| Initial onset MD and ML |
|
|
1 2
|
| 1 2
|
|
03/05/2012 04:20
robablo 
|
03/05/2012 04:20
robablo
|
Initial onset MD and ML
Hello,
I believe that I may have DD and possibly LD. A hand specialist seems to think that I definitely have DD due to a mass in my index finger that is growing. Shortly after his quasi-diagnosis (I say "quasi" because he didn't seem too confident,) I noticed a tingling/burning sensation in my foot. When I reached down to rub it, I felt a hard knot attached to my tendon near the top of my arch. Upon further research it would seem that is could very well be LD, though I have yet to go to a podiatrist.
All that being the case, has anyone on this forum ever:
A.) Had MD initially be present in their index finger?
B.) My mass began at the first joint, I believe the MCP as a hard little knot. It is now expanding (I presume the cord) downward toward my palm. I was under the impression that the process usually worked in the opposite direction (nodule appears in palm, then cords work their way up finger.) Anyone else have similar experience?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
03/05/2012 10:44
spanishbuddha  Administrator
|
03/05/2012 10:44
spanishbuddha Administrator
|
Re: Initial onset MD and ML
Welcome robablo
The MCP joint is the one adjacent to the palm. On the palm side it is often actually a cm. or so below the fingers in the palm and that is where nodules and cords (most) often start. So if that's what you mean it's possibly typical.
However nodules often do arise first between the MCP and PIP joint on the finger, I have one.
I don't know about elsewhere near the end of the fingers, but the disease does not seem to follow any rules for any many people.
There can be many reasons for lumps, swellings, soreness of the hand and fingers. Perhaps you have a joint, ligament or tendon related injury? You really need to see a hand specialist with experience of DD. Not a general physician or orthopaedic doctor but one who treats mostly hands and wrists. They should be able to give you a firm diagnosis.
|
|
|
|
|
03/05/2012 16:58
robablo
|
03/05/2012 16:58
robablo
|
Re: Initial onset MD and ML
spanishbuddha:
Welcome robablo
The MCP joint is the one adjacent to the palm. On the palm side it is often actually a cm. or so below the fingers in the palm and that is where nodules and cords (most) often start. So if that's what you mean it's possibly typical.
However nodules often do arise first between the MCP and PIP joint on the finger, I have one.
I don't know about elsewhere near the end of the fingers, but the disease does not seem to follow any rules for any many people.
There can be many reasons for lumps, swellings, soreness of the hand and fingers. Perhaps you have a joint, ligament or tendon related injury? You really need to see a hand specialist with experience of DD. Not a general physician or orthopaedic doctor but one who treats mostly hands and wrists. They should be able to give you a firm diagnosis.
Thank you.
Both my mother and her father (my maternal grandfather) have DD, so I am assuming that I am in the onset stage. I did go to a hand specialist who says that it is exactly what I have, but he was unable to read my MRI due to it being saved in an incorrect format on a disc. I also have an uncle (again, my mother's brother) with nodules in his foot that appeared 20 years ago, but never progressed thus far.
I sent pictures of both my finger and my foot, along with a synopsis, to Dr. S in Hamburg and he has already replied "Set up an appointment."
If this is indeed what ailment I have, are there any other members who have experience an early onset like myself? If I get the RT and it stops it, great! If not and I have nodules/contractures, will constant maintenance via NA every few years for the rest of my life hopefully keep my hands functional thus eliminating the need for open surgery? Any thoughts?
Very distraught, any insight would be greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
03/06/2012 16:13
lori 
|
03/06/2012 16:13
lori
|
Re: Initial onset MD and ML
"If this is indeed what ailment I have, are there any other members who have experience an early onset like myself."
Hi,
What do you mean by early onset? Age, nodules....?
Lori
|
|
|
|
|
03/07/2012 03:06
robablo
|
03/07/2012 03:06
robablo
|
Re: Initial onset MD and ML
lori:
"If this is indeed what ailment I have, are there any other members who have experience an early onset like myself."
Hi,
What do you mean by early onset? Age, nodules....?
Lori
I am 34 years old.
