Hi alanr, congratulations to your success and wishing it holds! Who would be the contact for Dupuytren treatment at Subiaco Oncology? It might make sense to list them on our web site but we would like to get their approval upfront.

Wolfgang

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Hi all,
Just back from 3 weeks in Phuket so didnt have much time for the forum, im sure you all understand. Just to clarify a few points of confusion. I did receive my treatment in Perth (Subiaco Oncology) ...

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Hi Carmel,

I have sent you the details in an email. Good luck with your fathers DC.

Tomo

G'day Gang,

Just after opinions of folks who have this infliction and have had NA in particular.

I'm 30 and have the early stages of DD - two small pea-sized nodules (painful to press) either side of the crease of my palm which is about an inch below my left ring finger. My Dad has had DD for some 10 years since he turned 50, in the exact same spot as mine. His palm skin is thick and tight though his ring finger is only just starting to contract from being straight - he cannot stretch his finger beyond straight.

Does anyone think I should investigate having NA as a preventative measure?

My concern is that - in all the literature I've read - DD seems to be more aggressive in younger patients (victims!). I lead an active lifestyle - I rockclimb, hangglide, play the violin and piano. Needless to say my hands are super important.

At the moment I'm constantly vigorously massaging the nudules and stretching my fingers in an attempt to "break up" the bumps, hoping this might slow things down. I'm also looking into seeing a nutritionist to see if any dietary deficiencies are evident.

I will also contact Dr David Hunter-Smith on the Mornington Peninsular to see what he might have to say about prevention. I'll also shoot an email off to France to see if I can garner an opinion.

So wonderful to find this forum! A fella at work (whom has posted here) had NA in France and has steered me here.

Regards,

Chris

Edited at 06/27/07 04:54

Thanks sooo much for the reply newman! I will certainly maintain a regular stretching routine as you suggested (Dad will as well!). I must say my nodules are much softer than a few weeks ago. I'm sure the massaging and stretching is helping. I've also been rubbing in Vitamin E (Vaseline Intensive Care) for a time now as well. As with all things human-body related I believe that diet plays a big part and so I'm now being extra-super-mindful of what goes in. I've always been pretty good... but just going the extra bit now.

Funny you should mention private health insurance... I haven't had it in about 10 years! I guess there's a lot of "fors" and "againsts". I'm sure if my DD does continue to progress that I will be going down the path of NA and (hopefully) Collegeanase when it's available. Luckily, I'm not short of a quid and I can cover those courses of action (and a holiday whilst overseas just to make it really really positive).

Good thinking about driving and keeping your hands in a fixed position for a long time. Driving and griping and lifting heavy things are a bit part of my work - actually that IS my work (Firefighter) so I'm going to look at different ways I can do things to minimise trauma and the like. Part of my mind wants to believe my DD is entirely hereditary but I can't help shake the feeling my lifestyle isn't helping... particularly when I'm feeling pain and discomfort doing the things I've done for years! Hmmm...

It's so great to hear that you're doing ok after having you op. Good to hear your hand is fully functional.

Chris

Hi all,

I am a 47yo Australian female with DD. I am not familiar with much of the terminology so please bear with me.

I first noticed nodules forming less than a year ago. I now have a cluster of 5 on my right palm with a 6th one at the base of my small finger between the 2nd & 3rd joints. All the nodules are tender and I have a lot of trouble doing some pretty mundane things such as opening jars, squeezing out sponges and carrying a bucket of water (thankfully my OH is happy to help out!) Cording and contracture are gradually beginning to affect 3 fingers but are in their early stages.

My GP diagnosed the condition several months ago. I already had a fair idea what it was since my dad has both DD (I am the only 'lucky' one of four siblings to have 'inherited' it!) and Pyronies Disease which I understand is related. Dad's DD only affects his ring finger and he tells me that his condition started in his early thirties. While the contracture is now reasonably severe (he is 77yo), he has never bothered to have treatment for it.

My GP suggested that I should arrange for Private Health Cover (done!) as it was almost certain that I would need surgery in time. I am now very interested in what I've read here about radiotherapy as I would prefer to avoid surgery if possible, or at least postpone the need for it. I live in Northern Victoria so would most certainly have to travel to Melbourne to receive treatment and that's only if I can convince my GP to refer me.

Could some please tell me if I am likely to be a good candidate for radiotherapy? If so, what sort of time frame should I be looking at ie. the sooner the better? Also, how quickly is the contracture likely to progress if I leave things alone, based on how quickly the condition seems to have developed thus far? Any guage would be useful. Thanks very much in advance.

Great forum! Cheers,

Teresa