Tomorrow is the big day. For me that means my nerves: For my son it means he’ll sweat like a normal person. At least if he’s like 98% of the patients before him. He is having an operation called a “sympathectomy.” Say that 10 times. (I can hardly say it once.) The sympathetic nerves on each side of the thorax are clipped with a titanium clip, blocking the messages telling his hands, head and underarms to sweat like nobody’s business.
He is a virutal waterfall and it’s been bothering him for years. His papers in school get so wet he can’t write on them causing lots of teachers through the years to calll me in to “break their finding” to me in a conference. I finally just sent a note the first day of school explaining what hyperhidrosis is. I knew it when he was a baby and a puddle of sweat would accumulate under his feet in the stroller. As a result, the kid drinks like a fish – water, of course.
I don’t like doing anything medical. Having the kids in the hospital was enough to make me fail any stress test so I am the one sweating now. I have never told the offspring how I am afraid of medical procedures but my son knew. The day of our pre-op visit last week, he noticed my discomfort. And I thought I was hiding it so well – darn that stupid perceptiveness he inherited from me!
I will just be glad when it is all over and we are home safely. If he knew I was writing about this in my blog he would be glad that I was sharing it with others so that the information might help someone else. My son is amazing that way. My daughters would kill me and protest and be snotty and miserable and make me pay for days or until they need me for something. (I think they inherited that from me.) I just know that Thursday at 2 PM I will be the one sweating like a horse. Say a prayer. Thank you in advance.
“Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.”  ~ George Carlin
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14 responses so far ↓
1 Rebecca // Dec 12, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I hope the procedure goes smoothly as planned and you are both home (not breaking a sweat) quickly. ((hugs))
2 angelawd // Dec 12, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Wow, I had no idea there was such a malady. I know how hard it must be to imagine your child having a medical procedure. I will be praying for you guys. Hope it all works out!
3 Karen Vogel // Dec 12, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Good luck! And, yes, you’re right – your daughters would never forgive you.
4 Tracy // Dec 13, 2007 at 12:40 am
*praying*
5 Dana // Dec 13, 2007 at 10:20 am
I remember when my son had a hernia repaired when he was four. I was never a bigger wreck than I was that day. I hope everything goes well for your son today and in the future.
6 Paula // Dec 13, 2007 at 11:41 am
Prayer waves, headed your way!
7 Kim // Dec 13, 2007 at 10:52 pm
We are sending some prayers to you as well.. GL.
8 dorky dad // Dec 14, 2007 at 1:50 am
I know somebody who had an operation like this. It worked like a charm! (Sending prayers …)
9 amanda // Dec 14, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Good luck!
10 Sherry // Dec 14, 2007 at 3:42 pm
My husband says I am the only person he knows who can sweat in the shower.
Bless your son’s heart. I know how he feels.
Best of luck.
11 Peter McCartney // Dec 14, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Hi! How did he go? Is he doing well?
All the Best – Peter
12 Mary // Dec 15, 2007 at 4:38 pm
So many thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. All went well and my son is as happy as a clam – his hands are as dry as a bone! The hospital staff was great and I am relieved it’s all over. I do appreciate all of your comments and support. Signed, the big chicken.
13 Joe // Dec 19, 2007 at 12:49 am
I am sure he is a strong boy but this had to bother him in a self esteem way and this procedure will help him more than he can ever tell you I am sure. It will be tough, but you will be fine and he will to in no time flat. Best wishes!
14 Mary // Dec 19, 2007 at 8:29 am
Joe – you are so right. I did know that excessive sweating bothered my son, but not to what extent. And one young girl came out of the recovery room crying, not because of the pain. She was crying because her hands were not sweating profusely. In fact, they were dry and she had never felt that before. Thanks for your best wishes!
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