Heavy perfume in medical facilities, or anywhere, really

Posted by chicagomichelle @chicagomichelle, Jan 19, 2017

How do we get through to people that this could actually cause great respiratory distress? Even death.

I told a hotel guest the other day, in the kindest way possible, that I was allergic to her and she needed to understand what her chemical scent could do to those with respitory issues. She was headed to Mayo. I imagined the poor patients with even more severe conditions. It was the first time I ever said that to anyone's face, but felt it needed to be said.

I've experienced this a great deal this week, even with clinic staff. To date, I've had 0 complaints about MC, but I hope they are listening now and will work to make their buildings perfume free.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 16, 2017

In reply to @rosemarya "Dear members, @mari, @chicagomichelle, @peggyj4411, @ladycat, @katemn, It appears to me that along with the fragrance..." + (show)

Whether you choose a bracelet or a necklace, make sure that that is what the paramedics in your area are trained to look for.

I do not know if there is a standard method that is used by paramedics. Does anyone know anything about this? If anyone with EMT experience reads this, please let us know. Thanks.
Rosemary

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 16, 2017

In reply to @rosemarya "Dear members, @mari, @chicagomichelle, @peggyj4411, @ladycat, @katemn, It appears to me that along with the fragrance..." + (show)

@peggyj4411. Peggy, Thank you for the sweet compliment. That is so very kind of you to say.
I do not know how wonderful I am, but I do love to chat! And I love being with people. However, as you have seen, I am a transplant recipient. And I like to keep myself in a safe environment, especially during cold and flu season. So for me it is a perfect fit - to chat with kind people like you from the germ free comfort of my home.
Thank you for sharing the encouraging information about your friend who has a kidney transplant. I am approaching 8 years, and I love to hear about people like your friend who are doing well.
Peggy, whether you realize it or not, you, too, are helping a lot of people by your friendship and your helpful conversations here on Connect. I look forward to continuing conversations with you.
Hugs, Rosemary

ladycat | @ladycat | Feb 16, 2017

In reply to @rosemarya "Dear members, @mari, @chicagomichelle, @peggyj4411, @ladycat, @katemn, It appears to me that along with the fragrance..." + (show)

The local jeweler in my town of Freehold Township, NJ at the time was also a paramedic. He just told me not to wear any other bracelet, watch etc on that wrist.
It's a very good point to find out if there is a particular place on the patient they are more likely check first for medic alert jewelry.

peggyj4411 | @peggyj4411 | Feb 28, 2017

@rosemarya Hello there Rosemary, it's Peggy, feeling very ashamed and embarrassed for not keeping up with all those wonderful posts from you and all the others. I have been quite sick these past couple of weeks with complications from heart failure, and was too weak to even plus in my computer. But I shall return regularly ASAP! I also hope I can join the Chronic Pain Forum, as that is one of my lifetime problems. And of course, the heart diseases conversations is right up my alley! Just can't keep up with everything. Rosemary, I don't know how you do it, but God must have had a very special plan for you from the beginning! For many years I was heavily involved in a 12 Step Program called Emotions Anonymous, and believe me, it saved my life. Nobody seems to have heard of "EA", as our members called it. My 25 or so years in this program were the best years of my life. Anyway, I will return to the Connect conversations ASAP. I miss you, Rosemary, and all the wonderful folks who reached out to help me! Virtual hugs all around, Peggy

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 28, 2017

In reply to @peggyj4411 "@rosemarya Hello there Rosemary, it's Peggy, feeling very ashamed and embarrassed for not keeping up with..." + (show)

Peggy, It is so nice to hear from you again. I was thinking of you just the other day and wondering if you are okay. I will be happy when you are feeling better . Please, do not apologize for not keeping up with all of our posts. Your health is the most important thing for you to be concentrating on. It is good for you to take it easy and to rest. I look forward to seeing you join some of the discussion that are of special interest to you where you will be able to meet others who share the same health concerns as you . That is what Connect is all about. We share our experiences and we support each other. And we have access to Mayo information, too.
Peggy, I feel certain that your experience, along with your kindness and conversation will be a help to others. I (we all) look forward to continuing our conversations and our friendships 🙂
Please feel free to read discussions, even if too weak to reply.
Rosemary

ladycat | @ladycat | Mar 1, 2017

In reply to @jamienolson "@chicagomichelle, @peggyj4411 and @ladycat, Hello and Thank you for starting this important discussion on a topic..." + (show)

@jamienolson

@chicagomichelle, @peggyj4411 and @ladycat, Hello and Thank you for starting this important discussion on a topic that we could all benefit from addressing and discussing.

