Question:
Hello my name is Jenna and im new to this site. I just joined a few mins ago cause im very upset by the way i was treated today because of my psoriasis. Im 19/f and i live in Clemson a College Town. I have psoriasis ALL over me. I work at a resturant and this lady called my manger t asked what was wrong with the cashier. He didnt really know what she was refering to then relized that she was talking about my psoriasis and she goes on to say that it Totally grossed her out and that she felt sick to her stomach because of the way my skin looks. I was really hurt by that i have only have had psoriasis for a year. I just didnt know what to do but cry. My friends just dont understand! All the people up her have never seen me without psoriasis cause i moved up here after i got it i feel that no one understands and hopeing i can find people on here that know and understand.
Jenna
Hello Jenna, Some people can't and will never understand what it is like, I'm sorry for what happened. The good news is you have found in this web site people who COMPLETELY know how you feel and understand and know what you are going through. Are you currently under any treatment?
Jenna,
Sorry that you had a rude, ignorant customer :mad: the nerve of some people.
What I do is carry some pamphlets around with me just in case someone asks.....that way you can educated them or you can make a paper airplane out of it and hit them on the back of the head when they are leaving....
Karen
Hi Jenna,
I'm sorry you had to go through that. There are people who just don't understand. Just try to educate yourself enough to be able to tell them about psoriasis. But each time someone does this to you, it will make you stronger. I have had this this for 43 years. When I'm approach I just tell them it's p, and start talking away. I know I have got on people's nerves about p, but I will keep talking until you get it. Especially if it's a stranger...I have given people my NPF card, and ask them to call me with any more questions. If I feel like they are just being rude, I will ask them do they have some kind of problem with what I have?
You are going to come across people like that. Like Karen said, get pamplets, and just give it to them. Just remember that p does not define who you are.
Take care,
Diane
Hi Jenna, welcome. I say what they all said! Educate yourself, carry around pamphlets, talk to people, and remember "pso what?". I know it's hurtful, but surely you'll reach a point where the comments made by ignorent people will just roll off your back. Don't let them get you down!
sorry for bad situation, you will have it more i am affraid, thats the way it is with this..you are female so you can slap another women or girl if you feel like.but try ignore them all, go few levels above those sorry mortals...
HI Jenna,
Welcome to the boards. We are glad to have you here, and there are a good many people here who have experienced similar experience.
I know Clemson. Many years ago I interviewed there for a teaching job, early in my college teaching career.
I am really sorry what happened. And I think that some important suggestions have been made. This website has a lot of educational information about P and PA and I think carrying a few brochures around with you to give out to people (your friends, relatives, boss) as you need to is a good idea. Most important thing most people need to know right away is they can't catch it (unless you give them your bone marrow).
Gee I am sorry the "lady" was grossed out. Her ignorance grosses me out. We got P because of our genes. What excuse does she have for her ignorance?
YOu take care, and please keep posting. There are some great, smart, compassionate and very knowledgeable people here. You;ll make some friends and you can come here to vent or seek support. We even started a special "bite me" thread in honor of people who demonstrate such a high degree of rudeness and ignorance about P and PA.
MK
you've have already received much support here from your story...and I will add mine too... :o
we are all here for you, to vent, ask questions whatever you need...we all totally understand what you are going through. I work in the public as well, and sometimes I find that children (who are totally innocent with their remarks) tend to also say things like, "Mommy, what's that on her arms??" :o
I usually will just look at the mother and tell her it's not contagious, tell her about my psoriasis, and tell the kid I have a "boo boo".... ;)
But as Diane first put it, educate yourself more about this so you can quickly answer any questions that people may have for you....after awhile, it doesn't hurt so much....and it helps to just visit here after a long day of working to see how the rest of your "psoriasis family" fared during the day....you are not alone....
:)
aloha,
Abby
Jenna,
Welcome!
I am sorry that some people are real jerks and that you had the misfortune to run into one of them. They are a royal pain!
Even though you are an adult now, being a teenager with psoriasis is hard at times. I am a women that has had it since 8 years old / 4th grade. There are others that have gotten it at very young ages also. I am so happy that there is this board for folks to come to get angry about things like this. There was no such thing when I was a kid. I am 34 now.
I also had worked at restaurants at your age. I got put in the same position all the time as a cashier. Sometimes I felt it was so customers wouldn’t see me handling food and other times I felt it was due to my personality or speed with money. Besides who wants to be in that hot kitchen anyway! Eeeekk.
I am so sorry if that woman made you cry. I believe one of the roughest thing, especially at first, is learning to deal with people. This is how I think of it in my mind.
Most people are ignorance and curious. Giving them a phamplet or a explanation will work most of the time. I start before they can even form an opinion in their head, so it throws them off balance. It’s right when you see “The Look”. I start in with my rehearsed line. “It’s just psoriasis. It’s not contagious, my skin just grows waay faster than yours.” I say it in a tone of “No big deal and you shouldn’t think it is either. There are better things about me….. like my stupid grin” :p
Then there are jerks and the inbetweens. Somethings to remember about them.
