I am 68, 30 years ago my scalp and face began sweating, face flushed. It seems to get progressively worse and follows a pattern, scalp, face, chest, back, arms. Saw Dr. Dee Ann Glaser in Missouri, the leading experts and was diagnosed with primary craniofacial hyperhydrosis, which to me told me only what I already knew. I have tried medical strength deoderant, glycoside put on scalp at night washed off in morning, Robinal, and Botox. I have a cooling vest and the wraps for your neck.
I simply cannot function. It begins spontaneously and with little physical exertion such as dusting. I also have gustatory sweating. In plain English, I don't think I can coexist with this much longer. Sweat actually drips off my face onto the floor. I take a shower in cool water and come out sweating. I shy from dressing in more than shorts and sleeveless shirts. The fan is on constantly. I cannot wear any make-up or cream. I did fingers coconut oil works on my skin and “soaks in” fast so it is no problem with oil stains or on furniture.
I am very apprehensive about ETS surgery and an anesthesiologist who deals with pain management simply and emphatically said “DON'T DO IT!”
I refuse to accept the research I have read. In a week, after waiting 3 months for the best doctor, I am seeing an endocrinologist. Too many medical conditions involving the endocrine system list excessive sweating as a symptom as well as fatigue, difficulty swallowing plus more. I have been on synthroid for 15 years and see no difference. I stopped taking the synthroid, no changes occurred, so doctor could get an accurate assessment.
I have post-Polio syndrome, Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, peripheral neuropathy (not diabetic), depression, anxiety, muscle and joint pain with Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, several MRI's have detected osteonecrosis which is not found when surgery is done, replaced total knee, total shoulder replacement followed 1 month later with a reverse shoulder replacement, arthroplasty of thumb,GERD, difficulty swallowing,Barrets esophagitis, arthritis of spine with treatment at pain center, Raynauds of feet, intolerance to cold and heat,and so on. I have had cystic ovaries bilateral (removed), dysparuni (had total hysterectomy with no change, very little hair on arms and legs (shaved legs maybe twice in life), headaches and 4 serious head injuries, orthostatic hypotension, 97.4 normal temp, cardiac ablation for over 40,000 PVC'S daily, nausea, vertigo. So, many of these are attributable to endocrine function I would be foolish not to investigate it.
So many times specialists are only concerned with the problem at hand and do not investigate outside their parameters.
I very simply, again, have reached the point where life is meaningless and empty.I want to grocery shopping without dripping sweat down the aisles, soaking my clothes, looking like I have a horrible sunburn and total fatigue.
By posting here I hope to find more Craniofacial people and read about their experiences, positive and negative. For me, along with chronic pain, I feel life leaving my body just like I would imagine one with Parkinsons (which I was misdiagnosed with) and I am extremely grateful for that.
I am overweight now but was not when this began. My medications have not changed so that is ruled out and depression and anxiety(this is questionable to me) were not factors when this began rather exist due to my medical history. To be sure it is not an imagined happening.
I realize that plantar, palmar,and axillary hyperhydrosis are miserable but at least there are treatments available.
I simply will not take nothing can be done for an answer and will search for help till I die. Most physicians have never seen or treated hyperhydrosis so that leaves those whose lives are being ruined to find answers.
I hope with all my heart to hear from others with CFH and professionals.
Martha Andriekus
Posted In: Hyperhidrosis Surgery Forum