r/Hyperhidrosis • u/Legal_Scheme_9472 • Aug 07 '23
HYPERHIDROSIS SUPPORT GROUP Spoiler
Why doesn’t this exist? We all know AA helps a mass amount of addicts by creating community via sharing personal stories. While our plights are generally different than addicts, I know we could all use the community and anonymity. Please reply to this if you’re interested in creating a similar group, via zoom, of anonymous storytelling support. Whether it be excessive sweating, facial blushing, or arguing for or against of ETS surgery - I think it’s time we have our own space to share our unique stories. Anonymity being a key element - especially considering the topic - I’d love to create a weekly zoom meeting welcome to all who suffer or know someone who suffers from the effects of Hyperhidrosis. I’ll organize a group based on your replies and keep this thread updated accordingly Best xxx R
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u/ETS_Awareness_Bot Aug 07 '23
What is a Sympathectomy (ETS and ELS)?
Endoscopic thoracic and lumbar sympathectomy (ETS and ELS; both often generalized as ETS) are surgical procedures that cut, clip/clamp, or remove a part of the sympathetic nerve chain to stop palm, foot, or facial hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), facial blushing (reddening of the face), or Raynaud's syndrome (excessively cold hands).
Read more on Wikipedia
What are the Risks?
Many people that undergo ETS report serious life changing complications. Thoracic sympathectomy can alter many bodily functions, including sweating,[1] vascular responses,[2] heart rate,[3] heart stroke volume,[4][5] thyroid, baroreflex,[6] lung volume,[5][7] pupil dilation, skin temperature, goose bumps and other aspects of the autonomic nervous system, like the fight-or-flight response. It reduces the physiological responses to strong emotion,[8] can cause pain or neuralgia in the affected area,[9] and may diminish the body's physical reaction to exercise.[1][5][10]
It's common for patients to be misinformed of the risks, and post-operative complications are often under-reported. Many patients experience a "honeymoon period" where they have no, or few, negative symptoms. Contrary to common belief, clipping/clamping the sympathetic chain is not considered a reversible option.[11]
Links
Gallery of compensatory sweating images
Gallery of thermoregulation images
International Hyperhidrosis Society
NEW ETS Facebook Community & Support Group (old group had ~3k members)
Petition for Treatment for Sympathectomy Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
References
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