I was not treated by Dr. Eaton, but he was a pioneer for us. Thank you, Dr. Eaton!

Dr. Denkler in the San Francisco/Marin County treated my Dupuytren's with NA. He has also been a pioneer in treating DD. In my opinion from my own and others' experience, he is comparable to Dr. Eaton but on the West Coast. I highly recommend him.

It's that dedication and commitment to working with this disease that sets doctors apart. I'm sure there are others besides these two. The many many clinics and doctors who are listed on this website are ahead of time. Just as Luba said, 4 years ago, there were about 6 in the whole country. Patients contacted qualified doctors who live near them and the doctors stepped up to do this for us all.

I am a patient of Dr. Eaton's as well (fly there from the DC metropolitan area), and share the distress that his practice is closing. However, I also wanted to echo the thanks expressed here for all he has done (and hopefully will continue to do!) to move treatment of Dupuytren's forward. He really exemplifies what medical practice should be, but too often is not.

Now to specifics -- I learned that his practice was closing just a few minutes ago, when I called his office to schedule an NA procedure. So now I need a new doctor! I had an NA procedure with Dr. Denkler once and was happy with him, but he is too far for me to travel (I saw him only because I happened to be visiting in the SF Bay Area anyway).

So -- does anyone know of an excellent CHS who is very experienced with NA and who is located either on the East Coast, mid-west, or at least in the eastern half of the country? I am willing to fly to see a really good, experienced doc (these are my hands, after all!), but would like to find someone who is not more than a 2-3 hour flight.

And yes, I have looked at the list on this website -- but I would really like to get a personal recommendation from someone who has seen the doctor, or at least knows others who have.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

Maddie

Tusk:

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Hi Maddie,

You might check out Dr. Pess. I don't know of him other than what I've read. Trained with the same French doctor as Eaton. Very impressive work with NA in New Jersey. You can research him on this link. http://www.centraljerseyhand.com/dupuytr...ure-surgery.htm

ellenpao:

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First let me say that I was one of Dr. Eaton's first NA patients way back when - and considered him my savior from open hand surgery. He is truly one of the most wonderful doctors I have ever encountered. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the work you have done for all of us with this wacky disease. You truly have changed lives.

Maddie - I have had NA (and Xiaflex) with Dr Pess. He is made from the same mold as Dr. Eaton. Caring, knowledgable and capable.

Flnative - You asked "Would please share your experience with Xiaflex? Any comparisons regarding outcomes between NA & Xiaflex? Dr. Eaton did NA in 2009 and I need it again. Local doc said one of my hands would be good Xiaflex candidate and other NA. Thank you kindly!"

I'm really not a great person to ask about Xiaflex. I didn't have a great outcome with it, and had some significant side effects. I posted here about my journey with it. I think if you look under my user name, you should find it.

For now, I'll stick with the NA, and go for tuneups every 50,000 miles or so :)

Edited 10/15/12 20:55