Posted by TF on January 15, 2005, at 22:09:09
For the past five or six years, I've had a problem perceiving others as being disgusted with me, specifically with my odor (which I cannot, myself, detect.). Every single health professional that I've gone to (including therapists/psychiatrists) has either denied smelling any odor or evaded the issue.
The body language I'm getting from other people is unmistakeable and, in my opinion, happens too frequently for it to be a simple coincidence. The obvious signs are there, covering their noses and looking at me, sniffing deeply, changes in their breathing habits when they're close, hacking and coughing (Sometimes even vomiting if I'm with them overnight.). Some have even come right out and implied that I smelled.
Is there some sort of protocol I'm not aware of that prevents doctors from acknowledging their patients' body odor? Because this deception seems to extend far beyond politeness and common courtesy. If I smell so terrible, wouldn't they want to try and help me to fix it rather than allowing me to live as a pariah?
My hygiene is very good, by the way. I use a scouring sponge to clean up with, in addition to soap, deodorant and shampoo. Sometimes I even add a few cups of tomato juice to no apparent effect.
poster:TF
thread:442588
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050111/msgs/442588.html