Scent Sensitivity and Medical Office

[Wishing on a star]

I am very much with you, OP...
I have seen doctor's offices where the ladies have those VILE plug-ins going, and scented candle/warmers. Then there are the sprays.

I just want to add that I would almost bet that this was not just some lotion that was affecting you.

I am sorry, but IMHO, it should not even be legal to have these dispersed fragrances (or any overpowering scents) in certain enclosed places, such as medical offices, school classrooms, etc.
Yes, IMHO, it should be totally illegal, just as smoking is now regulated.
It is a very real health concern.

Dont get me started!!!

 

[sam_gordon]

It's not uncaring. But the complaint seems more like an emotional response. The OP smelled something in the hallway and attributed it to the clerks hand lotion. It could easily have been someone else who had walked through ahead of her wearing an overpowering scent. It seems like the OP had a reaction to a smell and targeted on the bottle of lotion that she noticed. Now she has an negative emotional response to the entire clinic.

In instances where a person has makes a complaint that is emotional and/or unbelievable, the complaint won't be taken seriously. Whereas, if the OP made a more generic comment, "I have a reaction to scents, what is your office policy in regards to staff wearing scented products" a conversation regarding the problem could be started.

But to say you smell hand lotion down the hall is not believable, even reading it here.

To extrapolate this issue to society in general, I think it is over the top to expect society to refrain from using products that may cause others to have a reaction. Peanuts, shellfish, latex balloons, and now fragrances too. While these issues are real to some people, it is a bit narcissistic to expect the whole world to conform to your individual needs. Not uncaring, but tired of people imposing their wishes onto the rest of society.

Donning my flame suit.

This got me thinking. Is it possible it was the clerks perfume? I also find it hard to believe you smelled a bottle of hand lotion not only in the lobby, but in an outside hallway. However, if the clerk is one who heavily douses perfume and she recently got into work, that could explain it.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I am very much with you, OP...
I have seen doctor's offices where the ladies have those VILE plug-ins going, and scented candle/warmers. Then there are the sprays.

I just want to add that I would almost bet that this was not just some lotion that was affecting you.

I am sorry, but IMHO, it should not even be legal to have these dispersed fragrances (or any overpowering scents) in certain enclosed places, such as medical offices, school classrooms, etc.
Yes, IMHO, it should be totally illegal, just as smoking is now regulated.
It is a very real health concern.

Dont get me started!!!

This is pretty much the type of dramatic reaction that would cause me to roll my eyes. Saying scented products should be illegal just makes people not care about your issues with scents because you sound extreme. What do you want to do, throw people in jail for their lotion, fine them? What about non scented products that cause issues for people? Should we make those illegal too?

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

This is pretty much the type of dramatic reaction that would cause me to roll my eyes. Saying scented products should be illegal just makes people not care about your issues with scents because you sound extreme. What do you want to do, throw people in jail for their lotion, fine them? What about non scented products that cause issues for people? Should we make those illegal too?

I can see it now. You step on an elevator, not realizing that in that city, you can't use Bounce on your clothes. In come the cops, arrest you and charge you with "smelling nice." I wonder what kind of sentence you would receive.

 

[MrsDuck]

I'm incredibly sensitive to smells. I hate scented anything so I do get it. BUT, I don't think there's much anyone can do. I would love it if DRs offices would ban all scents (including lotion) but I certainly don't expect it and am not getting my hopes up.

 

[Kellykins1218]

I am sorry, but IMHO, it should not even be legal to have these dispersed fragrances (or any overpowering scents) in certain enclosed places, such as medical offices, school classrooms, etc.

You'd hate our school, then, because they are very into aromatherapy. From the second you walk through the door, it smells fabulous. Many of the teachers have Scentsy warmers going all the time.

 

[Hikergirl]

I don't think there is anything wrong with letting them know you have an issue but I don't think you can expect them to change their policy over it. I would suggest trying to find a doctor's office that doesn't allow their staff to wear strong scented products. There are so many things that can effect people, that is why those people need to take responsibility for what it is that bothers them. If you know there is an issue there for you, then its time to find an office where it isn't an issue.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

I never had a problem before, but since I was in a car accident and now have headaches pretty much all the time, I am very sensitive to smell. I can't tolerate certain scents to the point of becoming terribly ill. A few months ago, I went to the doctor and I could smell something even outside the office. It got stronger when I went inside and I started to get a headache. When I went to check in it was so bad I couldn't stand it. There it was on the clerk's desk, a bottle of scented lotion. My headache was so bad I thought I was either going to pass out or puke. I had to check-in with the check-out person. I waited for awhile, and I finally couldn't take it anymore. I ended up leaving and rescheduled my appointment. I honestly felt so bad that I debated if I was well enough to drive home or not; since I only live a little over a mile away, I decided I would be okay.

