Many people with DC say they feel itchy and/or burning sensations and tend to think it is when DC is active or trying to progress. I know I had those sensations in both my hands until quite recently. I woke up one morning about 4 months ago to an almost painful burning sensation in one hand and found a lump. I now have 4 lumps and a cord in one hand and 1 lump in the other hand - and it itched and burned the whole time. I am hoping the DC is inactive now that those sensations have stopped.

I finally had my appointment today with Dr. Goode at Poole Hospital, and to my surprise he did not recommend radiotherapy for me at this stage. I'm 33, and the first thing he said when he walked in the room was, "You really are so young to be having Dupuytren's."

At present I have two very visible nodules in the right foot, a smaller one in the left and a knuckle pad on my right hand. He and another doctor both felt my palms and could feel nothing except for a mild thickening of the fascia in the right hand, but Dr. Goode said that it was not necessarily related to DC--could be my rowing . I have no nodules. Their opinion: watch it and come back in the new year. He also recommended I have the knuckle pad removed as it could lead to arthritis. I was really hoping to just get the RT done and not have to go down the surgical route, but the doctors explained that given my age it is better to put off treatment for now. He emphasized that he was not unsympathetic but that each case must be weighed individually, and I can appreciate that. So I guess I'm back to wait and see.

Personally, I was in my late 30's when my my doctor lanced what he thought was some sort of boil on my palm. Right after that, the DC took off. It's been 11 years now. No surgery, but plenty of pain and inconvenience - since I'm pianst and do that for a living. I can almost put my right palm on the flat of the table now. Scary.

Just a word of warning. Beware of things that create stress and pressure on your palm. I've noticed that those things really get it going. Even clutching the steering wheel too tight. Also, use the gel-filled bike gloves when you lift weights. :)

Hi,

I just want to say that I feel your fear about what is going to happen if and to what extent it progresses. I am also young in DC terms (34) and am really looking into what can be done. I think one of the toughest things is coming to terms with something that is changing. Its one thing to have something happen and it being at an end because then you can draw a line in the sand and begin dealing with it. Time heals most things and although it does not heal particular injuries, it heals the inital 'wound' to your spirit and belief in yourself. You can come to terms with most things in life as long as there is sufficient time after the event has happened. That is what is troubling about DC. You never know when it is finished.

I am trying to take comfort in knowing that at worst, I will have to have NA or some type of surgery in the future and at best, some of the new techniques such as enzyme injections etc may stop it.

I know this does not change anything but I always feel that in times like these one should do the comparison. There are heaps more serious diseases to be diagnosed with and although this is an irritating and frustrating condition, I am not going to let it ruin my life. If anything, this shock has taught me how fragile life is and how we must take advantage of every day and enjoy what we can. Unfortunately we often take life for granted.

Keep living and remember, one never knows what miracle cure could be around the corner so don't give up on enjoying life.