Saturday, February 26, 2011
Hyperhidrosis treatment hope?
Yesterday I went to the dermatologist for a general checkup for skin cancer prevention. It was a new dermatologist, fresh from medical school. I had previously given up on getting treatment for my hyperhidrosis. More than 10 dermatologists had informed me that they would not work with me to get an iontophoresis machine and show me how to use it. However, they would be happy to give me expensive and painful Botox injections in my hands and feet. Truthfully, I had given up on getting treatment and had resigned myself to life with sweaty palms and feet.
But the doctor yesterday agreed to try to help me get an iontophoresis unit through my health insurance provider. She said she would draft a letter of medical necessity on my behalf.
I began to cry as I sat there on the exam table.
She said she'll get back to me in a week or two with next steps.
If you've read my previous blog posts, you'll recall that I believe iontophoresis is my best treatment option for my primary focal hyperhidrosis. Surgery is too risky. Botox is too painful and expensive -- and short-lasting.
Wish me luck!
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12 comments:
glad to know there are still good medical officers in the world... if i ever come across such a nice doctor, i probably would not have give up on my hyperhydrosis treatment
Good luck! I have found that iontophoresis, done regularly, has been a great way to treat my plantar and palmar HH... It's pretty amazing.
You can always try making your own. No kidding. There are you-tube videos and info. showing you how. Google it
Hey, i definitely agree with you on botox and surgery being way too painful and not worth the risk and it's good that you're putting it out there so other people can know. Hope everything works out for you!
Good luck to you! I was born with severe primary palmar, plantar, and auxilary hyperhidrosis. I had an endoscopic sympathectomy at the Mayo Clinic three years ago and it was the best thing that could have happened to me. My hands have not sweat a drop since my surgery. I treat my auxilary hyperhidrosis with Drysol, a prescription anti antiperspirant which takes your skin some time to adjust to, but is completely worth it. There's nothing I can do for my feet until I can afford to try botox. I do experience some compensatory sweating as a result of the surgery, but it's a minor annoyance compared to the puddles I used to leave everywhere because of my hands. The worst part is trying to explain this condition to people. There's no way anyone could understand how truly awful it is unless they have it. Unfortunately, many people "think" they have it because they're heavy sweaters. Believe me, if you have it you know it - there's no question. I wish you the best of luck and urge you to consider surgery. I took the plunge and will never look back.
Hi, and thanks for those informations. It's good that there are some good doctors, who knew what their patient needs to have a good life.
Thanks everyone for your warm wishes and for sharing your own experiences.
Regarding the surgery at Mayo Clinic, I am glad that it worked out for you, Anonymous. It sounds like it helped with palmar but not plantar hyperhidrosis? I would love to hear more about your post-surgery life. Did you have social anxiety before? If so, is that all better?
Sympathectomy is NOT the surgery it is made out to be. It is not safe, and it is not a permanent 'cure'. The 'nerves' that the surgeon cuts are not just the 'nerves that control sweating'. The surgeons cut/burn/clamp the main sympathetic chain and disable the main information 'highway' between he body and the brain - just google any one of the illustrations and you will see. The SNS controls more than sweating, and once part of the SNS is disabled, all the function regulated by the SNS will be affected.
a significant impairment of the heart rate to workload relationship was consistently observed following sympathectomy
The HRV analysis showed a significant change of indices reflecting sympatho-vagal balance indicating significantly reduced sympathetic (LF) and increased vagal (HF, rMSSD) tone. These changes still persisted after 2 years. Global HRV increased over time with significant elevation of SDANN after 2 years. QT dispersion was significantly reduced 1 month after surgery and the dispersion was further diminished 2 years later.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167527399001011
http://sympathectomy-controversy.blogspot.com/
What are the results ?
Wow thanks for the comments guys. I really enjoyed reading them all since I can relate to this issues. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
This is the very good information for everyone and now time many treatment are available for sweating problem.
In 1998 I had the surgery,I went to riverside hospital,the surgeon went in between my shoulder blade,it has cost me nothing more than spine problems,deteriated disc,loss muscle tissue and more to list.I also deal with secondary hyperhydrosis.I woke up from that surgery unable to move,I thought I awoke in terrible car wreck.I could barely breath,it was so painfull.This being before the beginning of internet,I found out later about going threw undrearm.
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