I called the clinic manager and told her how ill the lotion had made me. I don't think she was listening at all. She only offered an apology because the doctor was late (which is something I CAN understand). I decided it wasn't worth it to pursue it further and to blow it off. Well, I had to return tonight. The same smell! I tried not to breathe and luckily I was called back instantly. I kind of politely unloaded on the nurse and she was very nice. I'm just so irritated, I can't afford to bring on a big headache like that if I can avoid it. It's so debilitating and it can affect me for days.

So yeah, I'm a snowflake. But I think there are lots of people out there that can't tolerate smells like this, especially if they are nauseated or have a headache or just generally ill. I don't think people should be using scented body products at a doctors office out of respect for their patients. What do you think?

I feel for you OP, because while not this bad, my sense of smell is very good and certain scents do bother me. However it does seem that you need to find a way to treat the cause (concussion/headaches) of your problem and not the symptoms (affected by scents). Are you seeing a reputable neurologist?

 

[Liberty Belle]

I bet either the clerk had just walked down the hallway after just applying the lotion, or it was really her perfume and she'd just come in.

One time I rode an elevator five minutes after my coworker and knew she'd been in there recently due to her lotion (bath and body works apple something or another).

I feel for you OP, but if it bothers you there, I'm sure it does in other places (restaurants, stores, offices, etc), so I'd come up with a way to change your behavior (masks, etc) rather than hoping everyone starts going scent-free.

 

[smokeyblue]

It's not uncaring. But the complaint seems more like an emotional response. The OP smelled something in the hallway and attributed it to the clerks hand lotion. It could easily have been someone else who had walked through ahead of her wearing an overpowering scent. It seems like the OP had a reaction to a smell and targeted on the bottle of lotion that she noticed. Now she has an negative emotional response to the entire clinic.

In instances where a person has makes a complaint that is emotional and/or unbelievable, the complaint won't be taken seriously. Whereas, if the OP made a more generic comment, "I have a reaction to scents, what is your office policy in regards to staff wearing scented products" a conversation regarding the problem could be started.

But to say you smell hand lotion down the hall is not believable, even reading it here.

To extrapolate this issue to society in general, I think it is over the top to expect society to refrain from using products that may cause others to have a reaction. Peanuts, shellfish, latex balloons, and now fragrances too. While these issues are real to some people, it is a bit narcissistic to expect the whole world to conform to your individual needs. Not uncaring, but tired of people imposing their wishes onto the rest of society.

Donning my flame suit.

The haughty diatribe of nursing psychiatric pathology aside; there was a gem in what you had to say. "I have a reaction to scents, what is your office policy in regards to staff wearing scented products." Perfect suggestion. Clean and to the point. Everything else is superfluous.

 

[smokeyblue]

So I went right to the top and I let 'em know that I can smell through doors and I have rights! HAHAHA. Not quite. I spoke to colleague that deals with the patient experience in the hospital setting. I wasn't sure if she worked with the clinics. She does and she said that it IS a policy and that she would speak to the manager because they should not have scented items in the clinic. It's all taken care of! Thanks for the discussion guys (and ladies).

 

[mefordis]

I never had a problem before, but since I was in a car accident and now have headaches pretty much all the time, I am very sensitive to smell. I can't tolerate certain scents to the point of becoming terribly ill. A few months ago, I went to the doctor and I could smell something even outside the office. It got stronger when I went inside and I started to get a headache. When I went to check in it was so bad I couldn't stand it. There it was on the clerk's desk, a bottle of scented lotion. My headache was so bad I thought I was either going to pass out or puke. I had to check-in with the check-out person. I waited for awhile, and I finally couldn't take it anymore. I ended up leaving and rescheduled my appointment. I honestly felt so bad that I debated if I was well enough to drive home or not; since I only live a little over a mile away, I decided I would be okay.

