I am a 56 year old female with onset DC. I have a pea size nodule that is constantly sore as is the tendon below it. My finger has yet to contract. The Ortho specialist I went to basically said to wait until I couldn't straighten my fingers anymore then he would do surgery. Well what do I do in the meantime? I am ambedextric and use my left hand alot and it is really sore most of the time. I would think that surgery before it gets that bad would help but I really don't know much about it.

Thanks Callie
I thought it was a ganglion cyst too but the Ortho said it was DC sooooo.... I also have carpel tunnel and arthritis in my hands
(I use my hands a lot) Well I guess I will wait and see and in the mean time soak my hands a lot!!

Hi Australia Calling,
Consider Radiotherapy .It works best in the early stages ,prior to any contraction ,to stop the progression. Some patients record they noticed Dupuytrens shortly after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Click on the left margin- Radiation therapy and read the literature. Avoid Surgery if you can. Regards

You might also want to read the articles on this web site. The left menu explains details of our disease and therapy options. Many of the submenus also include a literature list with links. It might take some tiome to read it but it's worth the effort.

Wolfgang

Edited 04/09/09 14:11

I noticed a nodule on my right palm when I was 69 years old and it was diagnosed as DC. After about a year and a half, it had progressed to multiple nodules, some cording and Stage 1 contracture of my pinkie and thumb but never any pain. I was ready to do something.

I researched everything everywhere and found the most helpful info on the various links on this great website. I decided to get NA by Dr. Denkler which was about 3 weeks ago. It took him about 20 minutes. Afterwards, I drove myself for about 40 minutes to my son's house. I kept it elevated for 3 days, kept Bacitracin on the needle punctures for 10 days and that's it. I never had any swelling nor pain. I'm a happy camper.

I expect it to continue to progress and need something done sooner or later. That's just the nature of this beast. I am considering radiation therapy as it supposedly slows or stops the progression. Or, I may wait for collagenase/Xiaflex which is suppose to come out in 2010. I also would not hesitate a minute about getting NA again. I am staying on top of DC with alternative therapies to avoid surgery.

As others have said, I think you have time. Compared to what I've read, mine may be slower progressing than other people have experienced.

Hang in there!