Sometimes I get really anxious meeting new people.
Its that opening handshake when we first meet that gives me nightmares.
See, my hands sweat.
Jacquelyn Ackeifi
They arent just clammysometimes theyre drenched and dripping.
This is especially true as a performing classical flutist.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.
In other words, you sweat a loteven when you aren’t hot or exercising.
Shortly after, I was officially diagnosed by a doctor.
When I write with pen and paper, the page curls up and the ink smears.
I dont like holding newspapers because the ink comes right off on my hands.
My phone doesnt recognize my fingerprint password when my hands are too sweaty.
I feel bad whenever my hand accidentally brushes up against someone on a crowded subway.
I was mortified working in retail when customers asked to replace their suddenly soggy items.
The dress was wet just from me carrying it.
The condition has forced me to get creative with solutions.
Sometimes I wondered how far I could even get with this condition.
I loved music too much.
As a flutist, my sweaty hands are always an issue.
My fingers dont move as fast as I think they could without hyperhidrosis.
Still, I kept going.
So, in 2011, I started a blog calledJust A Little Sweatas an outlet for my growing frustrations.
Through it, I connected with people all over the world suffering with hyperhidrosis.
I learned their stories and we confided in each other.
It inspired me to help othersnot only with hyperhidrosis, but with all types of challenges.
So, a few years ago, I went back to school to become a special education teacher.
Today, I teach music at a school for kids who are blind or visually impaired.
Every day, Im inspired by these students as they strive to reach their goals.
They dont let their impairment dictate what they can and cant do.
For a long time, hyperhidrosis was my secret.
But I dont want to hide anymore.
I want to help others realize that with support and perseverance, anything is possible.
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