I called the clinic manager and told her how ill the lotion had made me. I don't think she was listening at all. She only offered an apology because the doctor was late (which is something I CAN understand). I decided it wasn't worth it to pursue it further and to blow it off. Well, I had to return tonight. The same smell! I tried not to breathe and luckily I was called back instantly. I kind of politely unloaded on the nurse and she was very nice. I'm just so irritated, I can't afford to bring on a big headache like that if I can avoid it. It's so debilitating and it can affect me for days.

So yeah, I'm a snowflake. But I think there are lots of people out there that can't tolerate smells like this, especially if they are nauseated or have a headache or just generally ill. I don't think people should be using scented body products at a doctors office out of respect for their patients. What do you think?

See a different doctor? This would probably be a win/win.

 

[WHIT1]

I never had a problem before, but since I was in a car accident and now have headaches pretty much all the time, I am very sensitive to smell. I can't tolerate certain scents to the point of becoming terribly ill. A few months ago, I went to the doctor and I could smell something even outside the office. It got stronger when I went inside and I started to get a headache. When I went to check in it was so bad I couldn't stand it. There it was on the clerk's desk, a bottle of scented lotion. My headache was so bad I thought I was either going to pass out or puke. I had to check-in with the check-out person. I waited for awhile, and I finally couldn't take it anymore. I ended up leaving and rescheduled my appointment. I honestly felt so bad that I debated if I was well enough to drive home or not; since I only live a little over a mile away, I decided I would be okay.

I called the clinic manager and told her how ill the lotion had made me. I don't think she was listening at all. She only offered an apology because the doctor was late (which is something I CAN understand). I decided it wasn't worth it to pursue it further and to blow it off. Well, I had to return tonight. The same smell! I tried not to breathe and luckily I was called back instantly. I kind of politely unloaded on the nurse and she was very nice. I'm just so irritated, I can't afford to bring on a big headache like that if I can avoid it. It's so debilitating and it can affect me for days.

So yeah, I'm a snowflake. But I think there are lots of people out there that can't tolerate smells like this, especially if they are nauseated or have a headache or just generally ill. I don't think people should be using scented body products at a doctors office out of respect for their patients. What do you think?

You are not a snowflake. I feel your pain. I am a chemical induced asthmatic which means I have problems with all kinds of chemical smells and especially perfumes. I have fought the hospital where I live cause the staff were wearing strong perfumes and caused me to have a bad asthma attack. Its not pretty. I always make sure I tell the staff when I go in for any test about my problem and they have finally worked with me. Its also on my records and if someone comes near me I let them know to get away. I do carry a mask with me at all times and this is something you can do to show people you are trying. I also had alot of problems with medical offices, but once they see you coughing and foaming at the mouth ,struggling to breathe then they took me serious. Sorry to say the medical people do not care that sick people come in and their perfumy smells may cause harm. You need to stick up for yourself no matter what don't back down. You may not be liked but at least you won't have a headache. So good luck!

 

[rigs32]

I would have probably reacted as you did in the first instance if I had that type of sensitivity. But I would have called to have a discussion about their scent policy before making a second appointment. If they didn't plan on being a scent free office, then I'd find a doctor who is.

Just as peanuts haven't been made illegal, scented products likely won't either. If you're that sensitive, I would think you'd be an expert on scent free businesses in your area (or on your way to becoming one).

 

[roseaster]

I will probably be accused of atrocities, but for those of you that are that hyper-sensitive, what are your coping strategies in real life? In a place where you can't choose a person particularly to blame or there is no one to complain to or no ability to change the situation?

Since this is a Disney board, we can use Disney as an example. What coping strategies do you use at Disney? How do you get through a day where you are likely to be packed into close quarters with people with all kinds of scents, some more "natural" than others? Where, in addition to all the personal scents there are scents piped into the air?

I would think, like with most things, accepting personal responsibility and planning would go a long way. Understanding that you cannot control others, and instead planning what you can do to control your own environment would be a much better and easier to execute plan.

I have never been in a doctors office, clinic, or hospital that did not have some sort of "scent," whether it was disinfectant or bleach. We love our bleach.

 

[dbrn]

Like a previous poster, the unscented products make me feel ill. I also am extremely sensitive to some scents, especially florals. It's hard for me to choose soaps, shampoos, etc., because even some that seem okay in the store make me sick after about an hour of wearing them, so when I find something that works for me, I stick with it. I was assigned to a patient once who was extremely sensitive to scents, even to the soap I used. I ended up switching with another nurse because I couldn't switch up the products I was using to accommodate the patient and minimizing the amount I used didn't help the issue. I was certainly sympathetic, but accommodating the patient by using unscented products would have caused me to be ill.

