Experiencing Uncontrollable Responses Following ETS Surgery
At the age of 30, I underwent ETS surgery seven years ago with the aim of alleviating my excessive sweating in my hands. While this procedure significantly curbed the sweating, it resulted in unexpected challenges for my nervous system that persist to this day. Although I no longer experience the same level of perspiration in my hands, the real concern has emerged after the surgery. My body sporadically enters a fight-or-flight response without any prior indication, and this occurs even during moments of happiness. I often find myself feeling both hot and cold simultaneously, accompanied by a pronounced rush of blood coursing through my chest, legs, and neck, which sometimes causes a tremor in my neck. Interestingly, my torso and legs sweat profusely, while my face seems to produce little to no sweat. My palms and underarms do perspire slightly, but it’s nowhere near the levels I experienced before the surgery. What complicates matters further is that these reactions occur even when I am in a mentally tranquil state; I feel no anxiety or nervousness. Yet, my body appears to react as if it is under threat, even when I’m simply enjoying my day or engaging in pleasurable activities. I have experimented with various remedies such as L-theanine, magnesium, a clean diet, proper hydration, and breathwork, but none have provided immediate relief during these episodes. I am hesitant to resort to medications or beta blockers since I wish to maintain my naturally high testosterone levels. Has anyone else encountered similar experiences post-ETS? I’m seeking advice or strategies to help recalibrate or retrain my autonomic nervous system. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 6:10:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant and distressing symptoms following your ETS surgery. It's not uncommon for some individuals to notice changes in their autonomic nervous system responses after such procedures, and it’s understandable that you’re seeking ways to address these challenges.
Main Points:
- Your body's involuntary fight-or-flight responses and sweating patterns may indicate disruption in autonomic regulation.
- While lifestyle strategies have not yielded immediate relief, there are focused approaches that could help.
Explanation: After ETS surgery, some people experience a phenomenon called “compensatory sweating” where areas not treated become overactive, and autonomic responses can be altered. The sensations you're describing—flushes of heat, cold feelings, and involuntary nervous reactions—suggest your autonomic nervous system may be misfiring. This can happen without emotional triggers like anxiety, leading to confusion and frustration.
Next Steps:
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Mindfulness Practices: Since your body reacts even in peaceful moments, consider incorporating mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga. These practices may help you gain better control over your physiological responses and reduce the frequency of autonomic flare-ups. Start with 5-10 minutes daily and gradually increase.
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Breathing Exercises: You mentioned breathwork, which can be beneficial. Focusing on slow, controlled diaphragmatic breathing for a few minutes during episodes can help signal your body to calm down. Try to practice even when you’re not in distress to reinforce the response.
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Body Awareness Techniques: Engaging in somatic experiences, like gentle movement or guided body scans, can help you reconnect with your body's signals and potentially recalibrate your nervous system responses.
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Temperature Regulation: Explore temperature regulation strategies, such as layering clothing to adapt to your body’s hot and cold sensations. Staying cool might mitigate some discomfort when you experience sudden heat.
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Professional Support: Although you’re hesitant about medications, consider working with a therapist or specialist experienced in somatic therapy or chronic illness management. They can provide tailored strategies and coping mechanisms suited to your unique situation.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your episodes, noting triggers, durations, and associated feelings. This can help identify patterns and inform any adjustments to your self-care approaches.
You’re taking important steps towards understanding and alleviating your symptoms, and I encourage you to continue seeking personalized strategies that resonate with you. If you need more support or want to share findings from your attempts, I'm here to help!
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