Most embarrassing moment of my life just happened

All right guys, I can't believe I'm about to talk about this, but I have to put it out there.  The most embarrassing moment of my entire life just happened last night...and its all attributed to my weight.

I had my annual review with the CFO of our company, let me just say, nicest guy I've worked for.  While the review went great, CFO thought I was contributing, working well and even said he was going to use me more for upcoming projects. 

Then we move to the end of the review.  He starts by stating "this is really embarrassing for me to talk about, and I'm sure its embarrassing for you, but I have to mention it."  "People have been commenting about your Hygene"  As my jaw hits the floor.  "They have asked me to talk to you about it and have even mentioned that they go out of their way at times to avoid you and the smell"

While he was as nice about it as possible, I thought I was gonna pass out.  I told him I understand and am glad that he was being straight with me, and that it really has to do with my weight and then I told him about going through the steps for surgery and he was very supportive, but on the inside, I wanted to go to my car and cry like a baby.

I know I sweat a ton which attributes to the bad hygene, but I do notice that lately I have a more difficult time cleaning the back door.  I have a really bad back and along with the weight, I'm sure my "swamp ass" is the major culprit

Any ideas on how to help prevent any of this.  I know I have to take more showers, wash clothes more and purchase extra strength deodorant, but any tips would be huge help.

I'm sooo embarrassed to even go back to work.

Thanks,

Toddy,
Thank you for the courage to post your dilemma. Don't feel like you're the only one out there.

I, too got to a point where I wasn't as efficient at wiping my butt as I wish I could have been. Luckilly it was right at the end stages before surgery. I found that using a wet-wipe, like a baby-wipe was really helpful. They did they trick for me. Also, do you use something like Gold Bond? I remember always being wet down there front and back from the sweat. Gold Bond takes care of that corn-flake odor! During the hot months I keep a small bottle of it in my desk, or in the car. I just go into a restroom during the day and powder down. It's also good for across the shoulders and chest and, hell...wherever you get sweaty.

I don't know if it's an option, but for home use you can also get a bidet that attaches to your home toilet. You can get them from medical supply houses, among other places. I have no idea how much they cost, but they sure do the trick. I used to live in Europe, and they're very common place. They just take a few sessions to get used to.

Good luck, man.

--Jake

Thanks Jake,

You must of read my mind.  I was just making a list of items to pick up and Gold Bond was number one.  My plan of attack is to be as fresh as possible in the morning and then by late afternoon freshen up with the Gold Bond in the mens room.

I agree, it really hasn't started until the last few months, which ironically is happening right before my surgery.

Thanks for the encouraging words.

Oh man, my heart goes out to you.  I was there when recovering from shoulder surgery.

Check out the Living XL web site, they have things like sponges on a stick

I'm sorry for the embarassment you felt.  I know this feeling from a long time ago.
I was younger and wasn't the most diligent in doing laundry, staying up late partying, and not always getting up in time to get cleaned up for work.

Someone finally said something to me, and it was a horrific experience.  However, it was something that I never let happen again.  The gold bond powder really helps. 

Even now I ride my bike to work in the mornings, I pack a set of work clothes in the backpack.  When I get to work, I take off the sweaty clothes, do a quick towel bath in the restroom and hit myself with the deodorant and gold bond once again just for good measure.

I won't pass up the opportunity to get myself healthy by any extra exercise I can get, so the ride to work is here to stay.  Even if it does generate some sweat.  But I can try to minimize it by having fresh clothes and trying to defunk myself before I have to interact with my co-workers.

I'm sorry you had to experience that.

Scott

No answers.  I cover myself with baby powder made with cornstarch.  Was just thinking that this is one of the reasons this site and others are so good...Getting support on tough questions...where other guys have been though.  Brian

 Hey Brian,

For what it's worth, my PCP tells his patients not to use cornstarch powder because it is more conducive to fungal infections than talc. But if you have no problems probably no reason to change.

There are some websites that sell "bathroom tongs" for those "hard to reach places."  I've found it just as effective to use a pair of kitchen tongs.  I have a pair that are a bit offset.  I put them in my dop kit and take them into the shower with me.  Nobody knows but me... and now a couple thousand of my closest friends.

I'm looking forward to the day when I can toss them in the trash.  I don't think I'll be using them in the kitchen again!

Toddy
Don't feel bad it can happen to anyone. I have a back scrubber made like one of the round scrubbies but long and braided. After I shower I use the braided back scrubber to wash the unreachable.
I too have severe back problems and no longer bend like one needs to.  I have always had odor problems due to alergic reaction to anti-persperants.  The only thin I can use is deoderant and it does nothing for persperation.
Worst case senerio for me is I work in a white uniform and a little sweat and the color streams right through. The other night I had to wash my pants and dry them in the mens locker room.
Goood luck and I cant wait for my surgery 11/06/08. Then I might be on the road to proper hygene again.
Indianasteve

Todd .. (Feel wierd saying Toddy)

I used to weigh nearly 700 lbs.  To say "Been there, Done that" would be an understatement. 

I was ALWAYS the fat kid.  I had odor problems from Jr. High onward. 

Gold Bond works.

Cottenelle now makes adult butt wipers.

I had a hand shower attachment in our shower.

Best thing to do is deal with it, move on, and when it's all over with, you don't have to worry about it.

(I still get paranoid about it, but it's really not much of an issue at all anymore.)

Good luck, my friend - no need to be embarassed here.