uncomfortable situations

Facial and Truncal Hyperhidrosis?

/ carynjoan / 2 Comments

After successfully treating my Axillary (underarm) Hyperhidrosis in middle school, I have only categorized my Hyperhidrosis as palmar (hands) and plantar (feet). On any average day, I don’t have trouble with facial or truncal sweating. However, when I’m exercising, I am a complete, full-body waterworks!

At my Irish step dance classes, I have been noticing that I sweat all over my body- at least 3 times more than the other students! I can only wear sweat wicking workout clothes now and I use my towel almost constantly during the class to “mop” up. My ponytail is soaked so much with sweat that it drips and it feels like there’s a quarter-inch of sweat caked on my legs and arms.

My classmates notice and always suggest I stand closer to the fan or air-conditioning unit. I don’t think they think much of it, but it’s embarrassing sometimes. It’s also uncomfortable!

Although I don’t consider myself having truncal or facial Hyperhidrosis, I think that my palmar and plantar Hyperhidrosis genes definitely play a role in how I sweat more on my body when working out. Has anyone else noticed this happens to them?

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!

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

 

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

Further Experiences with Iontophoresis- Success!

/ carynjoan / 21 Comments

Since my first treatment with the R.A. Fischer Iontophoresis device, I have been able to work the device myself without help. If you work the machine yourself, it will take 40 minutes, even if you are just treating your hands.

While by myself, I use one tray for my left foot and one tray for my left hand. I am then able to work the machine with my free right hand. After 20 minutes, I repeat with the right hand, using my left hand to work the machine.

Generally, I will only feel a little discomfort when using the device with the vibration sensation. However, I have felt pain during a few treatments. Sometimes my hands or feet will feel like they are burning. When this happens, I immediately decrease the milliamperes until I feel comfortable again.

The pain may be caused from excess tap water in the tray. The extra water by my wrists causes some pain and I noticed after the treatment that my skin near my wrist turned red and it was also itchy. After the first treatment, I even noticed a little swelling. The swelling went down within a few hours. I have also experienced a red line along the entire side of my hand, from where the water level rested. You can see this in the picture below. Don’t worry- the red irritation goes away. My hands were fine by the next morning.

R.A. Fischer president, Bill Schuler, suggests if switching charge midway through the treatment causes discomfort, I can switch every other treatment instead. So far, I haven’t had a problem switching mid-way through.

Bill also suggests that you use the machine every other day for the best results and that results are most commonly seen after 6-10 treatments. After that, I read that you may use the machine as needed, usually once every 2-4 weeks.

Although the NYC heat is doing its best to work against me, I am seeing results with the device. I have even tried to will myself to sweat and am unsuccessful. Is this too good to be true?

I still feel the same sensation as when my hands and feet did sweat.  My hands and feet get very hot and tingly, but my palms and soles of my feet are dry. The sides of my fingers and feet will get clammy but I think that is because the water in the trays does not reach that area. This doesn’t really bother me. Also, I am happy to report that I have experienced no compensatory sweating from Iontophoresis!

I have finished initial treatments but I am going to keep an eye on my progress and will continue to devote my time to the machine when needed. I will keep you posted, but so far, I recommend this machine to people with HH!

All best,

Caryn

redline

Irritation from the Iontophoresis device. This goes away fairly soon.

My First Experience with the Iontophoresis Device

/ carynjoan / 7 Comments

A couple of months ago I was offered an opportunity to try an Iontophoresis machine for my Hyperhidrosis. The makers of the R.A. Iontophoresis device loaned me a prescription machine- the MD-1a Galvanic Unit! I have been working with Bill Schuler, R.A. Fischer president and long-time supporter of the International Hyperhidrosis Society, over the phone and via email for tips and coaching and updating him of my progress.

What is Iontophoresis, you ask?

Defined from the R.A. Iontophoresis website: “In cases where antiperspirants are not effective, a physician may recommend “Tap Water Iontophoresis” for treatment of palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis. In medical terms, iontophoresis is defined as the topical introduction of ionized drugs into the skin using direct current (DC).”

My first experience with this machine caused a lot of anxiety. I opened the case and saw a lot of wires and many booklets and sheets of paper with instructions.

Francis and I read through all the directions, we set up the machine and prepared the trays with tap water. This being the first time, it took us about an hour before we actually turned the machine on. I’m glad we went through everything thoroughly because I felt that the machine could be dangerous to me if something was set up incorrectly. Francis used to work for the American Red Cross and I was happy that his medical instincts took over as he carefully made sure everything was hooked up properly. He let me focus on calming my nerves. I already knew the general idea of the device as I had tried Iontophoresis about 10 years ago with no success, but this machine looked a lot more intense.

I opened the case to find that it conveniently slides apart to become two tap water trays. One metal plate rests in each tray and a cloth goes on top of the plates to avoid any direct contact with the skin. Each plate is connected by a wire to the main device where you change the level of milliamperes. The instruction booklet said that you should aim for setting the device to 12-18 milliamperes.

Finally, after making sure everything was hooked up correctly, I was ready for my first test with the device. Each of my hands rested in a tray on top of the cloth covering the metal plates. We were ready to turn the machine on.

Although I knew the machine was safe, I couldn’t help fearing that I would somehow be electrocuted and pass out once the power button was switched on. I could feel knots in my stomach and my breathing was fast. I was really nervous.

During the first treatment, Francis was responsible for working the device and changing the level of milliamperes. He counted to three and he turned the machine on.

Phew- I was okay!

Francis gradually increased the milliaperes to 12- we didn’t go any further than that on this first try.

What I noticed most was vibration. The vibration was pretty severe during my first try- vibrating my fingers, palms, wrist, and half-way up my forearm. If the sensation was getting to be too much, I asked Francis to lower the milliamperes slightly.

The vibration sensation was not painful, just a little uncomfortable.

After ten minutes, it is instructed to gradually decrease the milliamperes to 0, reverse the charge, then gradually increase again between 12-18. This lasted for another 10 minutes, and then my treatment was done for the day!

I was happy to find that the treatment wasn’t painful and that I felt safe. The treatment takes a lot of time, but I was able to watch TV during it. Watching TV also helped keep my mind off of any discomfort I felt with the vibration sensation.

I was also relieved that Francis was with me for my first treatment. He was very supportive and protective of me and made sure I was feeling okay.

After the first treatment was over, he wanted to try the machine to see what I was feeling! I let him try it very briefly, and we only went up to about 6-7 milliamperes. He could feel the vibrations from the plates.

This really showed me how much he supports me and that he was willing to step into my shoes, so to speak. His actions spoke largely about his character.

Stay tuned for another entry about my other treatments with the Iontophoresis device!

Best,

Caryn

Carrying case for the R.A. Fischer Iontophoresis device. The case comes apart to become two tap water trays for the treatments.

Carrying case for the R.A. Fischer Iontophoresis device. The case comes apart to become two tap water trays for the treatments.

The milliamperes are adjusted on this device during treatments.

The milliamperes are adjusted on this device during treatments.

During my first treatment, I treated both of my hands at the same time because Francis was adjusting the milliamperes on the device.

During my first treatment, I treated both of my hands at the same time because Francis was adjusting the milliamperes on the device.