Facial Disfigurement - Beverley Fulker
Beverley Fulker was born with a port wine stain on her face.
The decision as to whether or not to allow the first full facial transplant is imminent. However in light of this, Beverly explains that even though her port wine stain is very noticeable she is a long way from thinking that it has ruined her life.
Beverley has her own website . She's also involved with the and .
A port wine stain is one thing, but major disfigurement is another.
I had facial surgery as a child, by a surgeon who ignored all the literature but wanted to make a name for himself. He succeeded in breaking my jaw amongst other things, and I grew up with a major disfigurement as a result.
Even so, I met and married a lovely woman, and held down a reasonable job, but was always treated as though I was an imbecile by those who didn't know me.
In my twenties I was offered corrective surgery, and this improved both my appearance and my confidence. I would recommend anyone to go for it it they have the chance.
John
Complain about this postAlthough 'make up' did not suit Beverley, for those who don't quite have her positive attitude, skin camouflage can be very helpful. I have worked as a Red Cross skin camouflage practitioner for about 10 years and know many people who have found it useful and even in some cases 'changed their lives'. The creams are virtually impossible to detect - men use them too! I run two clinics at local hospitals. The service is free and patients need to be referred by a medical practitioner. The creams are available on prescription at the doctor's discretion (almost always). If your Dr. hasn't heard of the service, your area Red Cross headquarters will be able to help.
Complain about this postThanks to Beverley for drawing attention to attitudes to 'disfigurement' and for supporting others on her website. I shall certainly be visiting it.
Hi there,
Complain about this postMy name is Claire Hollyhead, im 32 years old now, but for most of my life have suffered with BDD, mine is a long story so i wont bore you with it but needless to say that it was by pure accident that i can to hear about BDD and then begin the steps to overcome it, i still obsess a bit nowadays but not to the degree i used to where i wouldnt go out of the house for whole weekends. My GP had never heard of BDD and offered my depression tablets!
I only caught the back end of your story Beverly but you sound an inspiration to us all and a really smart person, thats the 'funny' thing about your face mark and BDD, whereas you are so brave and just laugh with people about their reactions - a person with BDD would be devastated but there wouldnt be any facial disfigurement there in the first place as it is all imagined, but very very real to the sufferer i can tell you!!!
Anyway, i wont babble on anymore, but just wanted to say that i have positive stories about overcoming my BDD and wondered if there was any way i could help at all with the programme this afternoon at 4?
I will be listening anyway.
Kindest regards
Claire
Great to hear from Corale Reynolds promoting the Red Cross Skin Camouflage Service. I too am a SK Practitioner and want to point out that everyone who comes to see me is amazed at how little "cream" is used. The mis conception of the name "camouflage" paints a picture of "mud" like cream that Beverley spoke of! This is deffinitely not the case as once the "corrrect colour" has been matched to the skin, very little of it is used to provide a natural look.
Sorry couldn't get this to you whilst on air - I am a novice on the web and it look me ages to find you! However now I have then I will visit again!
Complain about this postRegards
Christine
I am 68 years old and have port wine type stain similar to Beverley's in colour but on my left cheek.
Complain about this postI was very fortunate as a young child in that my parents virtually ignored the mark, my school friends likewise.
I was influenced against having any sort of treatment by the experiences of a girl who was a few years older but appeared to have to use a very noticeable amount of cream or ointment.
Later in life when going to job interviews I was once asked why I had not had it removed at which point I excused myself and did not persue the interview any further.
As a general rule adults tend to look once and then try to ignore it. Children however are another matter and will very often ask what it is.