Hi. I'm a 54 y.o. woman who developed my first nodule 1.5 yrs ago and now have several cords and nodules in my left hand. Significant discomfort in my palm was exacerbated by use as well as wearing my wedding band. Saw a specialist this week for evaluation and to discuss possible RT. I was diagnosed with trigger finger as well as early DD. Received a Cortisone injection at the base of the affected finger and return in 3 weeks for followup appt. This particular MD was not particularly encouraging re. RT for treatment, but was willing to call an in state radiologist and discuss his findings with me.
I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced these 2 afflictions at the same time and what their experience has been?

I've had 4 grafts 2 on each hand. Might I suggest you have you hand surgeon indicate where he intends to do the graft and sketch it out the area on your hand.( No surprises when the dressing is removed) Hope you don't have diabetes. Sometimes the graft on the face of the palm it difficult to take. I had the donor area taken from the top of the groin. Some surgeons take it from the arm or elbow. Be informed . The skin on my grafts is considerably darker than the surrounding skin tissue. One of my grafts takes in the ring and pinky from an area within the palm, below the MCP joint and beyond the PIP joint. Make sure that the web area is not grafted as the scar tissue will reduce the web and restrict the spreading apart of the fingers. The good news is the it stops the disease from progressing in the area. You mention that you have contraction at the MCP joint (next to palm) which would be addressed during the surgery. You must be aware that the healing time is considerable to obtain the full function and strength of your hand.
Regards.

Edited 08/15/14 17:12

I have DD and trigger finger in two fingers; RH index PIP and LH middle finger PIP. I developed the triggers after NA. Both fingers are more severely contracted now so it's time to do something. I'm considering Xiaflex but am not sure if I should try release surgery first. I have considerable discomfort and limited ROM. I also have huge knuckle pads on both PIP joints. I really don't know what to do. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks!

Thanks, Andouille. Did you have your release surgery before or after you had your surgery for DD?

On a separate note I have to say my goniometer has been very helpful in accessing and recording the progression of my DD. My hand surgeon recommended that I wear my brace as much as possible based on the very specific information I provided regarding the angle of my right little finger PIP with the brace on and the brace off. I like knowing my finger angles before surgery so I can assess after surgery if there is any improvement. Of course this info would be helpful for all treatments. It's also good info for no treatments so you can keep track of how the disease is progressing. Heck, even though my left hand DD has returned, my goniometer measurements indicate it is fairly dormant. My surgeon backed off on his skin graft recommendation when I told him my left middle finger DIP joint has been stable at 16 degrees for 6 months, actually improved from 20 degrees in that time period.