After I was personally addressed at work by another coworker who was offended (and also has respiratory issues) by a scent that I love to wear. I read our work policy and put some thought into how to address this issue. You see, I use an essential oil that helps me focus (something that I struggle with daily) and believe has benefit to me throughout my work day. After talking with supervision I came to the realization of what kind of burden this was posing on others people as well. I had no idea how it was effecting others in our work group. I was able to do some research and found alternative ways to address my focus issues without any smells...which makes for a happy work group! 🙂

Looking into our dress and decorum work policy, I found it reads as is- "It is unacceptable for employees to smell of cigarette smoke or other strong perfumes or odors while at work. Employees who arrive in the work area with the smell of cigarette smoke or other strong smells on their clothing will be required to change before entering the work area". This is something that is given to all employees when they start here.

In our Allergy and Pulmonary areas there is verbiage on the patients itinerary that kindly asks for patients and attending family members to please avoid perfume and smells in these areas, which is great.

I also looked into our patient education center thinking this would be a good place to have educational material on those that suffer from respiratory issues and what happens when those patients come into contact with strong perfume smells. I found nothing. I then looked for a courtesy sign or something that states information for patient awareness to no avail. The positive spin.... these are all areas with room for improvement! Thank you for helping Mayo Clinic become an even better place for others.

Do any of you have ideas or thoughts for others reading this post on how to politely approach someone that may have an offensive or threatening perfume on? @chicagomichelle, what was the response you received from the hotel guest?

Jump to this post

Hi @peggyj4411
I have worked as a Pharmacy Tech for 7 yrs. I can tell you quite honestly that anyone at anytime can become allergic or sensitive to a drug or drugs. I have personally witnessed this & heard others express their uneducated doubt. Fortunately in today's smart phones the medical app is a Godsend ! Being aware of your allergies and or/ sensitivities is vital to your health and well being. I applaud your self care would encourage everyone to take a lesson from you and your difficult experience! Take care please !

peggyj4411 | @peggyj4411 | Mar 6, 2017

In reply to @peggyj4411 "@rosemarya Hello there Rosemary, it's Peggy, feeling very ashamed and embarrassed for not keeping up with..." + (show)

Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, Rosemary. I appreciate all the kindness you have shown to me; it has helped me so much! I'm still plugging along with my assortment of ailments and am doing quite a better these past couple of days, and can't wait to join in on other topics pertaining to my medical problems. Before Mayo Connect, I never knew what it was like having actual medical support from fellow sufferers! I truly enjoy reading posts from other "Connectors", and getting information from them on topics I never thought possible. I had a doctor's appt. today, and another one looms tomorrow, so I'll be wiped out for a couple of days. If I can't get back to you, Rosemary, for a few days, have a wonderful week! And sunshine and spring flowers! Hugs across the miles, Peggy

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Mar 9, 2017

In reply to @peggyj4411 "@rosemarya Hello there Rosemary, it's Peggy, feeling very ashamed and embarrassed for not keeping up with..." + (show)

@peggyj4411 Hi Peggy. I want you to know that I took a walk today. I enjoyed the sunshine and the spring flowers. Just like you
suggested. I thought of you. I hope that you will be feeling better and able to re-join us soon.
Rosemary

peggyj4411 | @peggyj4411 | Mar 12, 2017

Oh Rosemary, I so much enjoyed your kind reply! I wish I could have taken a walk with you, enjoying the new spring flowers coming out everywhere and lots of nice sunshine these past few days. Like you, I have to be so careful of germs, bad weather, people coughing their heads off, etc. I am still hanging in there and want to re--join the conversations ASAP! Life has gotten very lonely without the groups! A bad storm is predicted for our area starting Monday night, and I hope if it hits your area, you stay snuggy warm and cozy till the damn stuff melts! My energy level never did tolerate snow! Have a nice cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on me! Sending my fondest wishes for good health, Peggy

Linda | @llwortman | Mar 24, 2017

Hi Peggy: I'm thinking of you as I run away from loud parfume scents that make me sneeze, my eyes water, and run for fresh air before my lung
collapses! Should we start a "No loud offensive perfume petition in elevators ?"
linda

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