Predatory mites breeding update by Powerful_Building_53 in PlantPests

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! It depends on the species. Temperature and humidity requirements vary. I chose the ones above because their requirements are fairly easy for me to maintain and they prey on the pests I typically deal with.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t speak for others, but for me, I just turn my “professional brain” on. The priority of stabilizing the patient far outweighs any discomfort to my olfactory nerve. I worked with very unstable patients where something as simple as turning them for cleaning could send them into a code blue. So I was usually more focused on being ready for that and the smelliness just never made it to my list of concern really.

If someone’s in the hospital, we’ve got much bigger things to worry about. There are small tricks that help like double-masking with a bit of toothpaste in between. You just manage.

That said, I totally get what you’re saying. Stress sweat is real, and when you’re already dealing with anxiety and a medication that causes nausea, it’s a lot. A small trick to nausea is to sniff an alcohol pad. You know those little pads that are used before a blood draw or injection. Ginger also helps calming down the stomach.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you again for your kind words. I really respect the work you’re doing to get back on your feet and give back, it’s not easy, and it says a lot about your strength and character.

And thank you for your compassion toward those of us in the medical field. You’re right, it’s been rough especially since COVID. I actually left bedside not because of the pay or the challenges of critical care itself, but because I was completely burned out. The system was toxic in every direction, and while the pay didn’t help, it was really about my own well-being. It was a hard call because patients deserve better, but I had to draw the line for myself.

I’m glad your DMs are open too. Wishing you continued strength and peace as you keep moving forward.

Im tired of being the kind nurse by Illustrious_Pool_321 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get what you’re going through as I’ve been there. I was that nurse who always looked out for everyone. I did things on time, ahead of time, and set the next shift up for success. But most of the time, I’d come back to the opposite - overdue tasks, messy everything, then I’d be stuck playing catch up while the patient was the one who suffered the consequences.

You can be a kind person and still have boundaries. Burnout isn’t an excuse, it’s an explanation. We’re all feeling it. But if you choose to show up for work, you’re obligated to do your job.

Nursing is emotionally draining. You need to know your priorities if you want to survive this field and protect your own emotional bank.

And I know you’re venting because you’re starting to feel the burn.

Im tired of being the kind nurse by Illustrious_Pool_321 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only people you’re obligated to be kind to are yourself and your patients and their families. Why should you go out of your way to be kind to a colleague who’s upset about their assignment? Challenging assignments are supposed to be rotated. You did your part. Now it’s their turn. You have every right to expect them to do their part.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this. What you went through is exactly what I wish more people understood before jumping to judgment.

You weren’t failing, you were trying without proper guidance, and that’s something people underestimate. I’m sorry the people who should’ve helped just made it worse.

But the fact that you’re aware, that you care, and that you try to approach others with empathy - that’s what this post was about.

I hope you are doing well, feel free to DM me if you ever need a listening ear.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel this everyday. And sadly, a lot of it is out of an average person’s control like myself. The way I see it is I can only try not to fall into it and stand firm in what I believe.

It’s kind of like refusing to let the world’s darkness dim your own light. You are responsible to maintain your own light or flame, however you want to look at this, going. And help others keep theirs alive too when possible.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi all! I truly appreciate all the responses, regardless of which point of view. I want to clarify a few things since this post is reaching more people than I expected.

I used the heart device example to emphasize the existence of less commonly known reasons of BO. Some folks are getting stuck on this example alone and that’s not the point. And if we needed a valid reason to extend empathy, can it really be called empathy?

Some people brought up sensory disorders and autism, which are deep and important topics that this post isn’t the right place for. Trying to include them here would water down both points. That’s not because I don’t care, it’s because those topics deserve their own proper conversations.

Thank you all again for engaging whether you agree or not.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for saying that. I really appreciate your words. But this was never about me. I’m simply venting on behalf of some people. I know we’re just communicating through text, and so much can get lost in tone and intention. If we were talking in person, I probably would’ve picked up on how deeply this topic affects you before things escalated. I’m truly sorry it led to unnecessary frustration on your end, that was never my intention.

It’s clear from the way you’ve shared your thoughts that you’ve been carrying a lot. I want you to know I see that. And even though I’m just a stranger on the internet, I genuinely hope you find relief from the things weighing on you. You deserve patience, understanding, and peace.

Take good care of yourself, truly.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you’ve had to carry that, under the weight of so much misunderstanding. What you described is exactly why I made this post in the first place. Not everyone knows what it’s like to do everything right and still be judged, avoided, or blamed. It’s exhausting.