You are superior to them on this subject. I don’t care how they act. I don’t care how old they are. I don’t care if they have a MBA. You are the superior one concerning P. They are the ignoramus or they wouldn’t be acting like a jerk. The only ones superior to you is a doctor and sometimes that doesn’t even hold true.
Try not to let people get you down. Hold your head high. It is not your fault you have P. You are the same person that you were before you got P. If one is a jerk and they get P, all they will be is a jerk with P. An intelligent or sweet person, will still be that, but with P. Don’t let the P define you. You are you and P is P. Let there be things about you that people notice more than the P.
You may want to come up with more rehearsed things to say to rude people or to diffuse them before they get that way. I say rehearsed because it gives you a game plan before it happens. That may keep you from getting upset when the rudeness is occurring. Think of things that fit with your personality. I like to use humor and have no problem making fun of myself. I also like polite zinger comebacks. These may not work for you as your personality may be way different.
All that being said, I myself am still learning new things to say. Every once in awhile someone still gets me or I forget my own advice. It doesn’t happen over night. It’s a learning experience. There is one grand thing about P ….. you always can pick out the shallowest of people.
And yes, come here whenever you need to get a rant out! Try not to waste your emotions on people who aren't worth it. I've done it a billion times and probabely do it again, but try, I do. Like I said it takes time.
(Hug)
Holly
First of all I am SOOOOOOOOOO Sorry that you had such a terrible thing happen. It truly can be a gut wrenching experience when people are so insensitive, rude and I hate to say it but ignorant!
I have always tried to keep in mind that ANYONE who reacts in such a manner is NOT WORTH KNOWING. So in a way, I have used my skin as a litmus test. Anyone, who would be a true friend or lover ect Will take the time to understand the issue and it WONT matter to them.
The good news Jenna is that you have found a wonderful place here. You can learn about your disease, decide upon treatments option and VENT all you want! (It is one of our favorite things to do here.) You may even have a laugh or two.
Welcome to the family. Yours in P F.M.
HI Jenna,
Gee I am sorry the "lady" was grossed out. Her ignorance grosses me out. We got P because of our genes. What excuse does she have for her ignorance?
MK
ROFLMAO!! Thanks for the laugh!
Hi Jenna,
I feel your pain, and I hope by now you have found some comfort. You will find lots of information and new friends here on the board. You're not alone in this battle - we may be far and wide but we fortunately have the internet to keep us all connected. Stay strong - we are here for you.
*hugs* :)
Right on Paco! Paco said it Jenna, you are not alone in this battle! I felt so bad that you had to go through that. I also feel good you have the strength to post this thread which I understand well. That bothersome nothing nobody probably doesn't even have a life. It is a gut wrenching experience like FlakeyMatt said. I am sending positive thoughts your way Jenna like a smile.
Jenna
Answers:
Hello Jenna, Some people can't and will never understand what it is like, I'm sorry for what happened. The good news is you have found in this web site people who COMPLETELY know how you feel and understand and know what you are going through. Are you currently under any treatment?
Answers:
Jenna,
Sorry that you had a rude, ignorant customer :mad: the nerve of some people.
What I do is carry some pamphlets around with me just in case someone asks.....that way you can educated them or you can make a paper airplane out of it and hit them on the back of the head when they are leaving....
Karen
Answers:
Hi Jenna,
I'm sorry you had to go through that. There are people who just don't understand. Just try to educate yourself enough to be able to tell them about psoriasis. But each time someone does this to you, it will make you stronger. I have had this this for 43 years. When I'm approach I just tell them it's p, and start talking away. I know I have got on people's nerves about p, but I will keep talking until you get it. Especially if it's a stranger...I have given people my NPF card, and ask them to call me with any more questions. If I feel like they are just being rude, I will ask them do they have some kind of problem with what I have?
You are going to come across people like that. Like Karen said, get pamplets, and just give it to them. Just remember that p does not define who you are.
Take care,
Diane
Answers:
Hi Jenna, welcome. I say what they all said! Educate yourself, carry around pamphlets, talk to people, and remember "pso what?". I know it's hurtful, but surely you'll reach a point where the comments made by ignorent people will just roll off your back. Don't let them get you down!
Answers:
sorry for bad situation, you will have it more i am affraid, thats the way it is with this..you are female so you can slap another women or girl if you feel like.but try ignore them all, go few levels above those sorry mortals...
Answers:
HI Jenna,
Welcome to the boards. We are glad to have you here, and there are a good many people here who have experienced similar experience.
I know Clemson. Many years ago I interviewed there for a teaching job, early in my college teaching career.
I am really sorry what happened. And I think that some important suggestions have been made. This website has a lot of educational information about P and PA and I think carrying a few brochures around with you to give out to people (your friends, relatives, boss) as you need to is a good idea. Most important thing most people need to know right away is they can't catch it (unless you give them your bone marrow).
Gee I am sorry the "lady" was grossed out. Her ignorance grosses me out. We got P because of our genes. What excuse does she have for her ignorance?
