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Palmar
Hyperhidrosis Testimonials
Hello Dr. Nielson,
This past August 20th was my 1-year anniversary of having Micro ETS surgery for
palmer hyperhidrosis. I cannot even begin to tell you how my life has changed
since then!
I must admit, I would have preferred to have the long, drawn out, and lengthy
discussions that I normally have with my physicians regarding my health issues
with you prior to the Micro ETS surgery, but I didn't have that luxury because
I don't live in San Antonio. Instead, I was assured and reassured by your staff
regarding every step in the surgery process via telephone and e-mail. (I eventually
remembered that your phone number prefix is "1-877" and NOT "1-800" or "1-888." Would
you believe the the receptionists at the other two businesses "know" your
name and your correct phone number and always kindly offered it each time I incorrectly
called them? How cool is that?) Every single question I had was answered completely
and thoroughly by your kind and knowledgeable staff. Jane, Cheryl, and Peggy
were like my guardian angels!
I probably would have never had the surgery had it not been for my husband telling
me about a radio commercial that he heard one day. I immediately went to my dermatologist
to discuss Micro ETS for palmer hyperhidrosis. I was surprised that he suggested
Botulinum Toxin injections instead! I thought to myself, "Why in the world would I
want someone injecting me with poison?" I went home discouraged and with
no relief for my clammy palms.
I searched the internet for treatments and the latest advancements. As my fingers
slid over the sweat-puddled keys of the computer keyboard, all I could find were
statements such as, "No cure" and "Temporary relief" followed
by archaic suggestions such as dipping your palms in talcum powder and/or using
an antiperspirant on your hands. Then, I found your website. What a breath of
fresh air! Your website is completely up-to-date with the latest medical advancements,
technically informative, and meticulously filled with everything I wanted and
needed to know about hyperhidrosis. Your website was very easy to navigate. I
was absolutely intrigued, overwhelmingly excited, and extremely impressed with
what I learned on your website. I discussed it -- your procedures -- with my
husband, sister, and my mom. They were so thrilled to hear that someone -- you
-- is out there helping people (sufferers) like me.
I then went to our insurance provider's website and cross-referenced your name
to see if you were on our insurance plan. Sure enough, you were. I was ecstatic!
I immediately called our insurance company to see how much of the procedure was
covered. Big mistake. I should have never called back to ask them question after
question because (I eventually thought) it would only send them a red flag and,
with my luck, they probably won't pay for anything. So, I stopped calling them.
I really was concerned about how much of the procedure was going to be covered.
I personally couldn't afford to pay for a $10,000 + procedure. I decided to allow
your staff to handle the insurance claim on their own. They did. It turned out
that everything was covered by our insurance company. I didn't even have to pay
a co-pay nor did I have to pay for the prescriptions. (My husband has really
good medical insurance.) I figured our insurance, coupled with your intelligent
staff's ability to word this debilitating symptom so succinctly on my claim form
had everything to do with it. And, for that, I am absolutely grateful.
I was a little apprehensive on my drive to San Antonio from Houston. (I live
in Houston, but grew up in San Antonio. Lucky for me, I was able to stay at my
mom's house and not have to worry about a hotel room.) I'll never forget having
to wake up so early to be there for the lab work. Once everything was okay, the
nurse sent me to the building next door for the surgery. Your staff was so kind
and continued to answer every question I had. That's when they prepped me for
surgery and I met both you and your anesthesiologist. You explained everything
to me slowly and in great detail of what you were going to do and quickly put
my crazy nerves at ease. It was very reassuring to know that you only work with
one particular anesthesiologist. "He's the best" is what I heard from
your staff. I also saw and met other patients who flew in from other states to
have the same procedure done. I think one even flew in from Panama.
I'll never forget the kind nurse who gave me a warm blanket when I arrived and
changed into that dreaded hospital gown. When I was wheeled into the OR, all
I remember was commenting on how large the room was as I scooted over onto the
operating table. I don't even remember fading out. I was just out -- like a light.
The next thing I remember was a nurse calling my name for me to wake up. It seemed
like the time went by so fast. You came by to talk to me and see how I was feeling.
In fact, you told me exactly what I might be feeling and you were right on the
money. You even had someone bring me my prescription -- not the written prescription
so I can go to the pharmacy -- but the "filled" prescription so I could
go straight home without having to stop anywhere. Now how awesome is that!
I know I left the hospital before noon that day with only one band-aid on each
side of my chest near my armpit. Everything happened in just a couple of hours!
