Iontophoresis Woes

Thanks to Caryn, author of the "Just a Little Sweat" blog, for sharing her experiences with iontophoresis. Though she had been using her iontophoresis machine regularly, the palmar and plantar sweating returned. She spoke with the head of the company, R.A. Fischer, that makes her hyperhidrosis machine (and mine too.) He offered some suggestions to help her use the device more effectively. For details, read her blog post: "Iontophoresis Trials." Thanks again, Caryn, for sharing such valuable information.

Love,
Tiara

Medical Journal Articles About Hyperhidrosis & Iontophoresis

Hi everyone, It has been a very long time since have blogged. It was wonderful to come back and see all the comments. A few of you mentioned that you are in medical school, so I wanted to point out a resource of special interest: PubMed. You can search for recent journal articles about hyperhidrosis. It's a great website, though unfortunately, I don't have access to many of the journal articles.

Still, it helps to scan the titles and summaries. I found a few about iontophoresis, my treatment of choice.

Here's one for young people with hyperhidrosis:

• Treatment of primary hyperhidrosis with tap water iontophoresis in paediatric patients: a retrospective analysis.

"Tap water iontophoresis is an effective method of treatment for primary palmoplantar and axillary hyperhidrosis in paediatric patients. But there are still unanswered questions about the mechanism of action, ideal session intervals and protocols for maximum efficacy."

Here is one for me -- a not-so-compliant iontophoresis patient (-:

• Compliance with tap water iontophoresis in patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.

"Patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis are noncompliant with TWI, mainly due to a lack of time. They should be well informed before therapy and be encouraged to have a home device for maintenance."

And finally...a discouraging study about the use of hyperhidrosis for underarm sweat.

• Tap water iontophoresis may be ineffective for axillary hyperhidrosis.

   

Hope that helped!

Love,
Tiara

Dripping and dancing

I took a break from the iontophoresis, and my hands have been sweating a lot. In fact, during a meeting for work last week, I noticed wet spots on my pants and the carpet. My hands were actually dripping so much that it caused these wet spots.

I need to get back to the iontophoresis.

I am thinking of taking a swing dancing class, but I don't know if I (or my partners) would enjoy it with my dripping wet palms. Hopefully I can get the iontophoresis going quickly. In the meantime, is it acceptable to wear gloves while dancing? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Love,
Tiara

Iontophoresis fatigue

Trees are rooted in the ground while reaching for the sky. 

Some rights reserved by @Doug88888

I have not been doing iontophoresis as often as before, and my hands are sweaty once again. Tomorrow, I am giving a speech and will need to shake hands. I wish that I had kept up my iontophoresis regimen. One reason I had stopped was that I had small cracks on my hands from winter dryness. I finally found something that helped: Eucerin's Aquaphor cream in a little tub. Now that the dry skin is healed, I need to begin the treatments again.

I went to a memorial service for a friend who died in her early 50s of breast cancer. The service was beautiful and meaningful. Attending the service made me think about what would happen if I died today? Have I lived the life I want to lead? Have I spent enough time with the people I love? Have I worked hard and enjoyed myself?

While I am sad about my friend's passing, I am glad I had the chance to be inspired by a well-lived life. And I am glad that I had a chance to reflect on the bigger picture, for I am much more than sweaty palms and feet, though they are part of who I am.

Love,
Tiara

Iontophoresis update

Hi everyone, I've had a few requests for updates on how my iontophoresis treatment is working. I have not done a treatment for the past month and a half. The regimen takes time and dedication, and I let more and more time slip by. Also, I was curious to see what would happen.

Can cats have hyperhidrosis? (-;

I'm VERY happy. My hands are still a little sweaty but not as bad as before. And my feet are a little sweaty in my socks, even if my feet are cold. But it is much better than before. The worst is in yoga class, where I need to lay towels down on the mat so I don't slip. There's nothing worse than a downward dog where my hands are slowly inching forward on the mat...maybe I should just let the slippage continue until I slip into a plank position. I guess I just look ultra-tough to the other students.

