Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 442588

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Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » TF

Posted by alexandra_k on January 15, 2005, at 23:20:12

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by TF on January 15, 2005, at 23:16:53

Yeah, I guess that it is the incongruity between those points that has me puzzled too. Are you seeing someone at the moment? Maybe you could ask them (if you haven't already) and then if they say 'no' then when you think they are doing something which indicates that you do smell then you could tell them how you are taking what they are doing.

I don't know. But coincidence is possible. Even if only 1%. It would be worth really trying to talk this over with someone.

PS - You don't smell from here, I assure you :-)

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics

Posted by ghost on January 16, 2005, at 9:21:39

In reply to Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by TF on January 15, 2005, at 22:09:09

body odors are often a sign that something is medically wrong with the body, therefore a doctor would HAVE to notice it, you know? So if they've found nothing wrong, or haven't acknowledged it, I wonder if it's not a severe problem (maybe it's not one at all!) -- do you use perfume/cologne? if i'm around someone who uses it (even a little), i KNOW i respond negatively, because the stuff makes me kinda sick. i'd rather smell BO than Chanel No. 5 anyday! ;p

I'm sorry everyone else's responses to you have been negative. I know what it's like to feel like people are repulsed by you. :(

ghost

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » alexandra_k

Posted by TF on January 16, 2005, at 13:57:51

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » TF, posted by alexandra_k on January 15, 2005, at 23:20:12

I just got out of the psyche ward a couple of weeks ago (There was a misunderstanding related to this issue, which led my family and the police to believe that I was a danger to myself. I wasn't.), and they set me up with a counselor when I got out. So I'm going to see him on Tuesday for the first time. I'm really kind of insulted that they think they can fool me into believing that I don't smell. Many times I get the impression, when meeting people in person, that they think I'm a cretin (It's partly true, although people often get carried away with that perception, and end up thinking I'm a complete inebriate.).

I'm not so sure that it's a good idea to just point out things in the counselor's behavior that trigger the feeling that they're disgusted with me... Many of these people seem pretty quick on their feet as far as giving BS excuses. Going by ear is becoming much less practical for me, as more and more liars make themselves known.

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » ghost

Posted by TF on January 16, 2005, at 14:05:58

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by ghost on January 16, 2005, at 9:21:39

Nope, no cologne. When I tried it, I got even worse reactions than before. It's like the odor molecules bred with the cologne molecules to create a mongrel super-stink. I was a walking biohazard.

Yeah, that the doctors won't acknowledge it while strangers do is the damndest thing... It led me to believe that maybe this odor wasn't an all-the-time thing, and came out only when I was nervous (Unlike many people, I'm actually calmer than usual when in the doctor's office.). That theory is kind of dashed to nothing when I'm not even thinking about the odor, and then people make offhand comments behind my back or as I'm walking by. So I don't think it's any sort of obsessive preoccupation (although my therapist in the psyche ward tried to pass it off as such.).

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics

Posted by ghost on January 16, 2005, at 14:54:19

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » ghost, posted by TF on January 16, 2005, at 14:05:58

have you tried homeopathic or herbal soaps? tea tree oil? sometimes that will help things, too.

i hope you can find something that works for you :/

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics

Posted by Camille Dumont on January 16, 2005, at 16:04:05

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » ghost, posted by TF on January 16, 2005, at 14:05:58

Could it be your breath? Some conditions can lead to pretty noxious breath.

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » Camille Dumont

Posted by TF on January 16, 2005, at 19:06:46

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by Camille Dumont on January 16, 2005, at 16:04:05

Nah. I seriously doubt it. The impression I always get is that it's an (And I dislike using this word...) anal odor.

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics

Posted by messadivoce on January 16, 2005, at 23:08:54

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » Camille Dumont, posted by TF on January 16, 2005, at 19:06:46

This has been an interesting thread. A good T is going to be honest and upfront with you, especially if you are going to them for that specific issue. I hope you find such a treatment provider. I know there is a medical condition that causes overactive sweat glands. How do you know it's an "anal" odor if no one will talk to you about it? You say people make comments behind your back? Is that how you've reached that conclusion?

Are you a smoker? Do you live with one? Do you eat a lot of stuff like curry, garlic, etc? I wish you much luck. And I have to say I admire your courage for being willing discuss something that our Western culture doesn't handle well.

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics

Posted by TF on January 17, 2005, at 7:37:58

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by messadivoce on January 16, 2005, at 23:08:54

Yeah, I hope so too, because I'd rather get rid of the smell than have them medicate my brain into incoherence.

I do tend to sweat alot, but I always have, so I'm not so sure that that's the problem.

