New member here. 62 year old white male. I was diagnosed about six weeks ago and am still in the research and learning mode. No other known history in my immediate family, but we are of Scottish heritage, so I guess I fit the profile.

Have a nodule on my right palm between my ring and pinky finger. Originally thought I had injured a tendon in my hand while hitting golf balls. The pain persisted, which convinced me to go see my doctor.

My doctor diagnosed it as DD immediately. Have a constant low-grade ache or burning sensation in my hand. Fingers are a bit stiff, but no contracture as of yet.

My doctor gave me a cortisone injection and suggested I get one every three months or so for now. Other than that, he is suggesting a "wait & see" strategy and doesn't think I need to see a hand surgeon until I start to develop contractures.

I've also noticed that I seem to be dropping things more frequently, though not 100% certain it's related to the DD. I've always been a bit of a klutz anyway.

Hope to learn from the rest of you here. Thanks in advance.

Not going to say that I'm glad to be here, but it is what it is....

Mark

Thanks, econn.

I had carpal tunnel surgery a number of years ago, and don't relish the thought of hand surgery again anytime soon. I'm hoping for slow progression, but am trying to educate myself about treatment alternatives if necessary.

At this point the Dupuytren's is more annoying than anything else.

Mark

Mark,
I second everything that everyone has said so far. Research and wait and see. I just had the Xiaflex procedure done on the PIP joint of my pinkie today and so far am very pleased with the result. Of course, it's too soon to tell the long term effects but as a first go round, this would be my recommendation.

The disease is so fickle and so varying that it's hard to predict what will be the best for you. My doctor advised no treatment if the effect is at the base of the fingers and Xiaflex as the first attempt at straightening if the curvature is at the PIP joint (knuckle) as it is in my case. Other treatments can then be tried if Xiaflex is unsuccessful. (It has a 60% record of complete straightening and an 80% record of partial straightening which are pretty good odds in my opinion. The downside is possible nerve damage -rare- or tendon damage depending where your cord is.)

Let us know how you're doing and if you have questions. And be sure to stay in touch with this forum. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive to me.

Mel