Re: Give examples of others reactions & constructive things to do

Hi Carlie,

I too have been suffering this for years, however, it is not in my imagination as pointed out by the so-called website expert, nor do I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD is a condition in which persons obsess that some part of the body is misshapen or deformed).

You know what my problem is? I have been a very heavy cigarette smoker for the last twenty five years. I have been a very heavy coffee drinker for the last umpteen years. In my office job I sit on my behind all day, otherwise the work does not get done. My dietary habits are poor and inadequate. And Im stressed out. Two years ago I collapsed at home due to the stress, it was then that I decided to take meditation and start looking at other areas of my life that definately needed a wake-up call.


Let me give examples of my life from this year so that others know that this is not a psychological joke, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), its not a hoax, and it's very serious...


Example 1:
I go to the doctor, let him know why Im there and the symptoms. Nurse comes out to perform the test's and then runs off to the reception desk to tell (everyone and anyone who will listen to her in a loud and raucous voice) what my problem is! As I leave the doctors surgery he turns his back to me and says, "Yeah, you do smell!" Ah, yeah, so where is the cure - dingbat.


Example 2:
At work I have a particularly nasty co-worker who has wanted me to leave from the first day that I arrived there. She has thrown her weight around and has the entire workplace up in arms. (See: http://www.bullyonline.org/cases/index.htm)

They have signed a petition against me, had Occupation health inspectors come around, tried to kick me out of the union, screamed and yelled and threatened me in team meetings, tried to fire me (they have no grounds as I am the best worker there), gone to every single client and customer and told them that I stink (unfortunately the clients are backing them up, even though they dont like my co-workers), and have run to every single branch in our corporation saying that Im offensive to work with. They have even approached other branches outside of our organisation and several have approached our local shops where I buy lunch. They have even approached our CEO and told her about it, she is threatening to kick me out as we speak.

In meetings, nothing pleases them more than to give our customers a run-down of their latest explanation as to why I am still there. Its been three years and what they are actually doing is workplace harassment, but in their case its called sticking up for your 'mates' (no one actually likes these co-workers of mine) so you can keep your job!

P.S. We are going through a major restructuring and this co-worker has been trying to gain support for herself as two people in our group will be loosing their jobs by June 2007.


Example 3:
On one occassion my co-worker approached a man who caught a bus with me. We go to work on a bus packed full of kids and adults. "Do you like her?", he'd ask the bus driver. "Dont go near her she smells!". The problem was that - first I smelled of "whites" (vaginal discharge), then I smelled of pee (urinary discharge), then I smelled of cigarette smoke (ah, so he is finally telling the truth). But the truth was not good enough so now its back to smelling of "whites" and the "pee". Then the rumour went flying around that I was going to get kicked off the bus.

Those lovely little school kids decided to tell their school principal's and they've been on my case. They run to tell the bus driver whenever Im on the bus (whether I smell or not, doesnt matter to these kids).

Since when was it made a law to kick a person who smells of cigarette smoke off a bus? And, How will these kids cope in a normal workplace where there are sometimes heavy drinkers, smokers and people on medication?


So what constructive things have I done?
1- I NEVER give in to bullies. I think they're all sh*t. I've written a diary on their activities that would make your (BDD) website owner's short and curlies turn long and straight.
2- Looking for another job before I am made redundant.
3- I've cut down cigarettes to 5 every day. Soon to quit within next two weeks
4- I no longer drink coffee. Have always been a tee-totaler.
5- My diet still sucks, but Im getting around to it!
6- Shower twice daily, antiseptic soap, dry completely, use a little powder.
7- Use moist towelettes after going to the toilet.
8- Use underarm deodorant, not anti-perspirant.
9- Cotton (breathable) undergarments.
10- Use panty-liners and change underwear at least twice/day.
11- Undergarments are soaked in warm soapy water after use.
12- Physical exercise and exertion.
13- Saw doctor for cervical smear test, blood test and was given antibiotic's to clear up infection. (Basically any discharge that isnt the normal white, or is smelly, should be seen by a doctor as it is a sign of infection). Once this was cleared up, the co-workers decided to accuse me of peeing my pants!


Hope this in some way helps anyone out there...