moby:

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My hand has bothering me for a year and 10 months now.

I feel like I'm invading this site because I don't think I have Dupuytren's but I came across this site and was inspired by the amount of information.

I had an injury to my right ring finger for a year and 10 months now. I don't know what exactly the diagnosis is because I feel like I'm not getting help. I was told initially it could be fractured but it wasn't for certain. My finger is not improving but becoming worse. I did see one plastic surgeon (waited about a year) but the appt lasted maybe two minutes... let's just say I left with no information or help in my opinion.

I've gone to physio (about one year of both professional and exercising at home myself),ultrasound, compression stockings, cortisone. My symptoms are not improving, becoming worse, other symptoms cropping up.

I'm looking for a hand surgeon who deals with hand, wrist, searching online and came across Dr. Peter Gropper.

I'm willing to go to a private clinic.

Has anyone here been to this doctor? Bedside manners?

I think on the site it said the miniumum amount of time of the appt is a half hour. Does the cost of the appt include xray?

I'm guessing there isn't too many private clinics in Canada with hand surgeons?

Thanks for your help! :)

Interesting, thanks for the update. Sounds like maybe something has healed in the wrong place, could be bone spur, joint capsule, bursitis, tendon, ligament...etc.. Good luck in finding an experienced hand physician, maybe an MRI will help the diagnosis.

I do not have Dupuytren either, I actually stumbled onto this site and your question by accident. I have been a patient of Dr. Groppers for 6 yrs now. He is an excellent surgeon and very knowledgable, he is very well known in his feild. For sure go and see him...feel him out for yourself, if you don't like him don't go back. I guarantee you will definatly be impressed. One of the things i like about him is he uses all the latest techniques and he continually educates himself. He's not complacent and cocky like some of the older Dr's who are stuck in the old days. Oh yeah....and another thing, he is not at all judgemental.I did not see him at his private clinic, I saw him at his hospital clinic at UBC. The wait list for the hosp clinic is max 2 months and you do get an xray or whatever else is nessesary. Like I said I have never been to his private clinic but his secretary told me the wait list is much shorter, and I would imagine that you definataly would get the a high end treatment seeing that you have to pay (ask first) He is a very good Dr. Your not going to walk out sctatching your head in frustration. I went through that too in the past before I found Dr. Gropper. Hope it helps!!

Edited 03/23/11 05:13

Thank you everyone for your input!

I've had a few bad experiences with plastic surgeons so I tend to be leery. There is more to my story besides the ball hitting my finger. I also have hand problems due to being a a victim (now survivor) of domestic abuse and the judgment that sometimes comes with it (yes few doctors have blamed me).

Two month referral waiting time is not bad at all. I just have trouble getting referrals through my gp. But if I do it that way it would be cheaper. If I run into problems I will go the private way.

I was told by one doctor that if he operates on my finger chances are it would come out worse as in permanently straight.

I feel stuck. It's been going on for too long and I'm actually tired of waiting. My right hand is my dominant one, my problem reminds me of my past and I just want some healing done at least physically.

Thanks for writing about Dr.Gropper. I think he is someone I will make an appt to see.

There is also another doctor in the USA willing to treat me. He said he has surgical techniques that would help and not worsen the finger.But I think I will try the Canadian route (Dr. Gropper) first.

My family (parents, older brother) are not very supportive of me getting help but I need my hand to function for everyday life.

^Thanks! I appreciate it!^

Update..

I phoned Dr.Groppers office at the hospital with regards to the referral process.His office assistant asked what type of hand problem, I mentioned finger and no definite diagnosis yet.She said he sees patients with carpal tunnel, trigger finger at the hospital. I would need to see him at the private clinic because he would have more time (30 to 60 min) to diagnose.

I also contacted Dr. Binhammer's office. His waiting list is long and not accepting new patients right now.

So I will need to start saving money for the trip to BC. I will have enough for transportation, consultation and accommodation for three to four days. If I need surgery I have no idea of the cost until I have the consult. I don't have alot of money so maybe I'll have to hold some yard sales etc lol.


I think someone mentioned Dr. Gropper keeps up with new surgical techniques?? That is what I'm looking for.

The last surgeon I saw was a plastic surgeon who felt my finger may become worse if he operates.
From my understanding they do both cosmetic and reconstructive (hands,burns etc).

Nothing against plastic surgeons, but I'm wondering if it's better to see a hand surgeon because they only deals with this part of the body. Maybe more techniques?

Edited 04/09/11 23:13