J G

I am responding to your program about ETS surgery. Many people do not know the dark side of this surgery. Would you believe that this elective surgery has decimated lives? There is a high percentage of people so distressed with the symptoms, that they contemplate taking their own lives, and some that have actually done it. This is the only elective surgery that I am aware of that destroys lives if done correctly. The regret is overwhelming. The patient which you featured has no idea how regretful he is likely to be in the years to come. The manipulation of the nervous system is damaging to many other functions of the body. Most of these surgeon doing this are well aware of the disastrous side effects. There is a group of several hundred people who suffer the post surgery effects of ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy). We have searched far and wide for help, including the WHO, Dr. Sajya Gupta of CNN and most recently, Dr. Noseworthy of The Mayo Clinic, in hopes of starting research and treatment for this awful surgery. Although we elected this surgery, most of were not notified of the possibility of extreme complications. Many of these doctors, intentionally misinformed us, omitted information, misdiagnosed us or performed no diagnosis at all. Like myself, some of us have developed cardiac issues, slowing of heart beat and or irregular heart beat and other neurological problems. Most of us suffer from extreme compensatory sweating that is both a hygiene problem and an emotional problem. The emotional burden that this condition causes cannot be over stated. We have diligently sought the help of professionals from many fields, but as of yet unable to get the exposure which might lead to real research and treatment. On it's face most people do not think of Hyperhydrosis as a serious condition, but more of an inconvenience. Imagine sweating your clothes until it's throughly drenched? Most of us don't have to imagine, its a daily reality. It's at times mentally and physically debilitating. I think the medical community is just starting to recognize how serious this condition can be. We don't sweat, we soak. For most of us, we would most certainly exchange the condition we had prior to ETS surgery for the disaster we have now. Presently the only treatment options for us are anticholinergic medications which have been linked to brain issues like dementia. It’s not a very effective option, but we are so, so limited on options. The other option are doctors, some of who performed ETS claiming to perform successful nerve reconstruction surgery, but when asked to provide updated, successful research, they are unable to. In conclusion, we're seeking legitimate research that may lead to future treatment, no matter what that may be. Unlike many other illnesses, we are too easily dismissed as a non issue. I don't think a week goes by that a member has not stated, something like, what's the point of living, or I can't go on like this. A miracle treatment does not yet exist but If no one is willing to take up our cause, a treatment will never exist. We thank you for your time. Regards, Please take a look at our Facebook page and read these stories for yourself. ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy support, Side Effects & Awareness. Barry Stockdale and the, ETS community of Facebook