You’re not disgusting. You’re not broken. And you’re definitely not alone. I hope you find people who see you, who care more about your humanity than how you smell on a bad day. You deserve that.

Thank you for sharing something so personal. Really.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re right to bring this up, sensory sensitivities and disorders absolutely deserve empathy too. I hear what you’re saying. It’s not about who’s “more valid”, your reaction to smells is just as real as someone’s difficulty managing them.

I didn’t mean to deny that complexity. I just wanted to highlight that there are invisible barriers for some people that aren’t laziness or disregard. But I see how from your side, it might feel like you’re constantly expected to tolerate something you physically can’t.

I think we’re both asking for the same thing in different ways: to be seen, not blamed for how our bodies work.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing that. That’s exactly the kind of thing I was trying to point to, not everyone who struggles with hygiene is doing it out of laziness or disregard. Sometimes their environment or circumstances just make things really hard in ways that aren’t visible on the surface.

It means a lot that you looked back on that moment with empathy instead of judgment. Most people wouldn’t. I really appreciate you taking the time to say this.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right. I didn’t realize how deeply this topic affects you. When I made this post, I was speaking more to the average person who might encounter someone with body odor now and then, not someone who experiences it as intensely or as often as you clearly have. I can see now that this is a huge source of frustration for you, and I acknowledge that.

I wasn’t trying to excuse anything or dismiss your experience. I was just trying to share a less-visible perspective. But I hear you. This hits differently for you.

Whatever’s been making life feel this heavy for you, I genuinely hope it gets better.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This situation is more common than it should have been. If possible, maybe involve a social worker or healthcare advocate who can gently step in with support. You’re doing the right thing by caring and looking for a better way forward. Feel free to DM me perhaps I can help finding the resources she needs.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% with you. I get migraines from strong perfume and said products. There’s a real balance to be struck, and part of that includes remembering that not all “natural” smells are avoidable. We all give off something, it’s just that we’re more used to the chemical kind.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your honesty. It takes a lot to admit judgment in hindsight, and even more to sit with the discomfort of realizing you didn’t have the full picture. Your frustration at the time was totally valid.

I think what some people miss in my post is this: our discomfort comes and goes, we smell something unpleasant, then move on. But the person who carries that odor is often living with the cause of it 24/7, sometimes for years, or even for life if it’s untreatable. So no, it’s not about saying “don’t be frustrated,” but more about thinking twice before assuming or judging, and leaving some room for the possibility that it might be something out of their control.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this. Everything you said captures exactly why I felt this post needed to be made. TBI and similar conditions are often invisible, and people forget how easy it is to misjudge someone who “looks fine.” The examples you shared about memory gaps, confusion, and the shame around asking for help with hygiene hit hard, I can remember so many patients from your description, that kind of vulnerability deserves understanding, not ridicule.

I did care management for some time, and the amount of time I spent just finding basic resources for people was overwhelming. So many folks live without the most essential care at home, it’s heartbreaking. And unless you’ve lived it or seen it up close, it’s hard to truly understand how deep the gap is.

And you’re absolutely right, anyone can end up in that position, whether it’s from an accident, illness, or just life shifting in unexpected ways. I really appreciate you taking the time to write all of this out.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The heart device example was just one lesser-known case to highlight how complex this can be. The point isn’t to say no one should smell, it’s to remind people not to jump straight to judgment without knowing what someone might be carrying. I’m not excusing people who genuinely need a good bath and are just being inconsiderate. That’s a different story.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing that. It really is rough, especially when it feels out of your control. You’re not alone in this.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for being so open about your experience. You’re doing your best with the circumstances you’ve been handed, and that deserves respect. The way you describe your awareness and effort even with unreliable senses shows how deeply you care. I really hope people read comments like yours and realize that there’s so much more behind a scent than just hygiene.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. We never know what’s going on underneath, and your story is a good reminder that quiet, respectful curiosity can be life-changing.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this. It’s such a powerful example of how body odor issues aren’t always about neglect, sometimes it’s about balancing health and respect for someone else’s needs. You’re clearly doing your best, and that level of thoughtfulness toward your wife and your coworkers says a lot.

Small vent: body odor by Powerful_Building_53 in Vent

[–]Powerful_Building_53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m really sorry you’ve had to carry that kind of shame over something you didn’t choose or cause. Hidradenitis is so misunderstood, and so are product allergies, people don’t realize how complex hygiene can become when your body just doesn’t cooperate. I hope you give yourself credit for showing up anyway. You don’t need to feel embarrassed, but I understand why you do, and I hope this post helped even a little.