Hi, first time here.
Noticed the 'lumps' on my left index finger about 7-8 years ago (I'm male, 77 y/o). Finally asked my doctor about it maybe 4-5 years ago as the contracture increased. The M.D. only knew & explained the painful surgery and lengthy
recovery.. Not mentioning the name.
About a month ago, noticed a 'info-ad' in a newspaper where it was well described - and given a name. Emailed my doctor and she came through with a referral. Meanwhile, with the name, I was able to Google much information about this as well as images.. Never realized how bad it could get.
I was concerned with the cost per shot, wondering how many were needed and the amount of pain (if any) was associated.

I'm in Portland OR. and my doctor recommended Dr. Geoffrey Buncke here in Portland. He just spent nearly an hour explaining the cause and treatment along with many color illustrations of the hand and all the layers. He's also a Plastic Surgeon with 30 years experience, 22 as surgeon. He explained that they drug, Axiflex, got on the market in 2010 and he was involved in the trials back in 2007 & 2008. He's only done 15 Axiflex procedures for Dupuytren's, but is very familiar with the 'needle' method as well as the surgery, but strongly recommended the Axiflex shot for it's simplicity and ease of cure.

I've been looking for feedback from people that had the Axiflex shot(s) and their experiences. There may be experiences here, but hadn't found them with a quick look..
I'm sure I'll be going though with it but am waiting on what (& if) insurance covers. I will return with my own experiences after

Bob K.

I believe you are referring to Xiaflex, a collaganase enzyme developed by Auxilium. I had the Xiaflex procedure done on my left hand about 3 months ago and am extremely pleased with the outcome. I am 70 years old and my contracture has developed slowly over the past 20+ years to the point where my fingers were curling badly. My reg doc referred me to a plastic surgeon, also a hand specialist and who performs all surgeries, NA and collaganase injections. His recommendation was Xiaflex for my situation. He has done about 30 of these, all with good results. Most of the cost was provided by Healthwell Foundation, I believe I ended up with about $80 out-of-pocket. I am in the Salem Oregon area and the procedure was done by Dr Kieth Neaman in Salem if you would like a second opinion. My right hand is starting to get nodules so if I live long enough for cords to develop, I will definitely consider Xiaflex, unless something better is developed by then. There is no cure for DC, only procedures to temporarily sever the cords until they regrow.....

BTW, there is a facebook group with lots of good info, pictures and comments from fellow DD sufferers.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/51708658...p_comment_reply

Edited 10/18/14 05:24