How I felt the first two nights was exactly how you told me I'd feel...stiff
and uncomfortable. My throat was sore (from the air tube during surgery) and
it was uncomfortable to take deep breaths, cough, laugh, and sneeze. My chest
felt sore. It didn't hurt like a piercing, painful hurt. It was just more of
a temporary discomfort -- a sore and aching hurt. I didn't sleep lying down the
first two nights. Believe it or not, it was just more comfortable for me to sleep
sitting up. On the third night, I was fine. When I took the Band-Aid off, all
I saw was a teeny, tiny incision mark surrounded by bruising. The bruising was
the size of a 25 cent coin. No biggie. That was it. That Dermabond <http://www.dermabond.com/> is
awesome!
The pain medicine made me very queasy and dizzy. You had me stop taking it and
told me to take Extra Strength Tylenol instead. Once I switched to the Tylenol,
I was fine. I continued taking the steroid medicine the rest of that week as
prescribed.
I did have "phantom" sweating as you call it. It was like I got the "sensation" that
my hands were "going to sweat," but they didn't. It was a strange sensation
and, just as you said, it eventually went away. As did the compensatory sweating.
Like you said, my body needed to figure out how to release the sweat that normally
came out of my palms. Boy, those first couple of weeks, I perspired in places
that I never perspired before -- like the back side of my legs! Now, that was
strange! I also perspired on my back, as well as below my bra line. No fun. But,
as you said, it would go away. You were right. It did. It took a couple of months,
but it eventually did.
You prescribed Ditropan for the compensatory sweating and it helped. It even
had one other bonus (a bonus for me) and that was less trips to the bathroom!
I found that if I took it in the morning, I'd still sweat while I slept at night.
When I started taking it at night before bedtime, the night sweats ceased. Strange,
but it worked. You suggested I slowly wean myself off of the Ditropan and after
several months of taking two, I only took one. I'm happy to say, I haven't taken
any Ditropan since April!
Believe it or not, I have to apply lotion to my hands to keep them moist! Now,
how ironic is that? For awhile there, my hands would crack and burn unless I
soothed them with lotion. I tried every lotion imaginable. I bought a container
of "Genes Vitamin E 100,000 IUs Swiss Collagen Complex Moisturizing Crème" at
SAM's Club. It worked, but it also left my hands feeling greasy. Your staff suggested
Neutrogena's Norweigan Formula hand lotion <http://www.neutrogena.com/ProductsDetails.asp?ID=12> .
It worked great and wasn't greasy. I just wasn't crazy about the scent. Then,
one day at our local Kroger's grocery store pharmacy section, I saw a display
for "elta skin care <http://www.elta.net/moisturizers.html> " and
saw a sign that said, "Great for people who suffer from Psoriasis, Eczema,
and Diabetes." I don't suffer from any of those symptoms, but my hands were
pretty dry. So, I tried it. I bought both kinds -- "elta <http://www.elta.net/moisturizers.html> " in
the red tube and "elta lite <http://www.elta.net/moisturizers.html> " in
the white tube. (The "elta <http://www.elta.net/moisturizers.html> " in
the red tube is a little heavier and more concentrated.) The "elta lite <http://www.elta.net/moisturizers.html> " is
awesome. It leaves no greasy feeling and there isn't a strong scent. You only
have to use it once or twice a day. You don't even need to reapply it after washing
your hands. I love it.
The Micro ETS surgery is the greatest thing I've done for myself considering
I've suffered from palmer hyperhidrosis since I was 8 years old. For many years,
I have avoided shaking hands with people and I have been embarrassed countless
times when I have submitted papers to teachers that were wrinkled and curled
on the corners. Even my husband didn't want to hold my hands. How sad is that?
I never knew when my hands would "decide" to perspire. They just did.
I could be watching a movie or eating dinner and they my hands would go -- sweating
like no tomorrow. It was awful. What's worse was that I was studying to be a
court reporter and my fingers would literally slide off the steno-machine keyboard,
not to mention the computer keyboard. It really affected my test taking abilities.
I knew I had to do something or this would affect my career in a profoundly negative
way. You were a Godsend!
As it turned out, the Micro ETS was a complete success! What's interesting is
that the court reporting school I attended phased out the "steno-machine" program
and introduced the "voice writing" program. It's still court reporting,
but a different method. Voice writing utilizes voice recognition software. The
whole process is amazing. Anyway, my fingers don't slide off the computer keyboard
anymore. Nor do they leave sweat puddles in the keys! And get this, during my
internship this past spring at the Harris County Courthouse, I met numerous court
reporters, attorneys, and judges and I shook each and every hand with my VERY
DRY and warm hand! I loved every minute of it.
Everyone always thought I was a confident person. Little did they know I was
extremely self-conscious about my constantly perspiring hands. Because of you
and all that you have done for me, my confidence level has increased tenfold.
