Hi.

I was diagnosed with Dupuytren's In October of 2011. What I thought was severe arthritis turned out to be the dreaded disease. On October 13, 2011, I had surgery on my right pinky. I am a 47 year old female.

My surgeon was recommended by a friend. He is not the warmest guy, but skilled at hand surgery. I am please with the results, although I produced a great amount of scar tissue and see it bending back. I went to therapy religiously and wear my brace EVERY night. He is not an advocate for injection as he has seen many cases producing tendon damage.

I just noticed a nodule (or what I think is a nodule) on my left middle finger. It came on really fast - just a few weeks. I called my Dr.'s office to get some advice as to whether or not I should see him. His staff was less than compassionate and just said, "It's your call". I am not even sure it is Dupuytren's. I have done a lot of research but still could use some guidance. All the studies indicate that I will have a rough time with the disease as I am under 50, it started in the finger (not the palm) and inherited it.

I vasilate from RELIEVED (that I don't have a disease like cancer) to SCARED (dreading a future with mangled hands)! I guess people just don't understand what an impact this can have. I stare at my hands almost obsessively hoping not to find signs of the disease.

I would really appreciate some kind words and/or advice on how to handle life with this disease. I am NOT pitying myself, but looking for anyone that can understand how I feel and share some experiences.

Thank you!

pattycake806

Welcome to the club patty, although I'm sure that's not what you want to hear.

Have a good read through the website and forum and see if the are any risk factors you can reduce or eliminate.

You have not stated the details but surgery so soon after diagnosis seems strange. Did you have advanced contraction?

Many on here would not advocate surgery in the early stages, as the risk with someone who has Dupuytrens is that unless a full removal and skin graft is done you could just make the condition worse. There are risks with all the treatment options and they are described on the site and many on this forum have provided their own personal experience.

There are alternative treatments for early stages. With no contracture there's the possibility it will stabilise or slow down. Read through the options under Treatments for the different stages, especially the early ones and seek a surgeon and doctor who can advise the appropriate treatment for your stage if it's needed. Be ready to argue with the doctor or surgeon using the knowledge gleaned here, then make a choice.

Take heart, it could be worse as you say, and many live with and manage the condition quite successfully for many years. I too am quite new to the condition and also fret about it, but try to stay positive and informed.

Read my post under "Radiation Therapy advice needed" that I just sent. I had 2 alternative treatments, NA and RT, for early Dupuytren's and briefly tell about it in my post.

I agree with the others who say research all you can. You can come back with specific questions. People will help but ultimately you have to decide what is best for you.