No... I gathered that it was an anal/fecal odor from snippets of comments that I could pick up on. Also, I think I may have some blockage or buildup in my colon, so that might be contributing somehow.

Not a smoker. I live with one, but he smokes outside. While I like garlic, it's not a real staple for me.

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics

Posted by badhaircut on January 17, 2005, at 13:40:12

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by TF on January 17, 2005, at 7:37:58

TF–

Does the smoker you live with think you have an odor? Of course, smokers often lose some of their powers of smell, but what does he say?

Also, if the cause were something in the home (midewy carpet or sulphurous laundry water, etc), he would probably also carry an odor. Does anyone have "disgust" reactions to him?

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » badhaircut

Posted by TF on January 17, 2005, at 14:01:14

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by badhaircut on January 17, 2005, at 13:40:12

I don't notice a strong or unusual odor coming from him, aside from the smell of cigarettes. But he masks that with cologne. I've noticed disgust reactions from him toward me, but when I ask point blank, he just denies noticing any odor.

I haven't noticed anyone reacting that way to him, but I'm too focused on my own situation to really care.

 

Re: Body Odor » TF

Posted by badhaircut on January 17, 2005, at 15:10:27

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » badhaircut, posted by TF on January 17, 2005, at 14:01:14

This is a very interesting topic. It's uniquely hard to talk about face-to-face, for the reasons you mention. If someone denies smelling anything on me AND I believe they'd be too shy / polite / whatever to say anything, it would be hard to know.

It sounds like this is taking a cost in the quality of your life. I feel for you. I wish I had something to offer. I am wondering out loud here: What would be different if the odor were confirmed by someone? If they said, "YOU STINK!" What then?

Little kids can often be straightforward about stuff like this. Are there any little tykes, up to about 4 years old, in your family or social circles that you could ask, in a casual, friendly, lighthearted way? ("Hey sweetie, do you smell something stinky around here?") If a child says no-odor, it's probably no-odor. Of course, the kiddie might say, "You smell icky." That would be painful. Would it also be a kind of relief? It would be something different.

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics

Posted by TF on January 17, 2005, at 15:55:53

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » TF, posted by alexandra_k on January 15, 2005, at 23:20:12

I wouldn't mind, really. I'm 99% sure that there's an odor, and I've imagined worse things being said behind my back by adults.

The only thing that bothers me right now is that I'm not sure how to handle this if it's true. I've thought about maybe getting a colonic or two, and then getting strict with myself about what I eat so it doesn't get clogged up again (IF that's the problem).

I probably should've mentioned this earlier, but I have a tendancy to forget that other people don't know the little details of my situation. While in the psyche ward, a lot of things were confirmed for me, regarding my odor.

On my last day there, I was under the blankets in my room when a couple of nurses (Or patients, I'm not sure) peeked in. One said, 'He's asleep.' Then I heard someone else say, 'He'd be cute if he got rid of that (stench).' Not 100% on what the second person said. I think it began with s, but for all I know she could've been referring to my spare tire (middle fat). Whatever.

The night before, there was an incident where something happened with the laundry washer, and they had to call environmental to clean things up with some sort of wet/dry vac. I clearly heard one nurse say, 'I'd like to use this thing on Todd (me).'

Not to mention the endless hints dropped by other patients, who, though they were really nasty at times (Which is understandable. Who wouldn't be a little cranky too if someone was making them physically ill? Some kind of saint.). During one group, we were going over the rules, and someone mentioned one regarding hygiene. One of the patients said "Yeah, some people here don't take care of their hygiene (Or something along those lines. It's not complete verbatim.)".

Another time, in the kitchen, an older lady was drinking some water by the faucet, and said, "I like water. Flushes your system." And then looked halfway in my direction.

Other comments were made that are probably too graphic to mention here. But they did leave me with the impression that my odor is feculent (is that the right word?).

As you can probably see from these examples, the signals aren't as ambiguous as I might've led you folks to believe. The only thing ambiguous in this situation is the state of my mind and ears, both of which, according to what my family and medical providers tell me, I can no longer trust. Then again, I've never told anyone about these specific situations. Maybe if I did tell my therapists and doctors about these examples, they'd be more forthcoming. It's just hard for me to concentrate enough, when I'm speaking, to form coherent sentences. I should prolly take snippets of these posts and give them to the therapist or GP.

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 17, 2005, at 16:13:59

In reply to Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by TF on January 15, 2005, at 22:09:09

I don't know what to think of this but I think a T of all professionals would tell you so that you would be better of socially. No matter what I am so sorry cause I know I would feel badly if I thought that...Maybe after a shower....use lots of talc and use deodorant like two times a day..seems that would be a good preventative move. Maybe some people have like issues with a cologne you use or some product?

