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.

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Rachie25 08/05/2013

I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice about the choice of having kids or not when I have so many issues with hyperhidrosis. I am 26 and married, and terrified to have children because of my HH. I love kids and I have always wanted them, and my husband wants a family some day soon too. However, I am afraid that my HH is going to interfere with my ability to be a good mother. I am afraid that I won't be as "loving" towards them as I should because I am always catering to my HH. I baby my feet and my body so much that I need a lot of alone time to get comfortable. I am afraid of taking kids to the park because I sweat so bad, and I am afraid I won't enjoy them like I should because I am going to be constantly uncomfortable. I am terrified of being pregnant because I am continuously hot the way it is, and my feet already swell due to my HH...and I know that can become worse when pregnant. I am afraid of a big belly and being unable to handle my HH. I take Robinul to decrease my sweating and it helps but obviously I can't be on a bunch of medication while pregnant. I don't want this disease to take over my life and make me regret never having kids and resenting my illness forever. I don't want my HH to make this decision for me, and I don't want my husband to worry about my abilities as a mother, and make him wonder if I can handle it or not. It makes me feel so weak, like I can't control my own body. Any advice please?!?!

Sprawling 08/06/2013

This is a very personal decision. From a male perspective I can tell you what I've lived through. I have Palmer/planter HH and full body during the warm months. I was concerned about passing HH and Fibromyalgia to my child to be. Fast forward a bunch of years and I can tell you that my fears became realized. My daughter has inherited the worst of the worst genes. At 13 she had surgery for scoliosis, been in chronic pain since then, developed fibromyalgia and full body sweating. she suffers horribly at age 23.

I know you are concerned how you will be... it's about the child. Just spin the roulette wheel. I survived being a hands on dad. I must say it was torture at times with my dripping hands, but somehow I made it through all the activities and hands on stuff through out her life.

As for your mental abilities/fears. Probably best you talk with a counselor about what you are feeling. Best of luck!

NewBegin2012 08/31/2013

Hi. I have a mild form of head and body sweating (Mild case of HH). My guess is that your HH is more severe than mine so I won't pretend that I know your exact situation.

However, here is a thought and it might be crazy. So if it is out of the question, please disregard and realize that I am just trying to find a solution for you.

Is your HH less severe in colder/less humid climates? If so, you may want to seriously think about moving to a location in the world (Canada for example) where the climate is milder and you can function better. I realize this could very well be a crazy suggestion, but life is short and this may be the answer to your problem. It could be the best decision of your life. I'm not sure. Correct me if I am wrong in thinking this could help.

deleted_user 09/10/2013

I know that if I lived somewhere cooler I wouldn't be as bad so that is some solid advice for some NewBegin2012. Sprawling is correct on chances of passing it on. I have 2 sons and they only seem to have mild HH but my oldest is just turning teen so maybe after puberty it may get worse for him, but I just use my knowledge to help him with what I can the best I can. As far as being a mother. HH is nothing in the big picture. You can do it and will be fine. Saying this understand I have full body severe HH. The only thing I ran into that made me feel bad for a moment was when my first baby was born the doctor said I was making him cold. Chilling him by getting his cloths wet when I held him. Simple solution......I always held my babies in a folded receiving blankets and would change them out when they got too wet before the babies got damp from me. Fixed.
I wouldn't have missed the chance to have my boys for any of the problems with HH or anything else. Don't let it detour you. As for the HH now and what the kids think, its who mommy is and they have never known me different so its not even a thing. So whatever you need to do for yourself is part of your routine and thats just what mommy does. As for meds and pregnancy and breast feeding, just be with out and deal with the sweatiness for a while its worth the sacrifice. Don't let HH make you miss out on life. Good luck

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