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Dumb but...developing anxiety about smelling

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Posted 2/19/2008 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
I know this sounds dumb but I'm starting to develop anxiety about smelling.  I'm constantly feeling bloated and gassy, and I worry a lot that I'm letting bloopers loose.  I just started a new job, and we had a staff meeting in this really confined spot.  I don't have claustraphobia, but I started feeling really anxious because I felt like I might let one rip in the crowd.  It was really hot in this room, and people were fanning themselves...suddenly I get it in my head that they're looking at me and blaming me...and I'm squeezing my butt cheeks so hard I think I'm going to burst.  This meeting lasted an hour!

I think I do let loose more than my fair share of farts, but it's really beginning to affect my confidence.  I hate people crowding in my personal space, and lately if anyone so much as sniffles around me I think they're accusing me of something. 

Does anyone have any advice to give me to help out?  It would be pretty wierd to go see a shrink about fear of smelling, but maybe I need to?  I'm generally pretty friendly and outgoing, and most people are pleasant with me, but right now as my CD symptoms return (remicade postponed until a medical issue is sorted out) I'm finding I'm developing a "paranoia" of sorts about smelling.  We're not allowed to use scents at work so I can't refresh my work area with a nice smelling spray.

Thanks for letting me rant,

Bev

Posted 2/19/2008 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think that's dumb at all.  What about a refrigerator pack of baking soda?  It's odorless and absorbs smells.
Posted 2/19/2008 11:02 PM (GMT 0)

I do not think that is a dumb concern either.  I am sure you will get lots of good ideas from the members who have this same concern.

I have to ask bektold about the baking soda.......can you elaborate on that comment.  I always want to learn. :)

Thanks
Kitt

Posted 2/19/2008 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
i think bek means it would serve the same purpose as it does in a fridge...
it absorbs odor and smells like nothing
Posted 2/20/2008 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Yup, that's what I meant.  You can buy a regular box and rip off the top, but then if it gets knocked over you've got a mess.  I've seen boxes that were made specifically for deodorizing the fridge, and they had a film on the side that allowed the odors to be absorbed but kept the baking soda from spilling.

Posted 2/20/2008 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hey!

I used to have the same problem as you when I had Crohns, while I was at school. Really embarrassing, having everyone tease me about my paranoia about smelling.. I ended up taking Febreze (an odourless spray that dissolves smells) and similar things everywhere with me! Can you not use odourless sprays that dissolve the smells in your workplace? Otherwise, if your supervisor or whoever is friendly perhaps you could try confiding in her that you feel a little worried about your CD and would feel much more reassured if you were allowed to use a spray? Good luck! x x x x
Posted 2/20/2008 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
(Copied from MMNAVY's earlier post in a similar message)

 

Minimus (just google that), which has travel sized stuff and what I found on there is this....

Oust® Mini Air Sanitizer

Lysol® Disinfectant Spray - Crisp Linen® scent
J03-0165001-8200

UK
http://www.edirectory.co.uk/pf/880/mia/d/bambule+hygiene+spray+travel+size/pid/6525499

Again, Kudos to MMNAVY!

Posted 2/20/2008 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
what you could actually use to aid this is chlorophyl, it's a natural body deoderizer, poops and farts don't smell as long as you take it regularly...I was using liquid form...I had heard that it was excellent for IBDers with symptoms but the only thing I really noticed was I was having green poops all the time...I don't typically have smelly gas or poops, I figure it's most likely to do with the fact that I don't keep poops and gas in me long enough to have a smell LOL!

My sister also uses the chlorophyl and says she no longer has smelly farts or poops.


:)
Posted 2/20/2008 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Isn't chlorophyl what makes grass green? Just curious...if it works and doesn't cause you any grief, I say go for it!
Posted 2/20/2008 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
as long as you can keep it silent no one is going to blame you :) Just the other day I was at my desk and one slipped out not silent. I just went about my work and prayed that the lawyer in the next office didnt hear me. Two seconds later he came over to chat about something and was leaning over my desk. I just silently laughed "how do you like that!" My desk is very close to the bathroom (so convenient) but since it is an old building the bathroom sometimes emits an odd odor. Whenever I fart people just assume its the bathroom pipes. I wouldn't worry so much about it. I know it is easier said than done but really what are the chances that someone will smell it, no that it is you, and smell it enough, on you, too consider you "stinky?" And really, so what if you were stinky? Are you trying to date any of them? It really wouldn't be the end of the world.
Posted 2/20/2008 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
any of a group of green pigments, containing a magnesium-porphyrin complex, that are involved in oxygen-producing photosynthesis in plants. Preparations of water-soluble chlorophyll derivatives are applied topically for deodorization of skin lesions and to stimulate healing. It is also administered orally to deodorize ulcerative lesions and the urine and feces....chlorophyll.

:)
Posted 2/20/2008 7:34 AM (GMT 0)
You've gotten some good suggestions....this one is a little silly...but you know how blind people get a seeing eye dog...I think Crohnies should have dogs also....then when you accidently "let fluffy off the leash" you can actually blame it on the dog!
LoL
Posted 2/20/2008 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Well in a room full of people no one is going to know who emitted the odor . . . so actually crowds are good cover. Besides, most gatherings are not like frat houses where people yell "who cut one?" Folks just ignore it . . . so put your anxieties to rest.

Posted 2/20/2008 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Folks!

I've had some great tips here from everyone and I really appreciate them!!! I'm going to try to get some chlorophyll and give it a shot. If it can help me at all, it will go a long way to making me feel more comfortable. It's funny how things can bother us all differently. I hate feeling uncomfortable socially (I guess deep down I have a bit of a confidence issue), and this problem really bugs me. I want to try to stop it from escalating to a real social phobia. I notice for example that I hate getting on to crowded elevators (again not because of fear of small spaces, but fear of my space being invaded in case something slips out). My butt cheeks are cramping from squeezing so hard all the time - and I'm sure the stress I induce on myself actually causes more symptoms.
I'm really noticing it now as I'm training in a new job and have new co-workers come over to my cubicle and are leaning close to me to help train (computer work). I just want to make a good impression - but somehow letting one rip doesn't seem like it would go over very well!

Thanks for your help,

Bev
Posted 2/20/2008 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Feeling anxiety about smelly farts is pretty normal and unselfish of you actually, you know how many people out there don't care or even get a kick out of having smelly gas to share will everyone around them...I hope you find success with the chlorophyll and hopefully it will kill 2 birds with one stone as well since it is suppose to aid with ulcerative lesions so maybe it'll help with the polyps and inflammation as well.

Good luck and keep us posted :)
Posted 2/20/2008 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
I worry just like you! I start a new job on Monday and I have the same fears! thanks for the post I may give chlorophyll  a try!! Karen
Posted 2/26/2008 10:58 AM (GMT 0)
oh how i know what you mean! i've had cd for 20 years. the horrible odor didnt start until about 9 years ago. or at lest i wasnt self conscious about it. i carry a purs sized air freshner, to try to cover up the smell. that chlorophyll is new t me. let us know how it works, i may have to try it too.
Posted 2/26/2008 10:58 AM (GMT 0)
oh how i know what you mean! i've had cd for 20 years. the horrible odor didnt start until about 9 years ago. or at lest i wasnt self conscious about it. i carry a purs sized air freshner, to try to cover up the smell. that chlorophyll is new t me. let us know how it works, i may have to try it too.
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