If money and time are not an issue, is it better to travel to Germany and have radiation with Dr. S because of his experience even though it is available in the USA?

There are doctors in the USA who have experience but not as much as Dr. S. It is hard for patients to judge whether the doctor in USA is finding all of the nodules and cords to include in the radiation field and if it is the right time to do the treatment. I understand the machine and protocols are the same. It would be more convenient to stay in the USA, but we only get one chance (sometimes a pretreatment can be done for recurrence) to get it right. I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on whether to have radiation in Germany with Dr. S or in the USA?

Thank you.

Depending where you are located and how you are insured, Hamburg might still be a good choice if money is an issue, E.g. RT in the USA is much more expensive than in Germany. If you have to pay for it out of your own pocket then the travel expenses are easily amortized.

Wolfgang

spanishbuddha:

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... If money were no object you said, I think I would choose Hamburg. Otherwise I would do, as you are doing, some research to help the local inexperienced with DD doctors cover the same bases.

Edited 07/08/16 09:24

Hi back in 2007 Radiotherapy used in the treatment of Dupuytren's was limited to say the least in countries like Australia and the US. I found that in Australia the Oncologist were prepared to 'give it a go', but I decided not to be the 'Bunny" and travelled to Germany , where I met Prof Seegenschmiedt then in Essen Germany. He had never seen a patient, who had had some much surgery for Duputrens's Disease. I made the appointment ,whilst in Australia really not knowing what to expect. I found the Prof. to be well versed in English and went out of his way to help me. Great guy.! After the consult ,he organized for me to visit a nearby hospital specializing in hands , that day, where I was able to get a second opinion from a hand specialist due to the fact that I had had surgery some 6 weeks previous. I returned to his office, later that day where he arranged for me to commence treatment the next day.I have never received this type of service anywhere before. He personally supervised the initial treatment, which made me feel very much at ease.
At the time I had read a positing some US citizens were being charged up to $26,000 US for the treatment. In Australia it would not have cost anything , as the procedure is covered by the universal health system . (Medicare.) I was fortunate enough to have the funds to have the treatment in Germany and enjoy the scenery ,food etc. If you are able to afford the trip you will enjoy Germany.

Edited 07/08/16 20:05

onetopmom:

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I just finished my 1st round of R/T today in Jacksonville fl with Dr Ackerman. Everything was great he did MRI of both hands and it showed more nodules that you could not see or feel. My hands feel great today will see next week He has treated many patients with dupuytrens and his staff are well educated on the disease. I also feel that I have ledderhose in both feet and are just watching them at this time no nodules just that burning tingling sensation. I am very blessed that my insurance is paying for the R/T will return in 10-12 weeks for second round.So glad I made this very hard decision in my life 😊

RT (or any other currently available treatment) won't be able to cure Dupuytren's and recurrence is always a possibility. If you have recurrence in the irradiated area then it's bad luck because usually you can irradiate a specific area for Duüuytren's only once in your lifetime. Having said this, some docotors offer a 2nd treatment with 1/2 the original dose but only a a few will do that because it increases the risk of developing cancer in the irradiated area. Luckily enough the hand is not very sensitive to developing cancer.

Wolfgang

blackcobra440:

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... I think if I had treatment in the US and had a recurrence I would wonder if it would have happened if Prof S. did the treatment. Thank you again for helping me deal with this disease.