Be sure to introduce topics unrelated to your medical state. Distraction can be extremely helpful. On the other hand, it is important to keep your family and friends generally informed about your well-being so that they can know what to expect. It may be helpful to devise a system to signify pivotal points where assistance means a lot. Others, however, feel overburdened by simple requests.
People vary in their tolerance for suffering, both for their own and for that of other people.
Just because we may suffer does not mean our partners or family should also. We can reduce their discomfort by trying to prevent situations where our pain gets out of control. Taking good care of ourselves also helps them. Try to focus on the gratifying events of each day. Helping a partner stay in good spirits contributes to a more positive state of mind for us as well.