| severe dupuytren answer |
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08/04/2009 13:10
lori 
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08/04/2009 13:10
lori
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severe dupuytren answer
Dear srp72,
When I developed DC it came on quick and with a lot of pain. Mine developed from a sore spot on my palm to a hard nodule in 3-4 months, had a cord develop within the next 2 months. I had constant pain. My nodule, hand and arm ached. Kept me up at night. I thought when I only had the nodule that I had a cyst or had pinched my hand. It was the pain that sent me to the doctor. She did not know what I had and referred me to a hand surgeon. By the time I got in to see him I had developed a cord.
The surgeon only advised me to come see him "when I couldn't take it anymore" and had enough contracture to do surgery. I then when online and found this wonderful site and realized there were other alternatives than waiting until I needed surgery.
I started radiation therapy last month and go for my next round the week of 8/17th. My nodule and cord have been reduced dramatically since the first round of RT. I now understand what others on the forum mean when they said after RT that their nodule appeared softer. Mine is softer and not as hard. It is amazing.
I still have pain when I over use my hand, work extensively on the computer, etc.. I still have shoulder and arm pain, but I believe it is because I am having to use different fingers and holding my arm differently that is causing that.
Others on this forum have had pain and fast growing DC.
You are not alone.
Lori
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08/04/2009 13:46
srp72 
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08/04/2009 13:46
srp72
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Re: severe dupuytren answer
Thank you Lori for your quick reply, i was not aware that radio therepy was used for this condition and that it can help reduce the size of the noduals.
I am trying to avoid surgery again for as long as i can as you can only operate so many times on one area. They used a skin graft the last time to help give more movement to the finger.
My biggest worry is when my condition effects my work, as writting and driving already cause some pain.
Again thanks for your reply, i will investigate this further with my GP.
ps. Hope you are not in too much pain!
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08/04/2009 14:40
Diana 
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08/04/2009 14:40
Diana
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Re: severe dupuytren answer
I'm bummed. I had radiation therapy the same week you did Lori, July 6-10, and cannot tell a difference at all except that sometimes the irradiated area seems hotter! (Probably the skin is more sensitive).
I also may be developing a new nodule near my index finger but don't know for sure. This area was not in the radiation area however.
I'm hoping that the RT has stopped the growth but got my hopes up after reading posts that there would be a reduction in the size of the nodule/chord. Because both you and Flora have had reduction in size I'm wondering if I'm one of those people in the non-affected group. I guess time will tell.
Perhaps the 2nd week of treatment will cause my nodule/chord to decrease in size. I do have to say that even if it doesn't, as long as it doesn't keep progressing I will consider the treatment to be a success.
Diana
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08/04/2009 15:15
lori
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08/04/2009 15:15
lori
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Re: severe dupuytren answer
Diana,
I know how you are feeling. Flora's was almost like an immediate reduction. Dr. C. told me that reduction would be a gift. He said not to plan on it. Mine did not start to reduce in size until the last week or so. I was shocked! I am thankful it reduced but really could care less if it did. All I care about is stopping the growth and spread of it.
I feel like I am constantly checking my hand, my left hand and now my feet after reading about so many others getting it there. At least your HMO will pay for it. You can zap a little here, zap a little there.... I am scared to death of another nodule starting and having to pay for RT again.
Hang in there!!!
Lori
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