I have Dupuytren's stage N-0. Lump, Cord, no contracture. http://kineoptics.com/stuff.html

I have seen a local hand Dr. and was told to wait until it was bad and surgery would be the option. Never mentioned NA or radiation.

Dr. Kline in Eastern Oregon was contacted and we spoke at length on my Dupuytrens and he recommended radiation after seeing pictures of my hand. I have not seen him yet as he is 8 hours away. I also have not been able to contact him in two weeks. Has anyone contacted Dr. Kline recently? I do feel he will give me a referral and will be able to visit him if needed but if he is not available, I have to look elsewhere.

So I proceeded in reverse and contacted our local cancer center and started the process of investigating radiation. The Dr. was very helpful and started to gather information on treating Dupuytrens with radiation. They felt OK about it and then checked my insurance, which, up to this point, it will be covered. But now they need a referral.

So, a call was made to the original local hand Dr. and talked to the assistant about getting a referral. They called back today and said the Dr. would like me to come in for another appointment. I asked whether this was for a referral for radiation and they said no, the Dr. just wants to talk about it. I then responded that I could not take two hours and spend $150.00 just to try to be talked out of radiation. That was all they had to say, "come in again to talk to the Dr".

So.... Does any one know of a Dr. in the Seattle / Tacoma area that would give a referral for radiation?

I am still not 100% certain of getting radiation as I am still researching it. But so far, all indications are that radiation is a safe effective procedure.

Maybe I'll go get my Dupuytren's palm read. I'm sure that lump will say, "Much trouble with doctors, my future holds!".

Hi Joe,

Sorry I can't help with a referral, but could you send me the contact info for Dr. Kline? Where in Oregon is his practice.

BTW, I have Dupuytren's very similar to yours (based on your pics) and I am also leaning towards Radiation therapy versus waiting for it to get worse, although I am still leery of the longterm consequences or unforseen consequences.

Thanks and good luck,

Ethan

you don't have to have a referral from your surgeon. It can be from your internist or family physician.

Most of them have a line on their phone line tree for referrals. And today some of them have web site and e-mail addresses that may let you avoid a visit. In larger practices if a visit is needed it can be with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

Keep trying

Colleen