I tell my story of life with hyperhidrosis
This condition has been planted on my face, feet and fists
It has followed me from an adolescent to an 18 year old teen
It is in my blood, it is in my genes
Since young, I could not write with my bare palms
Gloves or tissues prevents water smearing both my arms
I can't play with children because of physical contact
I'll bet they thought I was freaky, but hey that's a fact
I can't wear certain shoes because of my feet
They smell no matter how I wash and clean
Any contact with dust, it evolves into mud
It's truly revolting, it's driving me nuts
Remember the first time I wore that 3cm slip-on
It was also the last platform I ever placed my sole upon
So I'll stick to my flat wears and comfy sport shoes
At least I am safe from aching feet blues
Quick moments or even stillness invokes beads of perspire
People repetitively question me, but I never get tired
I'm always swiping tissues on my forehead and neck
Sweat trickles down my underarms and also my back
So I take a shower the moment I get back home
Scrubbing and lathering that soapy scented liquid foam
After I've towel dried my tussle of hair
I'm perspiring before I've thrown on clothes to wear
But growing up is simply a chore to be done
To top it off, I have sweats glands on my hands that run
In greetings when others extend their hands
I flip out the back of my hand, but I don't mean to offend
When my fingers accidentally brush by people's arms
They quickly swipe it off, like I'm some scurvy scum
During lunch, I leave mini puddles around my dining plate
Even if I wanna leave an impression, it all boils down to fate
Take a bus home, you'd think I'd ride in peace
Just gripping on metal rails accumulates the heat
I once dripped sweat on this working man's pants
Another time on a teenage boy's hand
I've never been so embarrassed in my peaceful life
Now I carry a handy towel that must always be by my side
I can't imagine holding hands with any boyfriend
Perhaps I'll be brokenhearted when I see him react
If I ever get married, I have thought for my kids
I'm truly fearful of this hereditary risk
I've tried it all, antiperspirants and medical pills
All fails and I've yet to find a remedy that's ideal
Electric current is periodically temporary
But it's high monthly bill is absolutely necessary
Surgery is timeless, it will last forever
Then again, side effects thereafter be delivered
So for now, I shall endure with my little shame
Cause this is my destiny, there's no one to blame
Above is my true life account. Only the last sentence is phony. In all honesty, I blamed my parents ALOT. All the bloody time. Every time I made puddles and every time I cried for dryness. I don't understand why they selfishly didn't think about the happiness of the next generation.
Fact: Surgery can only be performed for palms. There is no surgery for curing body and feet perspiration. (Yup, if feet surgery is available, I'd go for it too).
Plus points: My head and neck no longer perspires. My palms occasionally perspires when I exercise or feel really hot.
Side Effects/Compensatory Perspiration: The perspiration had diverted to my stomach and thighs. My body perspiration had doubled.
I've had Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (surgery) performed at the CGH Heart Centre when I was 22. They cut two 1cm incisions at both sides near the armpit area and snip the perspiration nerve that controls the sweat on my palms. I spent one night at the hospital. The pain was so bad that I regretted this decision. However, when the joy of my dry palms settled in, I will never forget the exhilaration with the promise of a normal life. I can't remember how much I paid for the surgery, but its about 3 to 5 grand. I used my dad's Medisave as well.
No doubt it's not a life threatening condition but people will never understand how life sucked and was ruined because of excessive sweating because they weren't suffering from it. I firmly believe fellow sufferers will understand my/our pain. Things that normal people can do and take for granted are torturous and embarrassing for us. There are also many people who regretted this surgery because their hands dried out or compensatory sweating got so bad. But I'd rather change more T-Shirts or wear double layer clothes just to be able stop sweating. I remember every birthday wish was to beg God to stop my palms from sweating, and I was willing to give up 30 years of my life for that.
Fortunately, I discovered Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy. And oh man,life is worthwhile now. :)
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