Hyperhidrosis

I couldn’t think of a lie, so I told the truth

/ carynjoan / 5 Comments

Yesterday I had a late night with my quintet. We were listening to our recording takes and choosing the best ones for our upcoming CD release. I knew that no matter how late we stayed out together, my night was going to be much longer because I had to get home and use my Iontophoresis machine.

While taking the crosstown bus home through Central Park from the East to the West side, I mentioned to my quintet-mates traveling with me that I had stuff to do when I got home and that I was going to be up late. One member asked what I was up to and I immediately regretted saying anything in the first place.

I couldn’t think of a white lie quick enough- It was late, and I was tired! So…I told the truth.

Me: “Well, this is going to sound weird- really weird. But I have a medical condition that needs treatment sometimes and I have this machine that is kinda like a form of electrotherapy.”

Him: “Oh, man. What does that look like?”

So I told him about the set up, etc. I did all of this without going into what condition I actually have that requires this treatment. It was cool that he was interested and didn’t react negatively, but I know that I have to explain HH. I can’t leave that part out!

Prior to October 2013, all of my quintet-mates knew about my HH. It was such a relief to tell them and have their support. I didn’t have to hide using my towel when I played and we were all more sensitive to trying to avoid hot temperatures in our rehearsal and performance spaces. Since October though, my quintet has accepted new members. These members don’t know about my HH. I’ve been meaning to tell them soon though because it was so beneficial for me when everyone knew before. The situation that happened last night seems like a good segue into that.

I kind of regret saying anything at all, but know that this discussion will push me to open up to them. My quintet is like my family and I know they will be supportive and understanding.

I’ll let you know how it goes!

A Safe, New Treatment for Excessive Sweating

/ carynjoan / 4 Comments

Hyperhidrosis isn’t easy, but let’s face it, neither are the common treatments. If you decide to use a heavy duty antiperspirant you have to apply it often. If you choose Botox®, you need to pay for a new treatment every 3 to 6 months. Then, if you decide to go a more permanent route like thermal liposuction, you run the risk of burning and damaging your skin, glands, or deeper tissues. There has to be another way doesn’t there? There is.

A pioneering new liposuction technique has been growing in popularity, and one of its uses is not for liposuction, but rather for hyperhidrosis. The procedure known as SAFELipo® has been recognized for exactly what its name implies: a safer alternative. When it comes to treating excessive sweating, it is also a safer method than some of the alternative permanent treatments, like thermal liposuction. This is because it doesn’t run the risk of burning your body.

So, how exactly does SAFELipo work? Basically, it treats hyperhidrosis by disrupting the apocrine glands in the armpits. The apocrine glands are the sweat and odor producing glands in the body.

Who is a candidate for SAFELipo? The procedure focuses on the patient’s armpit and breast areas, making it ideal for people with underarm (axillary) hyperhidrosis.

What sets SAFELipo apart from other treatments? The SAFELipo website explains that, “Thermal liposuction and Botox injections, two of the most commonly employed hyperhidrosis treatments, both have their drawbacks. Lipo can be effective, but thermal methods such as laser and smart liposuction can destroy vital tissues. Botox, while safer, only deactivates the sweat glands temporarily. SAFELipo offers the best of both worlds: permanent disruption and deactivation of the sweat glands without the risk of thermal injury.”

If you suffer from hyperhidrosis and want to learn more about whether SAFELipo can work for you, you’ll need to find a doctor that is qualified to perform the procedure. The easiest way is to utilize the “Find a Doctor” feature on the SAFELipo website. From here, you can easily select your location and browse providers in your state.

Hyperhidrosis is tough to live with, but luckily there are treatments such as SAFELipo that offer permanent solutions so we can live without it.

–guest post written by Mike Davis

My Experience on Dating Someone with Hyperhidrosis

/ carynjoan / 15 Comments

Happy New Year!

My boyfriend had been talking about writing a guest blog post for Just A Little Sweat for a while, and on Christmas day, he surprised me with his beautiful and inspiring take on his experience dating someone with Hyperhidrosis. His words mean a lot to me and show me how supportive he is of me and my blog. He also shows support for you, my readers, and that is just as important to me.

——————

It’s probably not Hyperhidrosis. Caryn says it might be food induced HH but I’m not entirely convinced. Sweat pours down my forehead when I eat spicy food. I don’t eat it very often but when I do, I constantly have to wipe my face from becoming such a mess. It’s not really a hindrance though. I can easily stop eating spicy food (not that easy to give up chicken wings). I could just eat it in the privacy of my own home so people don’t see the sweat on my head. If only it was that easy for Caryn.

