Hyperhidrosis Support Group
Primary hyperhidrosis is the condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration, in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature. Some patients afflicted with the condition experience a distinct reduction in the quality of life. Sufferers feel at a loss of control because perspiration takes place independent of temperature and emotional state.
Hello to everyone in the group,
I am new to this group, searching for any help with this horrendous profuse sweating problem. I have hyperhidrosis, which I suspect is a secondary problem, likely related to some auto immune disease I have that has destroyed multiple joints, thyroid and adrenal function. My brother has same thing and neither of us have been able to determine a diagnosis despite massive medical testing. My brother does not have the sweating however. Anyway, my doctor's theory is that my total lack of adrenal function causes my body to try to compensate by pouring out adrenalin inappropriately which then causes my heart rate to go up, and sweating, among other things. But, this sweating is so persistent, profuse, and daily, I just can't quite buy his theory. i sweat from everywhere, scalp down to toes, though I do not seem to sweat a lot from palms or soles. It comes on in episodes that start with a strange feeling, almost like I am going to become faint, then feeling hot, then sweating. It quickly progresses to droplets that then run off my arms, chest, back, legs, everywhere, face, scalp, and continues for up to hours. It will rapidly soak any clothing I am wearing, soak any paper I am trying to write on, drip on people I am trying to examine ( I am a nurse practitioner). People obviously see this going on and become concerned that something is wrong with me. It is quite embarrassing, and makes my life a living hell. It will start with the slightest exertion, the slightest heat, anxiety, pain, and frequently will start if I eat.
I am about at the end of my rope trying to deal with this. I have sent out a Mayday to my doctor. I can't keep trying to function day to day, dripping all over people, trying to pretend everything is fine, I'm ok, its nothing, don't worry about it. I have to take several shirts to work every day. I carry fans around with me everywhere. I can't wear a coat (I live in Alaska for Christs sake). I have researched and researched. I have tried relating it to foods, medicines, allergies, anything without success. I can't do it anymore!!!!!! I can't! So, I found this group and came to vent... and hope that maybe someone out there, somewhere, will have a clue, or give me a lead in a direction that will help.
Thanks for reading my rant. Its a horrible problem. Our bodies are truly amazing things, but these malfunctions that can't be figured out make me crazy!
Vanyel
I am new to this group, searching for any help with this horrendous profuse sweating problem. I have hyperhidrosis, which I suspect is a secondary problem, likely related to some auto immune disease I have that has destroyed multiple joints, thyroid and adrenal function. My brother has same thing and neither of us have been able to determine a diagnosis despite massive medical testing. My brother does not have the sweating however. Anyway, my doctor's theory is that my total lack of adrenal function causes my body to try to compensate by pouring out adrenalin inappropriately which then causes my heart rate to go up, and sweating, among other things. But, this sweating is so persistent, profuse, and daily, I just can't quite buy his theory. i sweat from everywhere, scalp down to toes, though I do not seem to sweat a lot from palms or soles. It comes on in episodes that start with a strange feeling, almost like I am going to become faint, then feeling hot, then sweating. It quickly progresses to droplets that then run off my arms, chest, back, legs, everywhere, face, scalp, and continues for up to hours. It will rapidly soak any clothing I am wearing, soak any paper I am trying to write on, drip on people I am trying to examine ( I am a nurse practitioner). People obviously see this going on and become concerned that something is wrong with me. It is quite embarrassing, and makes my life a living hell. It will start with the slightest exertion, the slightest heat, anxiety, pain, and frequently will start if I eat.
I am about at the end of my rope trying to deal with this. I have sent out a Mayday to my doctor. I can't keep trying to function day to day, dripping all over people, trying to pretend everything is fine, I'm ok, its nothing, don't worry about it. I have to take several shirts to work every day. I carry fans around with me everywhere. I can't wear a coat (I live in Alaska for Christs sake). I have researched and researched. I have tried relating it to foods, medicines, allergies, anything without success. I can't do it anymore!!!!!! I can't! So, I found this group and came to vent... and hope that maybe someone out there, somewhere, will have a clue, or give me a lead in a direction that will help.
Thanks for reading my rant. Its a horrible problem. Our bodies are truly amazing things, but these malfunctions that can't be figured out make me crazy!
Vanyel
I am sorry for your suffering and pain and I can certainly relate.
What helps me is Anticholinergic called Methantheliniumbromid. I get mine from Germany (where I'm from originally) and it works really well for me. For a few hours after ingesting I am most often dry, but I tend to also then feel warm and I have to be careful with in the Summer. If you haven't tried it, ask you doctor. I know there is something similar available in the US.
I do go to therapy to deal with the anxiety and helplessness and anger and all of that - and mostly trying to befriend the fact that I will be sweating my entire life and how I can deal with it. You sound like me 1.5 years ago - I had the same rant and a breakdown (especially concerning the "malfunctions that can't be figured out" ;-)) Seeing therapy and a stress reduction program has helped a lot to deal with it. I think you did the right thing to come to the support group as the isolation that we might feel a lot of times is really terrible.
I hope you find something that at least helps a bit, please don't give up and please continue to reach out to people. You are not alone.
Take care
Anne