I just made an appt. with Dr. John Mahoney in Peoria, IL to have NA. I have about 30% contracture and a nodule on my PIP joint of one little finger, and my ring finger is being pulled in. I also have nodules and cords in my palm. I went to a hand surgeon who poo-pooed NA because they're "going in blind" but after reading here I think it's what I need to do.

Now that I've made the appointment I'm getting kind of nervous about it. Not the pain or anything, but just actually doing it. I'm really hoping it will help since my DC has progressed pretty rapidly, and I can tell I'm starting to lose some function in my little finger.

I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thank you for your encouragement! I guess I'm just hoping I'm choosing the right course, which I think I am from the research I've done on this site.

Is it realistic to expect to be able to drive 3 hours after the NA (the operation is on my left hand)? The nurse says it is, but if I need to keep my hand up and have ice on it or something I'm going to have to get someone to drive me home!

HAD NA WITH DR. EATON YESTERDAY..ALL WENT WELL. HE IS CLASS ACT.
HAD DUPS IN LITTLE FINGER 9O DEGREE....NOW ABOUT 2O DEGREES..N.A. IS A SMART AND BEST MOVE.
I WOULD NOT HAVE O.S. NO MATTER WHAT

You can drive after NA if you must but it's best (easier) to have someone else drive. You do need to keep your hand raised and ideally keep it iced as well. In my case, 1 hour cab ride to the airport, followed by a 1-2 hour airplane trip and 60 minute cab ride back home. Kept my hand elevated but not iced until I arrived home. Having NA dome was one of the best decisions I ever made.