Sounds like I could be in the same boat? I've just set the wheels in motion but haven't seen my GP yet and I am not in Dorset. Please keep us informed of progress.

Newman reported that "I did my research and when I read that in Germany in 07 they had treated 40,000 patients for 28 different disorders any cause for worry on my part was put to bed. When I was in Germany last December one of the radiologist said that they had recently treated a 12 yr old female for Ledderhose. "

What records do they keep in Germany? Surely that amount of procedures shows the NHS of the worth of the treatment?

Also, has anyone from Dorset had the treatment funded by that authority? If so, why did they think the treatment worthwhile but Oxfordshire doesn't?

It's all very confusing isn't it?

Edited at 04/13/08 22:46

I have today telephoned Dr Goode`s Secretary in Poole who has informed me my GP did not need to refer my case to the PCT in Oxford.All she needed to do was to refer directly to th Oncology Dept in Poole.This is good news for all of us in the UK seeking Radiotherapy treatment for Dups.Dr Goode`s secretary kindly telephoned my GP informing her of the procedure and the referral has now been made.I woulld suggest to all of you seeking this treatment to urge your GP to make a direct referral and if you need any help call Dr Goode`s secretary Ann on 01202 442690.Looks like things are moving forward in the UK.

Yesterday I called Poole Hospital to confirm my treatment review appointment details. Dr Goode's secretary did confirm that Poole were still willing to accept new patients from outside of the county. It really does look like there is a realistic chance for radiation treatment for new applicants.

So, why wait any longer? Get visiting your GP and get the wheels in motion.

Don't forget that there is the transport and accommodation to think through/budget & organise.

Typically, Dr Goode will see new patients for a 'planning' meeting on a Friday. If successful, treatment will start on the Monday and will continue through to Friday (i.e. 5 consecutive treatments). So, if like me you live several hours driving time from Dorset, you will need to stay over from Thursday night of week 1, up to and including the Thursday night of week 2 (eight nights in total). The second treatment (after a gap of 6 weeks) would start on a Monday so only need to stay over Sunday to Thursday inclusive (5 nights).

I am assuming that most have already read the two very well written personal experiences of radiation treatment on this site but, just in case, here are the links:

http://www.dupuytren-online.info/Radiati...tren-Judith.htm

http://www.dupuytren-online.info/Radiati...Essen-Nigel.htm

My post radiation experiences mirror almost exactly those described by Nigel in his article above.
Really not a problem at all & hopefully, well worth these minor inconveniences.

Wolfgang you must be right and certainly some basic homework & questioning, focused on your own doorstep, would be sensible for everyone to try before they travel unnecessarily. The fact is however that not every GP or local health authority is as helpful as we would like it to be (indeed I still can't understand why hand surgeons are apparently so anti alternative potential solutions). In which case, and with the Dupuytren clock running, its certainly good to know that there is one door already firmly open. Lets hope that it's just the start of a wider success story for the UK.

The Orthovolt is an x-ray machine and sounds like the right equipment for radiotherapy. The linear accelerators probably produce electrons and might also be able to do the job. Sounds like good equipment but you will need to aks because it also depends on the energy of the radiation. The Othovolt should have 100 - 140 kV voltage. The electons typically are several MeV.

Wolfgang

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Addenbrookes is about 40 miles from me, anyone know what this equipment is? http://www.addenbrookes.org.uk/serv/clin...acilities1.html

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