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » TF

Posted by Shortelise on January 17, 2005, at 16:22:22

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by TF on January 17, 2005, at 15:55:53

TF,

There are a couple of things I think about as I read your posts.

First of all, it sounds like there is no one in your life you feel you can trust. I mean, if I thought I smelled bad, there are people in my life I know would tell me the truth, people I trust. My therapist is one of them.

Secondly, I do want to tell you that drinking lots of water is very important. I don't know what it could do for your scent, but for physical and mental health, it's essential. If you are constipated, deal with that, talk with your docs about it, and deal with it. More water and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables would probably solve that.

Last, if I were you, I would gently ask myself what it means to me to smell like feces. I would ask myself what the point would be of people lying, and what that means to me.

If you were my friend, and you asked me to be honest, I promise you I would be. I think it's a very good idea to print your posts and take them to your therapist or doctor. You sound as if you really really need to get a straight answer about this.

Take care, TF.

ShortE

 

Re: Body Odor » TF

Posted by badhaircut on January 17, 2005, at 16:34:16

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by TF on January 17, 2005, at 15:55:53

Todd, thanks for the additional info. (I hope it's OK to call you Todd.)

> It's just hard for me to concentrate enough, when I'm speaking, to form coherent sentences

Yeah, speaking is really on-the-spot! There's so much going on in a live conversation. But you are articulate & coherent in writing here.

> I should prolly take snippets of these posts and give them to the therapist

I think a lot of Babblers do that. After you see your T, I hope you post an update. Good luck!!

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics/another idea

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 17, 2005, at 16:38:49

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by TF on January 17, 2005, at 15:55:53

You said "On my last day there, I was under the blankets in my room when a couple of nurses (Or patients, I'm not sure) peeked in. One said, 'He's asleep.' Then I heard someone else say, 'He'd be cute if he got rid of that (stench).' Not 100% on what the second person said. I think it began with s, but for all I know she could've been referring to my spare tire (middle fat). Whatever." If you are overweight maybe use some GoldBond body powder under your as you call it spare tire to help with any sweat that may cause odor?

 

Re: Body Odor

Posted by Dr. Bob on January 17, 2005, at 19:53:51

In reply to Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics/another idea, posted by Fallen4MyT on January 17, 2005, at 16:38:49

> If you are overweight maybe use some GoldBond body powder under your as you call it spare tire to help with any sweat that may cause odor?

I don't think this has come up, so I thought I'd just mention body dysmorphic disorder as another possible consideration in situations like this, see, for example:

http://understanding_ocd.tripod.com/ocd_relateddisorders_bdd.html

Bob

 

Re: Body Odor » Dr. Bob

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 17, 2005, at 22:47:59

In reply to Re: Body Odor, posted by Dr. Bob on January 17, 2005, at 19:53:51

Dr Bob glad you posted this I had heard of this but forgot the exact name..considered posting about it and then backed down it may be very helpful.

> > If you are overweight maybe use some GoldBond body powder under your as you call it spare tire to help with any sweat that may cause odor?
>
> I don't think this has come up, so I thought I'd just mention body dysmorphic disorder as another possible consideration in situations like this, see, for example:
>
> http://understanding_ocd.tripod.com/ocd_relateddisorders_bdd.html
>
> Bob

 

Re: Body Odor

Posted by Susan47 on January 17, 2005, at 23:47:51

In reply to Re: Body Odor, posted by Dr. Bob on January 17, 2005, at 19:53:51

Thank you SO much for bringing that up, I wanted to but was afraid it would be taken badly, AND i didn't know the word for it AND I wouldn't have known how to bring it up properly.
Which is why you're the pro, and I'm not. Thanks again, sometimes I think you're lovely.

 

Re: Body Odor

Posted by TF on January 19, 2005, at 19:09:29

In reply to Re: Body Odor, posted by Susan47 on January 17, 2005, at 23:47:51

Thanks for the responses everyone.

I actually do drink alot of water, and there weren't any hints that the other patients dropped that were really insightful, or that I wasn't already aware of.

I'll definitely bring something in writing into the therapist. When I went for the first time last night, I was somewhat tongue tied. The appointment was only to establish the presenting problem though, so no real loss. I don't think it'd be appropriate or wise for him to give me a verbal prompt regarding my odor until he knows more about me. Hopefully he'll be honest. I did get definite signals from him.

And thanks for the input, Dr. Bob. I actually did consider the possibility of that condition a long while ago... I found out about it because it's sometimes associated with another, physical condition that I happen to have.