YOu take care, and please keep posting. There are some great, smart, compassionate and very knowledgeable people here. You;ll make some friends and you can come here to vent or seek support. We even started a special "bite me" thread in honor of people who demonstrate such a high degree of rudeness and ignorance about P and PA.
MK
Answers:
you've have already received much support here from your story...and I will add mine too... :o
we are all here for you, to vent, ask questions whatever you need...we all totally understand what you are going through. I work in the public as well, and sometimes I find that children (who are totally innocent with their remarks) tend to also say things like, "Mommy, what's that on her arms??" :o
I usually will just look at the mother and tell her it's not contagious, tell her about my psoriasis, and tell the kid I have a "boo boo".... ;)
But as Diane first put it, educate yourself more about this so you can quickly answer any questions that people may have for you....after awhile, it doesn't hurt so much....and it helps to just visit here after a long day of working to see how the rest of your "psoriasis family" fared during the day....you are not alone....
:)
aloha,
Abby
Answers:
Jenna,
Welcome!
I am sorry that some people are real jerks and that you had the misfortune to run into one of them. They are a royal pain!
Even though you are an adult now, being a teenager with psoriasis is hard at times. I am a women that has had it since 8 years old / 4th grade. There are others that have gotten it at very young ages also. I am so happy that there is this board for folks to come to get angry about things like this. There was no such thing when I was a kid. I am 34 now.
I also had worked at restaurants at your age. I got put in the same position all the time as a cashier. Sometimes I felt it was so customers wouldn’t see me handling food and other times I felt it was due to my personality or speed with money. Besides who wants to be in that hot kitchen anyway! Eeeekk.
I am so sorry if that woman made you cry. I believe one of the roughest thing, especially at first, is learning to deal with people. This is how I think of it in my mind.
Most people are ignorance and curious. Giving them a phamplet or a explanation will work most of the time. I start before they can even form an opinion in their head, so it throws them off balance. It’s right when you see “The Look”. I start in with my rehearsed line. “It’s just psoriasis. It’s not contagious, my skin just grows waay faster than yours.” I say it in a tone of “No big deal and you shouldn’t think it is either. There are better things about me….. like my stupid grin” :p
Then there are jerks and the inbetweens. Somethings to remember about them.
You are superior to them on this subject. I don’t care how they act. I don’t care how old they are. I don’t care if they have a MBA. You are the superior one concerning P. They are the ignoramus or they wouldn’t be acting like a jerk. The only ones superior to you is a doctor and sometimes that doesn’t even hold true.
Try not to let people get you down. Hold your head high. It is not your fault you have P. You are the same person that you were before you got P. If one is a jerk and they get P, all they will be is a jerk with P. An intelligent or sweet person, will still be that, but with P. Don’t let the P define you. You are you and P is P. Let there be things about you that people notice more than the P.
You may want to come up with more rehearsed things to say to rude people or to diffuse them before they get that way. I say rehearsed because it gives you a game plan before it happens. That may keep you from getting upset when the rudeness is occurring. Think of things that fit with your personality. I like to use humor and have no problem making fun of myself. I also like polite zinger comebacks. These may not work for you as your personality may be way different.
All that being said, I myself am still learning new things to say. Every once in awhile someone still gets me or I forget my own advice. It doesn’t happen over night. It’s a learning experience. There is one grand thing about P ….. you always can pick out the shallowest of people.
And yes, come here whenever you need to get a rant out! Try not to waste your emotions on people who aren't worth it. I've done it a billion times and probabely do it again, but try, I do. Like I said it takes time.
(Hug)
Holly
Answers:
First of all I am SOOOOOOOOOO Sorry that you had such a terrible thing happen. It truly can be a gut wrenching experience when people are so insensitive, rude and I hate to say it but ignorant!
I have always tried to keep in mind that ANYONE who reacts in such a manner is NOT WORTH KNOWING. So in a way, I have used my skin as a litmus test. Anyone, who would be a true friend or lover ect Will take the time to understand the issue and it WONT matter to them.
The good news Jenna is that you have found a wonderful place here. You can learn about your disease, decide upon treatments option and VENT all you want! (It is one of our favorite things to do here.) You may even have a laugh or two.
Welcome to the family. Yours in P F.M.
Answers:
HI Jenna,
Gee I am sorry the "lady" was grossed out. Her ignorance grosses me out. We got P because of our genes. What excuse does she have for her ignorance?
MK
ROFLMAO!! Thanks for the laugh!
Answers:
Hi Jenna,
I feel your pain, and I hope by now you have found some comfort. You will find lots of information and new friends here on the board. You're not alone in this battle - we may be far and wide but we fortunately have the internet to keep us all connected. Stay strong - we are here for you.
*hugs* :)
Answers:
Right on Paco! Paco said it Jenna, you are not alone in this battle! I felt so bad that you had to go through that. I also feel good you have the strength to post this thread which I understand well. That bothersome nothing nobody probably doesn't even have a life. It is a gut wrenching experience like FlakeyMatt said. I am sending positive thoughts your way Jenna like a smile.
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