Thank you all for the above comments. Three weeks ago i had the Xiaflex proceedure on my right hand little finger. Not as bad as many of you indicated--about 30 degrees I would guess. Surprise- the Xiaflex representative was at the doctors office and photographed the total proceedure. Apparently my doctor is doing some kind of seminar on Dupuytrens In Washington DC area and they wanted photos. Previoulsy I had the NA on the finger next to it...cant say that is so good and dont think i wil do that again. The Xiaflex proceedure is too early to say... but I'll let you know. I will say the swelling and the reocery was abit better than expected..but damn those needles. Neither proceedure is a walk in the park and I frankly cant understand why radiation or laser isnt being used...but nobody wants to say, although I understand the Germans are using radiation. Given what I hear surgery is out unless its severe case.

After seeing the Xiaflex rep --I'm more convinced nobody really knows and all of this needle stuff is cutting edge stuff, its only come to the front in the last year or so--- hopefully before I die they come up with something better - I'm 73 next week so they better hurry.
Eastwind

I certainly concur about the wealth of information on this site. I learned so much about this from researching on this site and going to many of the links. Radiation therapy is not an option where I live right now---it is surgery or the injection. I will be honest and say that the injection for me was VERY painful, and I'm not looking forward to the second one this week. My doctor was very surprised---said most patients are only mildly bothered by it. The rupturing of the cord was not a problem at all. Splinting the finger at night was bothersome since I'm a terrible sleeper anyways, so I managed that by splinting during the day rather than at night. I also did the stretching a lot. Both of my hands are very disfigured because of this---at 64 I have the hands of a much older person, but they continue to be functional, and to me that's all that matters. I also hope to be able to stay ahead of it, and I am very proactive as far as researching, etc. I also think that everyone has "something," and if this is my "something," I can deal with it. I only wish that there were local folks around who I could talk with. With the HIPA laws of today, my doctor can't tell me anyone.
Marilyn

I had the second shot a week ago today. It didn't seem as painful as the first, but that could have been because I knew what to expect. That night I heard a pop, and I knew one of the tendons had let loose. YAY!!!! However, by the time I arrived at the doctor's office the next morning (18 hours post shot and about 10 hours post popping), the biggest blister I'd ever seen had formed on my pinky. It "exploded" during the manipulation (I had plenty of medication so felt nothing). Other than a mess, I now sported an open wound. I've been back to the doctor's office twice since to redress it, and now I'm on my own to do that for the next few weeks. The good news is it does seem like the pinky is straight, although it is so swollen and black and blue it's hard to know for sure. Below the second knuckle is all raw and open still, too. I go back in two weeks. In the meantime, I'm supposed to start moving it, which is hard to do because of the open wound, change the dressing daily and add the splint at night. I have to try to keep it dry, although the doctor said I could get it wet in the shower, but quite frankly it is so raw I hesitate to do that, and have been covering it. The doctor says this happens often (the blister and subsequent wound), and I know that to be so because of some of the postings I've read. I am hoping it will start to heal soon. I'm pleased at the apparent success, but a little worried because it is so difficult to stretch and straighten it right now.

Marilyn

EdK:

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I'm going for my first xiaflex injection on July 27th. I have a 90 degree contracture of my left ring finger. It's been getting progressively worse for about 4 years since I first noticed it. I had thought maybe I had arthritis, but my Dr. told me about Dupuytren's.

If anyone thinks I'm not too far along for radiation to help, please let me know. It's not too late for me to cancel the injection. From the little I've read about radiation, my condition is too far along. Thanks!

Does anyone know anything about enzymes such as neprinol and dmso/vitamin e oil to spread on hand for helping D?
Thanks,
cureall