Nevertheless, I'm going to start up a new round of iontophoresis about once a week or two because I don't like having damp socks.

My main focus these days is on my work, my family, and a small personal improvement project--I'm trying to become better at listening to others and tuning in to their facial expressions. I think people with social anxiety are not able to do this so well because they are so focused on their own anxiety and wondering what everyone thinks of them. So I'm dedicating the next few months to tuning into other people. It's not as easy as it sounds...

How is everyone else doing? Thanks for your continued comments and support...I'm so grateful that my words are being read!

Love,
Tiara

The iontophoresis is working!

Iontophoresis treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis.
Image courtesy of SpareTomato,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparetomato/

The iontophoresis is working!

I've been blogging about hyperhidrosis since 2006. This summer I had a realization: I spend more time trying to help others with hyperhidrosis than myself. So I finally went and filled that iontophoresis prescription. And it is working! I have been able to wear sandals and comfortably shake hands. I feel like a new person. It really does make a difference. Keeping up with the treatments is difficult, but even when I skip a week or two, the sweating is not too bad. My goal is not to eliminate all sweat, just to eliminate the excessive hand and foot sweat. A little sweat does not bother me at all.

Thanks to all of you for reading my blog and for all of your support and comments through these years.

Love,
Tiara

A free and amazingly gratifying way to feel better about yourself (and maybe even your sweaty hands, too!)

Source: http://joettles.com/the-power-of-gratitude/

I just received a kind and inspiring letter from a young woman in Canada. She found my blog when she was 12. She is now 16. Her letter came at a time when I was feeling frustrated at work, wondering if I am living a life with meaning and purpose. I am so grateful to her for sharing with me how my work on the blog has helped her. In turn, she has given me a gift.

Today's challenge: Tell someone today that you appreciate them -- and give a specific example of why. It will give the other person a big boost...perhaps help them know they are appreciated and what it is that they can give to others that is needed more in this world. In turn, you are treating your hyperhidrosis. One of the best ways to overcome the negative emotions that come with hyperhidrosis is to give to others. It's so easy to fall into self-obession and self-doubt. Focusing on others and appreciating them does everyone good.

Love,
Tiara

P.S.: For all you overachievers, check out this article: Why Living a Life of Gratitude Can Make You Happier.

P.P.S.: Here the note sent by the 16-year-old Canadian that inspired me so:

Hi Tiara

I came across your "Sweaty Palm Diaries" when I was just 12 years old. I am now 16. Looking back..my life has completely changed. I know we haven't met and probably live miles apart (I live in Canada) but I just wanted to let you know that you are such an inspiration that I hope to be one day. 4 years ago I was a sweaty 12 year old that was completely lost. I was confused and upset and worse of it all: I was upset with God. "Why me, God?" I would plead but not get an answer. Then I came across your forum and wow..the positivity you put into your life..keep goin' because wow it does help others like myself ;) One of your best posts was a sweaty hands poem and I cried so hard. I cried because at least so many good things can come from sweaty hands. But one of the most treasurable gifts you have passed onto me was Matthew 5:14 and to this day I try to live by it day by day. I know God gave me sweaty hands for a reason: he knew I could handle it. Also I just finished a presentation yesterday and like you I want to improve on my public speaking (I'm a very talkative person and it's a shame HH has takien a tole on me but I fight it with courage and taking on more challenges day by day! :)) We only live once and I know the most important is living freely and honouring God. Thank you so much Tiara, from a sweaty comrade. Keep inspiring millions of people because we need more people like you. I hope to carry your positivity with me throughout my whole life. I really hope to meet you one day. God Bless.

Iontophoresis Treatment for Hyperhidrosis, Week 2

Fischer Galvanic Unit

I've been using a Fischer Galvanic Iontophoresis unit for about two weeks. (For more information about the treatment, visit sweathelp.org's coverage of iontophoresis.)

