| 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's |
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10/17/2011 03:02
IJ300 
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10/17/2011 03:02
IJ300
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24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
I noticed a couple of nodules forming in both my left and right hands right at the base of my ring fingers. They are in the same spot but the nodule in my left hand is worse than the one in my right. I have no contracture, no pits, and no cords, yet. I went to see a hand specialist last week and he told me to "live my life," because he didn't want to diagnose me with anything yet. When he first felt my hands he started talking about dupuytren's, but said that it could also be a cyst, a malignant tumor, or a benign tumor. I don't know what to do at this point, I know it's suppose to be aggressive at my age. I've heard really good things about radiation therapy but I don't have insurance. My question is, could this be anything besides dupuytren's? Is it likely that dupuytren's will form nodules in the exact same spot in both my hands?
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10/17/2011 03:24
callie 
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10/17/2011 03:24
callie
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Re: 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
I think your hand specialist gave you good advice. Just be vigilant. If it is Dupuytren's, some people go their entire life with just the nodules and nothing worse.
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10/17/2011 08:40
Cyclist
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10/17/2011 08:40
Cyclist
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Re: 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
Hi IJ
Did the hand specialist refer you for an ultrasound to find out exactly what you're dealing with? That would be the first logical step before getting on and living your life. I had a nodule form in the same spot on each foot at exactly the same time, so I would think it's possible in hands. Hopefully your nodules will lie dormant for a few years like mine did.
My advice would be to learn everything you can about the condition and work out a specific treatment plan so you are ready to act quickly when the nodules do start to advance (which might be years), because you can get functional impairment in a very short space of time. Radiation treatment was very successful for me, but you need to work out what is right for you.
Good luck!
Di
IJ300:
I noticed a couple of nodules forming in both my left and right hands right at the base of my ring fingers. They are in the same spot but the nodule in my left hand is worse than the one in my right. I have no contracture, no pits, and no cords, yet. I went to see a hand specialist last week and he told me to "live my life," because he didn't want to diagnose me with anything yet. When he first felt my hands he started talking about dupuytren's, but said that it could also be a cyst, a malignant tumor, or a benign tumor. I don't know what to do at this point, I know it's suppose to be aggressive at my age. I've heard really good things about radiation therapy but I don't have insurance. My question is, could this be anything besides dupuytren's? Is it likely that dupuytren's will form nodules in the exact same spot in both my hands?
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10/17/2011 09:32
spanishbuddha  Administrator
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10/17/2011 09:32
spanishbuddha Administrator
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Re: 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
I agree with the advice given by others.
It may not be Dupuytren's if the hand specialist was not able to give you a clear diagnosis.
Perhaps keep a photo log, mothly or less frequently to keep track of changes.
Even if it is Dupuytren's many people do not develop a contraction, or slowly and there are positive outcomes for early treatment it it does start developing.
Look after your hands. Lots of padding in the palm when using tools, cycling, rowing, golf, tennis, etc. Avoid the known risk factors. Otherwise get on with and enjoy your life.
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10/18/2011 22:20
IJ300
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10/18/2011 22:20
IJ300
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Re: 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
Thanks for the responses guys. No, I didn't have an ultrasound done. He did offer to take an MRI, which I refused. I started taking photos of my hands every 2 weeks to see how fast it's progressing. I'm just worried because I'm very active and practically live in the gym, it's going to be hard to let go of something that I truly love to do if my hands get any worse.
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10/19/2011 02:20
Cyclist
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10/19/2011 02:20
Cyclist
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Re: 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
Hi IJ
You really should have an ultrasound or MRI to get a definitive diagnosis as there are some conditions that appear similar but are more serious (malignant rather than benign). If it's Dups you can stay active, no matter what with some modification provided you have it treated early. Have a look around the forum for members' stories about how they manage this
Take care
Di
IJ300:
Thanks for the responses guys. No, I didn't have an ultrasound done. He did offer to take an MRI, which I refused. I started taking photos of my hands every 2 weeks to see how fast it's progressing. I'm just worried because I'm very active and practically live in the gym, it's going to be hard to let go of something that I truly love to do if my hands get any worse.
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10/26/2011 03:04
stephenp 
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10/26/2011 03:04
stephenp
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Re: 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
I too encourage you to get a confirmed diagnosis than get to know your hands well. I had nodules for about 5-10 years with not much happening than the disease started to get more active with aching, pain when stretching, tingling and numbness in one finger. If this or similar type of symptoms develop, seek treatment before contraction develop.
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10/26/2011 06:07
IJ300
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10/26/2011 06:07
IJ300
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Re: 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
Once again, I appreciate the advice. I would get an MRI or an Ultrasound done but I'm not sure if I can afford it without insurance. Currently, I'm saving my money just in case I have to take a trip to Germany to get RT done. However, I'm not too sure how all this will pan out. Is it possible for me to e-mail prof Seegenschmiedt then ask him if he is willing to diagnose then treat me even if I'm not sure if it's Dupuytren's or not? I just don't want to spend thousands of dollars on an MRI when I could fly to Germany and get diagnosed and then possibly get treated if it does turn out to be Dupuytren's.
Here are some photos of my left hand. I also have small lumps in my right hand but it's difficult to see in the pictures.
I have a nodule about an inch under the ring finger, then a smaller one right above it (they're basically connected). It's also in the same area of my right hand. What do you guys think?
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10/26/2011 07:16
Cyclist
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10/26/2011 07:16
Cyclist
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Re: 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
Hi IJ
An ultrasound is a much cheaper option than an MRI so you could check out affordability.
Take care
Di
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10/26/2011 15:07
sorefeet 
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10/26/2011 15:07
sorefeet
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Re: 24 years old and showing signs of dupuytren's
It looks a lot like mine-and no matter what you call it ,is a build up of tissue. ARE YOU A Viking?lol (sorry) I would keep some lotion on the dry 1s so they don't get worse and break the skins surface. I use a small ultrasound machine i bought on ebay for i think $89 & just started some FV =Verapamil & Flurbiprofen and i'm starting to get better. Sorry yours started so soon-i was 38 when mine started..Goodluck
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