I had Hyperhydrosis of the hands and feet since about the age of 12. I decided in my late 30's to have my hands done. What a mistake! Right hand done which I have to say is still ok today, but that is the only bit of me that is. My left hand was done the following year, collapsed lung during surgery (Surgeon used the old method not key hole surgery that is done today) left with Horners syndrome of the left eye and compensatory sweating like you have never seen. This did not manifest itself until a year or so after the surgery. I am now a 54 year old woman who life is so miserable in the summer I can't wait for the winter to arrive (live in England)! Anyone and I mean anyone who is thinking of having surgery please please think again. I was not told of the consequences because 20 odd years ago they weren't aware of the risk of compensatory sweating. They know about it now so please find out as much as possible before taking the decision to have surgery.
Hi. Really sorry to hear what you have been through. Can relate so much to your post though, made the same terrible mistake (in addition to a re-do and a lumbar sympathectomy), very similar situation in some ways e.g. had it done many years ago, + was never told about how bad the side-effects would be, and was just generally treated badly in my opinion.
Find the summer an absolute nightmare too, often end up avoiding things (e.g. summer activities, days out etc) because it's just so damn horrible and emotionally-draining. :-(
Glad you've decided to post on here anyway, the more people contribute the better in my opinion because the more awareness can only help HH and post-surgery sufferers.
As a fellow sufferer I've not really got any advice unfortunately, apart from the under-top habit which I'm sure you prob already do. In terms of treatment, have you visited your GP regarding medications such as robinul? From my experience these can be helpful for compensatory sweating (e.g. the back) but do (like most medications) carry side-effects e.g. dry mouth. Also there's Odaban, which is as good as any prescription-strength anti-perspirant I've found, the beauty been that you don't have to go through the hassle of getting a prescription for it.
I also use sage tincture everyday. This is a herb with a long-standing reputation as a traditional remedy for excessive sweating. Not noticed any great difference yet, but as far as I know it's harmless, and is also believed to be good for a 'generally debilitated nervous system' (according to the net), so with our nervous systems been damaged I guess that can only be a good thing!
At the moment I'm also really into nutrition with the hope of rebuilding the damage thats been done. Yes it's a million-to-one chance that this is possible, but at this stage it seems like it has to be worth a try eh.
Anyway, just try to stay strong and adapt to the weather in the summer as best as is possible, and remember that there's people on here like myself who know exactly what you're going through every day.
JR25