Nodule started as a hard knot in my PIP joint actually, the 2nd joint down from the top. GP told me it was probably a ganglion cist and that I should smash it with a book. Well 18 months later and a hard cord has now formed and is progressing toward my palm. No nodules at all in my palm though, whole deal is in my finger. See attached photo.
So I go to an ortho who takes an MRI and sends me to hand surgeon. Hand surgeon says that my symptoms with family history mean that 99.9% chance it is Dups. "Nothing we can do except wait for contracture and then operate."
5 days later I am driving down the freeway on a long road trip and my foot is a little achy/itchy. I reach down to rub it and at the apex of my arch there is a pea sized know attached to my tendon. That was 8 days ago and it's now about the size of a small grape. Already becoming noticeable when walking.
Both hands are very achy and itchy, especially in lower palm area where it is padded.
Thanks for any input.
|
|
|
|
|
03/07/2012 03:35
hammer 
|
03/07/2012 03:35
hammer
|
Re: Initial onset MD and ML
DD can sit there for years and bam,like me 4 surgerys in 6 years 4 xiaflex injections in my right hand.Thats my good hand you should see the left.Its in both feet and another ziaflex injection this friday in the right hand.Cant hardly wait to start on the left again then the feet.O well one limb at a time.Mine got pissed off at me for messin with it.Good luck .Dave
|
|
|
|
|
03/07/2012 16:00
flojo
|
03/07/2012 16:00
flojo
|
Re: Initial onset MD and ML
Rabablo,
I had it start mostly in my palm but it went next into my thumb on my right hand. After RT of my whole palm, I had a nodule form above the MCP joint of my little finger and most recently above the MCP joint of my middle finger. Very little contracture.
Left hand is different. Had a cord form in the thumb, web area. Next came a nodule above the MCP joint of my forefinger. No contracture. It is just too weird.
I have had 2 NA procedures on my right hand just to keep ahead of any contracture. I anticipate more NA likely. I'm watching my left hand for any sign of contracture beginning and if so, I'll have RT.
|
|
|
|
|
03/13/2012 03:54
robablo
|
03/13/2012 03:54
robablo
|
Re: Initial onset MD and ML
flojo:
Rabablo,
I had it start mostly in my palm but it went next into my thumb on my right hand. After RT of my whole palm, I had a nodule form above the MCP joint of my little finger and most recently above the MCP joint of my middle finger. Very little contracture.
Left hand is different. Had a cord form in the thumb, web area. Next came a nodule above the MCP joint of my forefinger. No contracture. It is just too weird.
I have had 2 NA procedures on my right hand just to keep ahead of any contracture. I anticipate more NA likely. I'm watching my left hand for any sign of contracture beginning and if so, I'll have RT.
So how far along were you when you received the RT?
I have no contracture whatsoever, but I can feel the cord extending downward toward my palm. I also have the LD in my left foot (confirmed today by my podiatrist via an ultrasound.)
I am considering going to Hamburg next month to see if Dr. S will nuke both areas. Hope I've caught it in time.
|
|
|
|
|
03/13/2012 13:23
callie
|
03/13/2012 13:23
callie
|
Re: Initial onset MD and ML
robablo,
Keep in mind that many people do not reach a contracture stage. Mine was dormant for several years (15 years on my right hand) after reaching the stage you are in.
|
|
|
|
|
03/13/2012 18:24
robablo
|
03/13/2012 18:24
robablo
|
Re: Initial onset MD and ML
callie:
robablo,
Keep in mind that many people do not reach a contracture stage. Mine was dormant for several years (15 years on my right hand) after reaching the stage you are in.
Thanks, Callie.
Unfortunately I'm a pessimist.....always have been. Both my mother and maternal grandfather have this disease and they are permanently disable by it. I can't afford to let that happen, my livelihood depends on my hands to type and my feet to walk. I do both for 10-14 hours per day in order to make a living.
I have to take whatever actions that I can immediately to try and arrest the development of these two diseases. I'm 34, so there's still another 30 +/- years of typing and walking left in my future.
Edited 03/13/12 20:27
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 2
|
| 1 2
|
397 users online
Login