You are supposed to do the treatments every other day, 10 times. Then the frequency of treatments can be decreased. I've missed a few days, but now I'm getting better at including the treatment as part of my routine. The treatments are slightly uncomfortable, but they are not supposed to be painful. My hands are slightly less sweaty than before, but I still have a ways to go after treatment #5. I am not dialing up the intensity as much as is recommended because I find any higher to be uncomfortable, though each time I can go a little higher. My husband has been a great help. He will sit with me during the treatments, and we watch Friday Night Lights through Netflix streaming together. The treatments themselves are not fun, but it helps if you can reward yourself with something fun to watch during the 40 minutes they take.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to imagine my life "lived out loud" -- i.e., comfortable in social situations and open to adventure. I'm much better off than I was when I started this blog in 2006, but I have a ways to go.

Love,
Tiara

Note to readers: I am not affiliated with sweathelp.org and the R.A. Fischer company. I do not personally benefit when I mention them on my website.)

Iontophoresis: Delayed Treatment

As I posted two months ago, I now have a prescription for iontophoresis. Out of pocket, this unit will cost about $600-800 USD, and given all we pay for health insurance, I of course am trying to get my health insurance company to pay for it. The details are too boring and repetitive to share, but in short, I'm getting bounced between the insurance company (who tells me I have the wrong code for the device), the device manufacturer (who says I have the right code), my doctor (who says I should go through a medical device company in order to get covered), and medical device companies, whose representatives claim they have not heard of the iontophoresis unit and won't call me back as promised. Life is so hectic right now and I simply don't have the time during business hours to spend hours on the phone with all of these entities. I am going to take a vacation day just to get around to it. Or show up in person at the medical device supplier myself.

I hope I can work this out soon as I would really like to wear sandals this summer!

Sigh...

Love,
Tiara

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!

Medical industry pushes most profitable hyperhidrosis treatments

If deodarant doesn't stop the excess sweat on your hands, feet, or under your arms, then your next best option is iontophoresis. It's a non-invasive, highly effective treatment with an initial investment of approximately $500 and a few doctors office visits to learn how to give yourself treatments with the Fischer Galvanic unit.

Yet, has anyone had any luck finding a dermatologist who will give you iontophoresis treatment and training? You can find dozens of doctors who will inject expensive Botox into your hands and feet, and welcome you back every few months for follow-up injections. This could cost you a few thousand every year. If you were a doctor looking to make money, it's a no-brainer to offer Botox rather than iontophoresis. Huge profit margin and guaranteed repeat business.

I think the International Hyperhidrosis Society is doing great work, but I wish they would encourage more doctors to offer iontophoresis treatment, or publish a directory of doctors who do. Because I have yet to find one in my large city.

Calling all iontophoresis practitioners!

I called four doctors who were listed on the International Hyperhidrosis Society's physician finder to see if any offered iontophoresis treatment. After all the research I've done, I am beginning to think that this is the most promising treatment for me. Each of the doctors I called had attended an educational event offered by the IHS, so I figured that they'd be able to help me.

Here's how the typical call went:
"Hello. I'm calling to see if Dr. X offers iontophoresis treatments for hyperhidrosis."
"Are you a patient?"
"I might be if s/he offers iontophoresis. Would you tell me if it is available?"

~Pause~

Doctor's office: "Uhh...what are you calling about? Do you want Botox shots?" In other words, the doctor would prefer to perform the more profitable procedure. To prevent the recurrance of sweat, Botox requires new injections every few months. Cha-ching!

On the other hand, iontophoresis requires a $600 investment in a unit and some initial training at the doctor's office. Once you are trained, you can continue treatments at home.

Does anyone know of doctors who perform iontophoresis treatments? If so, share their names with me and I'll compile a list for this blog.

One more thought: Why does it have to be so hard to find a decent treatment option?

Calling for iontophoresis experiences!

I'm thinking about getting set up for iontophoresis, and would love to hear from others who have used that treatment. Does your skin get dry and prickly? Does it work well? I got to try it once at a medical conference and it seems very doable and effective. Please share your experiences so we can learn more about this highly-recommended treatment option. In the long-term, it's much more affordable than Botox.

My goal: Wear sandals comfortably this summer!