Hi everyone, I found this forum by searching/trawling through the internet. I must say it is a fantastic resource, which is clearly laid out and very easy to navigate.

I come to this forum having just been diagnosed with Dupuytren in my right hand, I suspect I got it from the intensive manual work I have done renovating a very large house. I have two nodules that have developed since the start of 2011, these are growing and active. The give off a dull ache and at times are a little bit of an irritation. (I know from reading this forum that many have much worse conditions).

I live in France, although I am English, and my one and only visit to the doctor to discuss this problem (a couple of weeks ago) she said straight away that NA was the way to go. So I came away knowing nothing other than this recommendation. However now having found much more information I am going back this afternoon to ask about radiiotherapy.

I have already been in touch with clinics in both the UK and Germany. The UK have quoted me £1750 for the full course, to which I must add travelling costs and accommodation, I am waiting to here back from Germany, and of course I am revisiting my doctor this afternoon to see if radiotherapy is offered in France (although I suspect it is not as I have searched all over the place and cannot find any information about any French clinics).

I think we live in really exciting times, a few years ago people who suffered this disease had very few alternatives except, waiting for surgery. Now there is radiotherapy, NA, Xiapex and then surgery. I would be very happy to hear from anyone who has had radiotherapy, I am wondering if the nodules loose their tenderness and rigidity?

Finally on subject but off subject, I came across this article yesterday, I was most annoyed as it does not explain any of the new procedures for managing this condition. I did write an online comment, but I noticed that it was never added, I suspect to make the article so much more melodramatic, but that is the British press for you!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/articl...-condition.html

Interesting comment from John under the article,
"I have had this problem for thirty years, just keep bending the fingers back. DO NOT let them operate".
- John, Australia, 17/4/2011 06:52

Is this possible???

Best wishes to all.
Robert

Good luck! I agree with you, the forum is a wonderful source for information! I have had DC and LD for 6 years now, with few complications, so far. If I may suggest, since you are newly diagnosed, see what your progression rate will be...it is different for everyone. When I was newly diagnosed..I wanted "it" fixed. I went to all the specialist...thought I could force treatment. All specialists said...wait and see...I am very happy my patience kicked in, because my progression has been slow.. nodules, cords, without finger involvement. The LD is slow progression also. Welcome to the club!

Welcome fitfeet.

I'm in the UK and have just had the first round of RT in Germany paid privately. I am also working on getting the treatment available on the NHS in my local PCT. This is a challenge as you may expect with the funding cuts and in my case difficulty with the local hospital funding (PFI).


Just curious which clinic quoted you in the UK?


My hand was sore before the RT, and became more sore after the RT, but now it is settling down. It's too early to say if the treatment is working and I return for the second round of RT in June. My German costs with travel, hotel, and fees will come to about €2000 (Euros) probably over.

If your hand is sore it suggests the disease is active and progressing which is when it is ripe for RT.

fitfeet,

Welcome to the forum...you have come to the right place.

You mention that you are newly diagnosed and have nodules that seem active. That is the time for radiation therapy.
You are smart to look into it at this stage and by all means, do NOT wait until you develop cords and eventually contracture of the fingers. Yes....your nodules could be slow in progressing and waiting a bit is no problem, but if you are certain that they are getting bigger or becoming more painful do not hesitate to take measures to stop the progression.

I am not personally familiar with radiation in Germany, but everyone agrees on this forum that Dr. S. in Hamburg is the top authority for radiation therapy. Being in France you are closer than we are here, in the West Coast of the U.S.
I had radiation on my left hand (multiple active nodules) and left foot (Ledderhose....two growing hard nodules) in November 2009. The radiation stopped the progression in hand and foot in the radiated areas. I encourage you to go ahead with radiation if you feel your DD is active.

Keep reading on this Forum and come back with questions...you will get many responses.

Good luck.
Luba

fitfeet:

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How long did it take you to get a reply and appointment from the German clinic?
Thanks

Edited 04/19/11 00:15