That my colleague has upset me

[Eeyore86]

We have a new woman at work, this is her second week, she is currently sharing my office and she does seem very nice.

I have EDS so I am very flexible and my joints do go into positions that people can view as strange, because of the condition I can sit in positions that are comfortable to me without realising that it does look odd.

The new woman hadn't seen this until today when I reached for something in the main open plan office and at the top of her voice said "oh my god that's totally disgusting don't ever do that again"

AIBU to be upset by this? I feel mortified in front of my colleagues, I understand that she's never witnessed it before and might be a bit shocked but surely there are better ways to react?

I don't know whether to broach this with her or just to let it go but it has made me feel awful, with crutches and braces I stand out enough at work and I don't need anyone to draw attention to me

So glad your manager supported you. It makes such a huge difference. I have EDS too and had such mixed working experience when I was able to work. While I was always clear with my managers, I had a lot of issues with other members of staff resenting me for adjustments put in place (a set desk because of all the equipment in a place that normally hot desked)m being able to work from home, things like that. It caused a lot of bullying when I was younger and resentment.

I had some great managers, but the worst jobs were when management were not supportive too, so I'm really glad your manager acted well today.

I do miss work now I'm mostly housebound, but I don't miss the exhaustion of trying to constantly justify myself and get by in the workplace. Hope her comments stop immediately OP.

It's not your responsibility, but for some people I have printed out information highlighting what EDS is really - constant pain, joint damage, organ problems and fatigue so they don't just think it's having "weird joints." It might give her some empathy.

I was born hypermobile too. but developed Arthritis in every joint by the time I was 7. fun.... not.

(((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))) You Eeyore86

Your place of work, staff, colleges sound wonderful :)

Always nice when so called friends join in isn't it? I'm sorry that happened, I do hope you called her out for it.
I have booked an appointment with occy health so I hope to get on top of the thing with management, but as glitter says, it's the resentment and general sense that you're putting it on (as thought it's some sort of bonus to be in pain all the time?) that is really starting to wear me down.
I'm glad your unpleasant colleague has said nothing further.

I'm surprised your manager isn't doing more, to be honest. She is new and she's effectively bullying you due to your disability. Ignorance is no excuse. I'd be going to HR to log this and refusing to work with such a nasty person.

Well done OP. But you, your manager and other colleagues sound fab.