid! And I was SO sore! The nurse used a special mirror so I could see the raw edges of my anus. I am overdo for a proctology exam, but I need to heal, as it hurts so much, especially as his finger is so big!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would pretend to be squeamish. But honestly it's like new parents telling poop and barf stories, they do it to bond.

She doesn’t need to pretend to be squeamish. She is squeamish! Tell them so, OP. Tell them you are sorry and you very much want to hear about the well-being of all these people but that unfortunately you are unable to hear the details because you get lightheaded, etc.

This, please. I mean, there are situations where it is socially appropriate to beat around the bush and be all subtle, but this is one of the places where it would be more polite -- and effective -- not to be surreptitious.