I'm really getting scared about my DC. It started nearly 20 years ago in the ring finger of my RH and took more than 15 years to progress to a 40% contracture in my MCP joint. I had NA on that finger 3 years ago with Dr. Eaton and was quite pleased. It took nearly 3 years for it to contract again and I got into the collagenase trial and once again it got corrected.

In the meantime-- just in the last 3-6 months-- I now have extremely aggressive disease-- all of my fingers are now involved-- the other 3 fingers on my RH- this time PIP joint , and all 4 fingers on my left hand, PIP joints with multiple lumps on my palm and skin tethers, several lumps on each of my fingers, contractions and bent fingers beginning. I'm really scared about this especially since it's the PIP joint instead of MCP.

Has anyone had disease this aggressive in this short a time (I'm female, 65)? I've been told not to let the PIP joint go as long and to get it fixed at 20 or even 15 degrees. Any advice, suggestions, etc. will be welcome. Radiotherapy?

I do have a theory about what happened, who knows if it's true. In looking back, I got DC in my RH two decades ago not long after I had spent a week removing ceramic tile from a floor using a chisel which dug into the palm of my right hand. I think that's what brought it on early. I think what I'm having now is just a super agrressive disease.

I only had the trial in my right hand and it got worse BUT since my left hand has gotten worse also, I don't think I can blame it on the trial?

Your doctor link didn't come through. I had my original NA with Dr. Eaton and recently consulted with Dr. Denkler who is nearby. Thanks for your concern, Sandie