I don’t claim to understand Hyperhidrosis. But as silly as it sounds, it’s my small attempt in putting myself inside her shoes. (Which is a lot to ask for since she has a lot of shoes.)

I never heard of Hyperhidrosis until I started dating Caryn. And as hard as it must have been for her to tell me, I feel awful that I don’t remember the first time she told me about her condition. I probably didn’t even ‘get’  how big of a deal it was when she told me. But what know now is how much it affects her in everyday life and how she’s managed to overcome those struggles. Yes, there are some days that are easier than others. Her hands get more wet when she’s anxious and since she’s even more anxious when her hands are wet, the situation practically snowballs from there. But despite all of those things, she reels in those feelings, adapts and keeps moving forward.

It wasn’t always easy for her though. Well, I can’t say it was ever easy for her at all. There were times where I simply didn’t “get it” to completely help her in some situations. But what really helps her is having solace to all those who read this blog. Sharing her experiences with all of you has such a positive impact in her life and outlook on HH. Before this blog, she was afraid of letting anybody know about her condition. But after writing a couple of entries, she became braver and more inspired. While she didn’t tell every stranger out in the street (it doesn’t stop her from talking about it out in the subway though), she managed to muster up the courage to tell her closest friends. They’ve all been supportive and I feel like it gave Caryn the relief she always wanted.

Coming from someone who doesn’t have it, I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it must be to tell someone about HH. Caryn once gave me hand lotion that stayed wet for about 5 minutes. It was definitely uncomfortable and it’s probably the closest experience I could equate it to. But what I can say if you’re someone who hasn’t told your closest friends and family, mustering up the courage to tell them offers more support than what you thought you had. In Caryn’s case, she was so worried telling some of her friends that when she finally told them recently, she forgot that some of them already knew. She didn’t realize she had the support all along and she just needed to open up to people.

My friend once told me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard: “People aren’t judging you as much as you think they are.” It’s slightly different than ‘stop worrying about what others think’ because this outlook shows that people aren’t as negative as you think. If shaking someone’s hand makes you embarrassed with what they think, chances are they probably didn’t think much of it. If you think people can tell your hand is getting sweaty, chances are most people aren’t even paying attention to it.

If HH is preventing you from getting close with anyone, remember that HH doesn’t define you. Just like how I said people aren’t judging you as much as you think they are, that special someone will get past it, accept it and love you for who you are.

In the beginning of our relationship, Caryn kept asking me if her hands grossed me out. All I would have to do is hold her hand tighter to show that spending time with her was more important than her hands. Besides, who else could laugh with me when I sweat profusely while eating chicken wings?

It’s hot in here!

/ carynjoan / 2 Comments

Hi All,

My office at work is extremely hot. Something is broken with the heating and cooling system here and so now we have 3 fans on full blast in the middle of winter!!

What I find interesting is that my coworkers and employees are complaining every day about the heat, whereas, I don’t find it that bad. It almost feels normal to me. I think it’s because I’ve learned so many coping mechanisms with the heat from having HH. I breathe through it, drink a little more water, and try not to think about it. Sure, I still sweat, but I’m not letting the heat bother me.

Do you think you cope with extreme heat a little better because of HH?

Best,

Caryn

 

It’s not all blue skies

/ carynjoan / 7 Comments

Hi All,

I sincerely apologize for not posting for over 2 months. Life quickly got very hectic as the semester started- both in work and in my personal life.

If I didn’t have time to post, you can only imagine the trouble I had finding time to keep up with Iontophoresis. I missed way more treatments than I am happy to admit, and so of course, my sweating has returned.

The sweating is not as bad as what it was before Iontophoresis, but it is still present. No matter what, HH is in my genes. It’s in my DNA. Without treatment, I will always sweat.

I feel so angry with myself. I finally found a tool that helps my HH, and I am not taking advantage of it. Yes, I’ve been really busy, but I know I could have found more time than I felt I had.  I’m blaming only myself.

When I think about my situation, my mood starts spiraling downwards. Mostly I am just angry with myself.

Holidays are coming up, and I will be able to take more time off from work. I’m definitely bringing the Iontophoresis device home and will be using it every other day. I’m going to start the initial treatments again.

Hope all is well with you and Happy Holidays!

