Hi, I'm new to this forum but not to Dupuytren's. I'm 23 now, female, I was 17 at first diagnosis. My first nodule was at the base of my left thumb, it was painful and itchy at times. I went to a hand specialist who recommended removal of the "mass," and so I had surgery, after which I was diagnosed with Dupuytren's. Following the surgery, I quickly had a recurrence. My left thumb is now contracted about 50 degrees. I have pain whenever there is any strain on it, and sometimes randomly. Within the past couple of weeks, I started having pain at the base of my right thumb, the same kind of pain I experienced when the nodule in my left hand was forming. Though I can't feel any obvious nodules yet, I am worried. If I do develop another contracture, I don't think surgery is a good option for me since I had such an aggressive recurrence last time. I am young and worried about the potential impact this disease may have on my career especially with it's presentation in my thumbs (currently a dog groomer, in school to be a programmer). Are there any good specialists in NJ/Philly area?

Hi acissej

Did you see the list of doctors performing NA in the NY area on the treatment page:
http://www.dupuytren-online.info/NA_list_North_America.html. You might find a doctor from amongst them or referral. Xiaflex or NA might help with the thumb contracture, and can be repeated.

if you were younger then RT might be an option for a phase of active growing nodules, but it does not sound like the time is right, and your relative youth may preclude that. Worth asking about though since RT has been done in aggressive cases before on young people.

Dog grooming and excessive use of computer mouse are activities that can cause RSI, tendinitis, and may aggravate any predisposition to DD. I would seek out ways to improve the comfort when doing those activities.

Best wishes
SB

Edited 10/12/14 09:48

Thank you for your responses.

Central Jersey Hand Surgery is actually where I was originally misdiagnosed. I had seen Dr. Decker, though, not Dr. Pess. After he performed the surgery and biopsy, Dr. Decker actually blamed his misdiagnosis on me because "a Dupuytren's nodule wouldn't cause the pain you reported." So I'm a little reluctant to go back, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to see Dr. Pess.

The idea of RT is a bit off-putting to me. I have family members who've received RT for cancer treatment, and I don't think I would choose it even if I did have cancer. I am interested in NA or other treatment, though.

How early can doctors detect a nodule forming on scans?

I will definitely take your advice about keeping a record of my symptoms, and I made an appointment with Dr. Pess. Thanks.

Hi being only 23yrs of age ,I would not like my daughter to undergo RT ,even though there is no comparison to the dose rate used in the treatment of cancer. I've had RT both for Dups and Ledderhose. Having had surgery to your right thumb it may be difficult to carry out PNF .( called NA in US.)
Dr Meinel in Germany has had good results with patients only wearing a night splint to reduce the contraction . Dupuytren's in the thumb is not the norm.I have had many surgeries including both thumbs. Should your only option be surgery for the thumb I would consider a skin graft .(I've had four grafts.) The disease has not progressed in my fingers or thumbs after the graft. Should you wish contact me through the private message supplying your email and I can send you some photos of splints made for me by Dr Meinel. (Index fingers) Regards.

Edited 10/17/14 22:05