I think if it were me, I would look for another physician's office - does your physician practice in multiple locations? If you could smell the scent before you even entered the office, that's pretty extreme. If I wanted to stay with my doctor, I would call ahead and explain my situation before coming in for an appointment and ask if they would wash off/refrain from using the lotion while I was there. I think, in general, people try to be accommodating, and they would probably be more receptive to trying to minimize your exposure during your visits rather than a blanket request for a completely scent-free office, especially if you only visit occasionally.

 

[sam_gordon]

There it was on the clerk's desk, a bottle of scented lotion.

I didn't see the label.

If you couldn't see the label, how did you know it was scented?

 

[anniemae]

It could have been anything, lotion, perfume, a cleaning product etc. Since you don't know for sure what it was, I would suggest always carrying a mask to put on when you need it.

 

[smokeyblue]

You are not a snowflake. I feel your pain. I am a chemical induced asthmatic which means I have problems with all kinds of chemical smells and especially perfumes. I have fought the hospital where I live cause the staff were wearing strong perfumes and caused me to have a bad asthma attack. Its not pretty. I always make sure I tell the staff when I go in for any test about my problem and they have finally worked with me. Its also on my records and if someone comes near me I let them know to get away. I do carry a mask with me at all times and this is something you can do to show people you are trying. I also had alot of problems with medical offices, but once they see you coughing and foaming at the mouth ,struggling to breathe then they took me serious. Sorry to say the medical people do not care that sick people come in and their perfumy smells may cause harm. You need to stick up for yourself no matter what don't back down. You may not be liked but at least you won't have a headache. So good luck!

I am very sorry. My problem is so minor in comparison. I've only had a "bad" reaction three times, and that was a severe headache that had to be controlled with prescription medication and bedrest. My other reactions have been mild to moderate exacerbations of my daily headache. The scary part is that the headache it causes affects my vision which is very disorienting. Otherwise I just have a ridiculously strong sense of smell which can just be really strange and obnoxious.

 

[Christine]

I will probably be accused of atrocities, but for those of you that are that hyper-sensitive, what are your coping strategies in real life? In a place where you can't choose a person particularly to blame or there is no one to complain to or no ability to change the situation?

Since this is a Disney board, we can use Disney as an example. What coping strategies do you use at Disney? How do you get through a day where you are likely to be packed into close quarters with people with all kinds of scents, some more "natural" than others? Where, in addition to all the personal scents there are scents piped into the air?

I would think, like with most things, accepting personal responsibility and planning would go a long way. Understanding that you cannot control others, and instead planning what you can do to control your own environment would be a much better and easier to execute plan.

I have never been in a doctors office, clinic, or hospital that did not have some sort of "scent," whether it was disinfectant or bleach. We love our bleach.

I can tell you that as I have gotten older, I've gotten more sensitive to scents. It's actually kind of embarrassing because I know how people react so I have only told my closest friends/family just out of necessity. Fortunately, for me, the scents to have the same impact as the OP gets, but I do worry that it will happen. I find the more I stay away from them the better off I am when it does hit me.

So, one example is that I can no longer shop at our local Bed, Bath, and Beyond anymore. I don't know what they are pumping into the air but it is something and it is heavy. By the time I set foot in the door and make it around to the towels, I actually have a headache. One time, it set off a migraine (and I don't get migraines) and ruined the rest of my Saturday. So I just don't go anymore. The other thing that sets me off are products from Bath and Body Works. I can go in the store, but if people use them. Wow. I had someone in my office use their hand cream and it was incredibly strong. Even my other coworkers who aren't sensitive said it's really strong. One of my employees occasionally wears perfume in. It is very strong first thing in the morning. Fortunately, I am a supervisor now and I have an office. So rather than mention it to her, I just close my door for about 2 hours and it wears off during the day. If I were in a cubicle near her, I would have to say something. Otherwise, as long as I'm not in close proximity or in a closed up area (such as a car), I can deal with it. I just make sure I'm a good 12 feet away.

For me, it is mostly the "perfume" smells. For some reason, cleaning product scents don't bother me.

My son is an asthmatic and one time we went into Ulta at Christmas time and we were in the perfume aisle (no one was actively spraying) and he had a full blown attack right there. He won't even set foot in there now, but he does fine with scented deoderants. It's just reall odd.