You have changed my life. Because of you, I enjoy life. And because of you, I
will be eternally grateful all the days of my life. I can only hope that I can
repay you with the happiness you have given me. For me, not having to worry about
whether or not my hands will sweat is a cure. Can you believe it? I actually
forgot what it was like to think and worry about it. You are too awesome! Thank
you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
I positively, unquestionably, without a doubt, emphatically, uncategorically,
and firmly recommend that Micro ETS be performed by you for those who suffer
from hyperhidrosis.
Sincerely,
(Patient)
PS I recently found out from the Texas Court Reporters Certification Board that
I passed the state exam! Now, I'm a certified court reporter. : (What you did
for me absolutely played a major role in enabling me to pass this test.)
Dr. Nielson,
I am very happy with the results of micro ETS. I’m not quite sure
what normal is but if this is it, it feels great. I wake up everyday and
the first thing I do is look at my hands. I don’t have that anxiety
every morning. I’m sitting outside my house on my wicker swing writing
this with dry warm hands. It’s hard to describe the happiness I feel.
You have changed my life and I will be forever grateful to you.
My family wish to thank everyone of your staff and the staff at the hospital
for treating us so wonderful. All of them were so caring and made even
my operation enjoyable.
I’ve not suffered any side effects and I feel great. A little tired
but great.
Thank you so much,
(Patient)
Have been reading testimonials
and would like to add my own,
I had ETS surgery in summer of 2001. I had immediate results. Couldn't
be happier. Like all the others, shaking hands is something I look forward
to, now. I think it has made me feel more at ease professionally and socially.
I just wish I had done this alot sooner (I am 31) After 2 years, I still
ask my husband to feel my hands. Just to make sure they are still dry.
After surgery, my left side seemed to take awhile to heal. The left side
stayed numb under my arm up until just a few months ago. Nothing painful,
just slightly numb. I have noticed that I do sweat more on my stomach and
back. Only in really hot weather. Overall, I am extremely satisfied!!!!!!
I would recommend it to anyone. I would like to thank Dr. Nielson and everyone
on staff. They were friendly and willing to answer any questions and concerns.
Thank You,
(Patient)
To Dr. Nielson and Staff,
Hello!!! I'm emailing you all to let you all know that I'm doing GREAT
since I had the ETS procedure . . . . I'm enjoying life with dry hands
like you would not believe. All those little frustrating things that
I went through with sweaty hands are a thing of the past.
It has really changed my outlook on life. I've also noticed that I am more
relaxed than ever before because I'm not worried about shaking hands while
meeting new people.
I would, again, like to thank Dr. Nielson for doing a GREAT job, not only
on my behalf, on all those individuals who suffer from hyperhidrosis. I
would also like to thank the staff of Dr. Nielson for doing an OUTSTANDING
job trying to get the "red tape" cleared, so I could have the
procedure done. You all were a very BIG help in this process!
If any potential patient of Dr. Nielson needs to talk to some one about
the procedure, please feel free to give him/her my email address. I would
be more than happy to talk to them about the procedure and all the
benefits from it.
With all this said, I bid you all a good day and a pleasant tomorrow.
You all are the BEST!
Sincerely,
(Patient)
Letter from (Patient),
Sandy, UT
Hey guys!! How is everyone doing? I hope all is well!
Well, It's been about a year an a half since my surgery in October of 2000,
and I thought I would write you and let you know how things are going.
My life has been incredible, to say the least! Even after all this time,
I still can't keep my hands off my hands!! It still amazes me each day
to wake up and acutally put lotion on!! The other day I was in the shower
and thought to myself, "I wonder how my scars are doing...I haven't
looked at them for quite a while." And guess what? I couldn't find
them!!! I can't even see them anymore!! It's great.
I suppose the most exciting news is that I AM GETTING MARRIED on August
3rd!! I am so excited. It is so strange that my fiancee knows me, yet doesn't
know or fully understand the horrors of my sweaty past...it's like I was
a totally different person back then. However, I am so happy that I am
dry and anxiety-free today. I have no fears about getting married and having
an outdoor reception in the middle of August. I have no fears about shaking
people's hands. Isn't life just great?!? Thanks again so much for all you
have done to change my life...I could never tell you that enough!
I hope all is well for you; may God bless. (And I will send you a wedding
announcement!!!)
Sincerely and full of gratitude,
(Patient)
P.S. The cello is going really, really well!! Thanks again!
Dr. Nielson,
I just wanted to thank you so much for all your help. I am totally pleased
with the results of my ETS surgery! My hands are warm and DRY!!! I
can't wait to go back to work tomorrow and try out wearing latex gloves
without sweat!! I had a super time in San Antonio. I felt like I was
there on vacation, not for surgery. I didn't have the first bit of
pain.
My incisions are almost healed already. This is probably the best thing
I have ever done "just for me". Thank you again for your help
and tell Dr. Nielson "THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!" and give
him a big hug for me!!