Caryn

Life with Semi-Dry Hands

/ carynjoan / 2 Comments

Hi All,

So the knitting project went pretty well. I wasn’t able to actually successfully knit, but the string didn’t come apart and get tangled like it normally would have if my hands were sweaty. My mom is visiting me next weekend and will hopefully help with the knitting part, but overall, I have to say that it was a success for me! I am also interested in learning how to crochet. Back in college, my best friend tried to teach me, but it was so difficult for me to hold the string in my hands. I know that my hands today will be much better for these types of hobbies.

The Iontophoresis is still holding up pretty well. Like I’ve said, the tops and sides of my hands and feet still sweat. I was doing yoga and stretching last weekend with my boyfriend in preparation for a Labor Day Half Marathon, and my boyfriend was really surprised to see the top of my feet glistening with sweat. He was concerned the Iontophoresis wasn’t working, but I told him I’ve been noticing sweating in this area. At least, it’s almost completely dry on my soles and palms. I have to say that in extreme cases of heat and stress, my palms and soles will get clammy. I noticed this while running the half marathon. It’s definitely not as bad as it was before, but it’s there.

Other successes this week: writing out a ton of envelopes- BY HAND! When’s the last time I’ve been able to do that without a towel or other piece of paper gliding under my hand as a smear guard? Also, I’ve been shaking a lot more hands lately- and I appreciate every one 🙂

Keep trying the different solutions out there- I hear that Iontophoresis may not have the same results for everyone. Good luck to everyone, and please stay positive.

All best,

Caryn

Irish Dancing Update

/ carynjoan / 2 Comments

Hi All,

Sorry I’ve been quiet lately! I was on a family vacation on a cruise to the Western Caribbean! It was a fantastic trip and I was sad that it had to end.

Now that I’m back, I’ve been catching up with emails and work. Slowly but surely, I’ll get back in the swing of things.

I wanted to write a quick update about the team Irish step dancing class I took.

It was really fun, but I won’t be continuing. I was so anxious during class because my fingers were sweating like crazy and I had to hold hands with the other girls. We were all sweating a ton, (and it didn’t help that we were in a classroom with no air conditioning or windows!!) but I was still too self-conscious about my hands. I couldn’t relax and have fun. I was checking the clock every 5 minutes to see when class would end. It’s unfortunate because the dance part is actually pretty cool, and apparently I am needed for a competing team.

No one said anything about my hands or gave me funny looks, but I still couldn’t get past it. I’m sure you all know how I feel!

Anyway, I’m still taking 2 hours of Irish dance a week (soft and hard shoe) and love it. I’m lucky I found a dance where I can keep my hands to myself, down at my sides.

I wish HH didn’t have to be my deciding factor with something I love, but I guess I’d prefer to not be anxious and self-conscious so that’s how this one has to go.

My next goal with my partially dry hands- learn knitting! 🙂

Thanks for reading and enjoy the end of summer!

Caryn

Certain Dri Giveaway Winners!

/ carynjoan / 1 Comment

Hi All,

Congratulations to Valerie from Illinois and Artie from New York!

Certain Dri is generously donating an antiperspirant of their choice of a roll-on or solid.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this raffle and supported my blog! Please check the Certain Dri products online HERE. These products are also available at most pharmacies. I hope you find success with these products like I did!

Thank you again to Certain Dri for this wonderful opportunity!

Stay cool everybody,
Caryn

More Irish Dancing!

/ carynjoan / 3 Comments

Hi All,

I’ve been taking Irish step dance classes every week now since February and I continue to love it more and more. I even added on a hard shoe class, so now I’m taking 2 hours of Irish step a week!

Recently, my teacher invited me to a free introductory class for team Irish Dancing called Ceili. This looks really fun, but it features hand-holding with your team while you dance.

Tomorrow is the class and what a great time it is to test out my “new hands”!

I never would have considered this type of dancing if my hands were still sweating profusely- although I have to say I’m still pretty nervous! I just hope my sometimes clammy fingers don’t get in the way!

I have finished the initial treatments with the Iontophoresis device, but Bill Schuler from the R.A. Fischer company suggests I still treat my hands and feet once a week. After a while, I can gradually increase the time between treatments. So, maybe I will do a treatment tonight if I have time, just to be safe for tomorrow!

Check out the type of dance I’m going to be doing! Looks fun, right? Wish me luck!

Thanks for reading,
Caryn