In the past, it has been my tendancy to focus on my flaws. Although, more recently, the odor thing has kind of overshadowed everything, to the point where the other 'flaws' mean almost nothing to me. The doctor who treated me in the psyche ward tried to convince me that I invented this problem to help deal with criticism (He diagnosed me with avoidant personality disorder. People with APD tend to be super-sensitive to criticism.). It's a clever explanation, but I don't buy it.

 

Re: Body Odor and therapist ethics » TF

Posted by rainbowbrite on January 19, 2005, at 20:54:25

In reply to Body Odor and therapist ethics, posted by TF on January 15, 2005, at 22:09:09

Hi TF

I just saw this post and I am so sorry you are going through this. I think Dr Bob may have something with the BDD. It is worth a thought. I new a girl (not well) but evrey time, I mean every time she saw someone she felt hte need to apoligize for her smell and how awful it was. Thing was she didn't smell. But the way she acted was sort of strange, like she thought she smelled so her body lagnuage was a little differnet. (so people act alittle different to her) She also carried deoderant with her everywhrere. and applied it constantly through the day. it had to always be on her. I would say that she had BDD. I felt so terrible for her becasue she was beautiful and did not smell at all (well good actually!) She was so concerned about it. Reading this thread reminded me so much of her. I woul dsuggest going to your medical doctor and asking if there is anything wrong with your bowels because you often hear comments that you smell. Tell them it it affecting you emotionally or something (that may force them to take it more seriously). And hopefully if this is a medical condition which is just as possible it will be taken care of soon. I hope this all works out.
Take care
Rain

 

Re: Body Odor » TF

Posted by alexandra_k on January 19, 2005, at 22:28:33

In reply to Re: Body Odor, posted by TF on January 19, 2005, at 19:09:29

> Hopefully he'll be honest. I did get definite signals from him.

What if he does say 'yup, you smell'. Then what? By the sounds of it you are doing pretty much everything in your power not to smell, so if he does tell you this then there isn't really anything you can do about it.

> The doctor who treated me in the psyche ward tried to convince me that I invented this problem to help deal with criticism (He diagnosed me with avoidant personality disorder. People with APD tend to be super-sensitive to criticism.). It's a clever explanation, but I don't buy it.

Maybe that isn't the right reason. But what about the body dysmorphic idea. It would seem to me that it explains BOTH the fact that you really really do believe that you smell and other peoples constant saying that you don't.

Also it would mean that you don't smell.
But then you would have to figure out why you came to believe that you do, and the role of interpretation in your taking others to be giving you signals that you do.

Do you think that it might be possible that that is what is going on?

 

Re: Body Odor » alexandra_k

Posted by TF on January 20, 2005, at 9:43:49

In reply to Re: Body Odor » TF, posted by alexandra_k on January 19, 2005, at 22:28:33

It's possible. I'd only be 100% sure that I smelled if I could smell it myself. As it is, I'm very sure, but still open to other possibilities.

Well, if someone that's completely unbiased actually admits that I smell, clearly and without the use of double-talk, I can start looking for the cause in earnest (I've found out about a few conditions that could cause this sort of problem and tests to check for them.). As it is, I'm kind of apprehensive about doing that, since I'm not completely sure that there is an odor. One thing I'm sure of, is that I don't want to make people uncomfortable or angry, which is their usual reaction to me. This odor seems to border on driving people to violence, and if it really exists, it'd probably be in my best interests just to stay out of their way if and until it gets fixed.

One thing that kind of irks me, is that ever since weaning off the respirdahl (A previous psychiatrist put me on it), I've noticed more and more signals from people, which are starting to include members of my family (I've never noticed anything signals from them before, with the exception of my father.). I don't know if that's because the respirdahl numbed my mind to the point of incoherence, or if all of this is springing completely from paranoia. So who knows?

 

Re: Body Odor » TF

Posted by Pfinstegg on January 20, 2005, at 16:11:45

In reply to Re: Body Odor » alexandra_k, posted by TF on January 20, 2005, at 9:43:49

Hi. I wanted to say how much I admire you for bringing up this topic so honestly. From what you say, you are just beginning to establish a relationship with a therapist. That does take time, but he (or she) will be someone you can talk to honestly about this. And you can take all the time you need to develop trust in him, and discuss it fully. I don't think you need to rush into having a lot of tests until you've taken plenty of time to talk it over with a really understanding person.

Are you planning on going off the Risperdal all together? It might be that it is a good medication for you (perhaps at a lower dose than you took initially). It's possible that it has been helping you think more realistically- it does do that for lots of people. Be sure to keep us informed about how things go.


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