(Patient)
Dr Nielson,
It has been a good year for me! My only regret is that I had to wait so
many years to have this micro ETS surgery. My warm dry hands are wonderful!
I do notice that when I'm warm from temperature not nerves, I perspire
more then before, only on my torso. I have not allowed this to be a problem
for me.
This micro ets surgery is high on my list of good things that have happened
in my life!
(Patient)
Dr. Nielson,
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated all of your kindness
and concern. Really! You guys made this whole experience (with micro
ETS) more bearable than I ever thought possible. What a spectacular
gift to be able to share with others.
Thanks!
(Patient)
Dear Dr. Nielson, Peggy,
Cheryl, Jane,
I suffered from Hyperhidrosis my whole life. I suffered, like so many others,
from the severity of the social, professional and emotional toll it can
take on its’ sufferers but thanks to you, Dr. Nielson and staff, I
have been enjoying my new warm dry hands and new life.
It is a little over a month since I had my ETS in Texas. I would like to
thank you for all your kindness, courtesy and generosity. You and your
staff helped me in so many ways. Most of all I would like to express my
gratitude for the personal attention I was given. Your patience and understanding
are unsurpassed. It was unfortunate that I suffered from my first ETS I
had done in New York with another surgeon, but thanks to you and your expertise,
you have given me resolve and clarity and helped me regain my self- confidence
and I look to the future with hope and a positive outlook. I GOT A MANICURE,
just one of many things I could never do before my surgery.
Your low invasive procedure made it so easy for me to travel back to New
York in comfort and every detail of my experience in regards to the ETS
you performed on me, goes down as one of the best experiences I have ever
had.
You have changed my life! Many thanks and much appreciation.
Sincerely,
(Patient)
Dr Nielson,
Sorry that my follow up is late. I forgot the form at home and I know it's
important to you to know how I'm doing, so I had one faxed to me at
work so I could hurry up and get it to you.
So far I've been doing very well. I am very excited my hands have been
completely 100% dry since the Micro ETS surgery. I've been so excited and
love shaking everyone's hands. I couldn't wait to show them off to all
of my friends and family. The armpits are also very dry, there was one
exception though, on Sat. I went out to a club and they sweat, but just
a little.
I've never had to wear lotion before on my hands, it's so different. A
lot of things in my life are different now. It's kind of funny how such
a little thing can change someone's life so much. I use to be shy, and
now I'm very outgoing. When I was at the airport leaving San Antonio, I
met a few women who were in town for the Mary Kay convention. I became
a Mary Kay lady, now I can put make up on people and give facial without
sweating all over them.
Thank you so much and God bless you.
(Patient)
St Louis, Missouri
P.S. My Rams didn't make it.
Hi from Dr. (Patient),
I'll be happy to give you my perspective on Micro ETS. I had the surgery
in Feb 2001. It has transformed my life in a way I could never imagine
before Micro ETS, to a quality of life I had always hoped for. My hands
were my biggest concern. I could sweat continuously without any degree
of control or predictability. As a dentist, you can imagine the difficulties
I had donning gloves and doing prolonged procedures. I am always amazed
I chose this profession and stuck with it. Meeting people, shaking
hands, entertaining, lectures, meetings all presented difficult times
for me. I enjoyed all these things, but having sweaty palms made it
difficult to appear composed even when I felt I was.
Now, my hands remain dry consistently. My heart rate is very stable, which
makes a big psychological difference in the above mentioned situations.
My reaction to stress in much less apparent and a lot more controlled.
I stay cooler even in hot rooms, environment. I can don gloves with no
difficulty and perform prolong procedures without soaking my gloves and
anything else I am wearing. My hands stay dry. That's been a very good
thing for me.
I tend to sweat in my trunk, back, and at times my legs. But not anymore
than I did before having Micro ETS surgery. I have had gustatory sweating
if I eat spicy, hot foods, but his is not consistent. It depends on the
food. And it is nothing I feel uncomfortable about. These things to me
are a minor inconvenience for all the benefits I have gained.
I wear clothes and shoes now that I used to dream of wearing before, but
couldn't because of sweating. I can go to church and shake everyone's hand
and not even think about it. This had kept me out of the church for years.
I can hold professional meetings now, or walk into unpredictable professional
setting and remain calm, controlled and dry.
All of these things stick out as obvious improvements for me, but I can't
begin to tell you about all the little things. I understand Micro ETS is
not for everyone. And I was certainly a skeptic even after the surgery
was completed. But in some ways at 42 years old, my life is just beginning.
And I feel more capable of accomplishing things than I have ever felt.
Feel free to reply if you need anymore information.
Respectfully,
(Patient)
P.S. I forgot one important thing. You could not have found a more qualified, skilled Doctor, with a caring, professional staff, as Dr. Nielson and staff. I am always thankful to God that I found his office.
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