Nov 19, 2000
Dear Dr. Reisfeld – Thank you
I just wanted to write you a letter to thank you for changing my life.
I am a 36 year old male in the Finance profession (Certified Public Accountant) and I have suffered from facial hyperhidrosis for 13 long years. I sweat in business meetings and presentations, weddings, funerals, social gatherings, etc. I was promoted into a managerial position in 1998 and the stress at work intensified. I had to make sure I was always prepared for meetings so I would not perspire in front of my co-workers. I was able to “control” the sweating most of the time, but the sweat would be noticeable about three or four times a year. Three or four times a year does not sound bad, but I was always anxious about the possibility that it could occur. For example, I would worry over the weekend about a presentation I was doing on Monday morning. This thought always entered my mind prior to my work day “What happens if I sweat in front of my co-workers?” In addition, once an episode occurred, I would be miserable for weeks after. The sweating had taken on a life of its own and really was causing me to be miserable. I was not patient at home with my wife and kids — that is when I decided that something had to be done.
Over the past 13 years, I had tried bio-feedback, pro-banthine, odaban, beta blockers, etc., etc. These techniques helped the situation, but did not cure it. About a year ago, I was on the internet and did a search on excessive sweating. I researched the information and discovered the ETS technique. I spent about a year collecting information, participating in various chat forums, researching doctors, calling people, etc., etc. There are many views in regard to ETS and I sought out both sides of the argument. I was well aware of the risks and side effects. I was at a point in my life that I decided that the potential benefits outweighed the risks.
Dr.Reisfeld had an excellent reputation on the internet sites so I decided to give him a call. I left a message and he called me back. Now, I cannot get my family doctor to call me back, so, my initial reaction was that this guy really needs the money if he is calling me back in person. Over time I came to the realization that Dr.Reisfeld calls you back because he cares — and he does. I spoke to him over the phone and was comfortable with him and decided to fly to California to have the operation. I flew from the East Coast to Beverly Hills and stayed in a hotel across the street. Needless to say, I was extremely nervous about the whole situation. Reisfeld from the start seemed like a very genuine person. He was also very confident, byt made me well aware of the potential side effects, success rates, and other factors that should be communicated to a patient. In addition, his staff was excellent. My only disappointment was the fact I did not get to meet Sandy Garcia — she was extremely pleasant and patient on the phone and helped with all the administrative matters. At about 9:00AM, I was ready for surgery. I was put under and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. I noticed that my hands and face were dry.
I spent about a couple of hours in the recovery room and went back to the hotel. I had little pain and did not need the painkillers that Dr.Reisfeld prescribed. I took Advil and was able to eat dinner that night. I was a little sore and congested, but was amazed that I felt this well so quickly. I was spitting up a little blood and called Dr.Reisfeld to discuss this fact — he called me three times that night to make sure I was OK and had me stop by his office the following morning. Again, think about this for a second – the man is a skilled surgeon and takes the time to call his patients personally.
Side effects – sweating on legs and trunk, but does not show through my clothes. I sweat on my face slightly in stressful situations about three days after the surgery. I called Dr.Reisfeld and explained this to him. He told me that sometimes the nerve transmissions on in “transit” and this should cease. The next day it did and I have not sweat on my face since.
I have done three presentations, gone to parties, led meetings, met old friends and not sweat on my face. It is such a great feeling and relief. The only individuals to truly understand would be those people who experience hyperhidrosis.
Thank you to Dr.Reisfeld, Sandy Garcia and the entire Staff. As I indicated above, the life has been changed and I just wanted to thank you all.
Warm regards,
Kevin
I am a very private person and considered not writing this letter. However I decided it was the right thing to do because other letters I read and the people I spoke to helped me. I believe it is my obligation to let others know so they can be helped too.
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