Hi All

My name is Anthony and I’m writing for the first time on this forum (so not sure if this will get through).
I would initially like to thank you all for your informative contributions, especially the regulars with extensive experience and of course Wolfgang as the administrator and great participant.

I have had Ledderhose since about 28 and was operated on at 31 but the nodules grew back almost immediately and on the other foot not long after. I am now 46 and have tried to tolerate it as surgery obviously doesn’t work.
My Dupuytrens started on one hand at about 35 and progressed very slowly until about 40. It then accelerated and I had a fasciectomy on the middle finger and palm at 43. DD then became more aggressive and I now at 46 have more than six nodules and some cords on the small and ring fingers of the same hand. There are also three new nodules on the index finger side of the palm’s scar. My left palm also has three growing nodules in the palm. Just for good measure there are a couple of Garrod’s pads on the right hand pinky and ring fingers. There is only about 5 to 10 degrees contraction on the right hand pinky and ring fingers with none on the left yet.
I’ve been looking into radiotherapy and am currently attempting to communicate with Dr Seegenscmidt in Germany and Dr Borg in Adelaide. I also have an appointment to see Dr Green in three weeks about NA and other surgical options. She is based in Brisbane where I live.
Has anyone got further information about recent options or experiences in Brisbane or elsewhere in Australia? Has anyone who has had experiences that parallel mine (at my age) attempted radiotherapy or NA after the surgery (with any success).
After discovering this site a few weeks ago I believe my best option is to learn from your vast experiences and knowledge. Any ideas?
Cheers
AB

After two years of discussing Dupuytren's Contracture with my GP, being referred to a Specialist (who wanted to wait until it was much worse and then operate), and countless hours of research on the internet, I can happily report that I start my first course of Radiation Therapy next week. The UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) finally declared RT safe as a treatment for DC in November 2010.

Although not much help to you good Aussies, the Specialist treating me is a Dr Richard Schaffer who has two London Clinics, and from my limited experience, comes across as a true professional.

I am scheduled for the standard five doses of 3Gy on consecutive days, which will be repeated in 8 weeks time.

I will attempt to keep this forum appraised of my experiences.

Good luck to all of you fellow sufferers out there in Oz. I spent 3 weeks in Kiama, NSW, in November and loved it!!

Thanks guys
I will certainly follow up on your advice and make contact with Dr Christie here in Brisbane.
It's hard to know whether to just 'bite the bullet' and head to Seegenschmidt in Germany or trust the 'less experienced' options here in Australia. All we can do is communicate with or meet as many specialists as possible and weigh up the options. Certainly is tough when there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer. Age seems to be a crucial factor when considering the choices.
AB

Hi AB, I am also a golf addict (3 or 4 rounds per week) and have often wondered if this is exacerbating the condition, particulary the ring finger on my right hand. However, during my initial interview with Dr Shaffer, his questions tended to focus on my drinking habits, history of DC in the family etc - concluding that I was a prime candidate!!

Anthony:

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Hi Anthony....

I ve had similar experience as you with regards to location for RT.....I live in NZ....after weighing up the pros and cons of treatment here or Germany......I went for Germany......I leave this week......for me there's nothing like previous experience of treating this difficult condition.....it seems that Prof S has this......with data to back it up.....whatever your choices......best of luck to you...

Gary
Thanks guys
I will certainly follow up on your advice and make contact with Dr Christie here in Brisbane.
It's hard to know whether to just 'bite the bullet' and head to Seegenschmidt in Germany or trust the 'less experienced' options here in Australia. All we can do is communicate with or meet as many specialists as possible and weigh up the options. Certainly is tough when there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer. Age seems to be a crucial factor when considering the choices.
AB