Rant (again!): This is the only place... - Asthma Community ...

Asthma Community Forum

22,474 members24,860 posts

Rant (again!)

Annista profile image
10 Replies

This is the only place where I feel that I can rant without having people take offence so apologies in advance!

Last week a colleague wore a new perfume to work and then complained because it made her feel ill. I mentioned that my lungs didn't like it much either. On Wednesday she wore it again and I ended up in a meeting with her. Within 5 minutes I was in so much trouble I didn't know what to deal with first. I hit the ventolin which eased the tightness but did nothing for the gallons of mucus that were pouring out of my lungs, nose and even my eyes (too gross, sorry). I stood outside for about 23 minutes in a temperature of -4 to try to clear the perfume out of my lungs, wheezing and coughing like a champion, and succeeded in getting to the point where things weren't getting worse. My boss was great and kept asking if I wanted to go him but I couldn't speak so I felt safer where someone could get me an ambulance if necessary. Anyway eventually I felt safe and went home. Came into work yesterday and the same colleague came in wearing the same perfume. I went home. I've come in to work again this morning and here she is, wearing the same perfume yet again. My lungs are all over the place again. WAHT'S WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE? If I had a peanut allergy they'd all be running around all over the place making sure that there were no peanuts in the office that might kill me but as long as it's only asthma that finishes me off it's ok. (screams in fury and stamps feet, then goes to have a little lie down until breathing gets back to normal).

Thanks for listening. I feel better now!

Written by
Annista profile image
Annista
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
Minushabens profile image
Minushabens

Your story reminds me of the days when smoking was allowed in offices. I was working at a place where a couple of people smoked & I kept asking repeatedly for them not to around me. One day, when I said something, one of them took a deep draw, turned to me & blew all the smoke straight in my face, to hysterical laughter from everyone else.

You can probably tell it still winds me up 25 years later!!

People really just don't understand what some of us have to go through with certain triggers.

Annista profile image
Annista in reply toMinushabens

I totally get that one!

I've just mentioned to one of my colleagues that it would help me no end if people didn't wear perfume to work and she blatantly said that there was no way she'd do that. The astonishing thing is that she was so worried about me on Wednesday.

I really don't understand people.

Minushabens profile image
Minushabens in reply toAnnista

I don't know what sort of environment yu work in, but if you can get a letter from your GP or nurse confirming that it's a trigger, then they don't have much choice other than to address it.

Katt-37 profile image
Katt-37 in reply toAnnista

Hasn't your boss talked to her about the perfume? Seems incredible at she would continue using it.

Annista profile image
Annista

Thank you both for the input. I have had a chat with my boss today and it remains to be seen if anything comes of it.

netochka profile image
netochka in reply toAnnista

Good luck. I hope they get a bit more sensitive. Surely your boss wants you healthy and at work!

Wintersbite profile image
Wintersbite

Nothing much is going to happen unless you push it i have the same problem with my husband when he puts on his aftershave he's fumigation the home and I felt like I was on i sinking ship but I got him to move from the bedroom to the bathroom where the extracta fan is and if needed the back door my husband has seen me on the nebuliser over his aftershave but he won't stop it he wants to small nice when he goes to work and it's a equil rights now so he has a right to wear it along as I stay away from where he was until the oder is safe for me same for you sorry keep a safe distance from the lady who is doing it she has a right to small nice.

Cjeango profile image
Cjeango in reply toWintersbite

After reading all of the above... I'm so glad I live alone. Thank you all for your comments. They give a real reason why others SHOULD care.

pucageorgie profile image
pucageorgie

What a thoughtless self-centred bitch! You are perfectly entitled to rant. Your boss sounds decent, could you ask him to have a word with her?

Wintersbite profile image
Wintersbite in reply topucageorgie

It's too common in today's world how Meny of you who posted on here have more problems than just asthma? Have you gone to town for a coffee and found thay don't help you the disabled seats are all taken by non disabled people I have multiple disability and I seen this happen being a b** is the new normal

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Rant!!

Sorry folks - need to vent! I am so FED UP of asthma! I manage to get over the cold/chest virus...

Colleagues E-Cigarette 'Perfume' Triggers My Asthma

Hello, I have CVA (Cough Variant Asthma) and a colleague at work who sits next to me has started...

Is it asthma?

Hi all! I was wondering if I might be able to pick your collective brains please? I was diagnosed...

Rant

Hi All, I just though I'd share my scary encounter with my respiratory team. Saw the cons on...
cliffhopper profile image

Rant/ advice please

I was diagnosed in may this year based on FeNo testing (I blew 98!) and raised eosinophils (up to...
HoppyNurse profile image

Moderation team

See all
Homely2 profile image
Homely2Administrator
Lysistrata profile image
LysistrataAdministrator
ALUK_Nurses profile image
ALUK_NursesAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.