Hi,

Yesterday marked my 4th opinion on trying to get an answer to my hand problems. This quest started in March when a specialist and his assistant uttered the words "could be early Dupuytrens". Since then I saw two hand specialists who specialize in Dupuytrens disease treatments. Both examined the hands (I have what looks like a 1/2 inch thin "cord" just under the PIP joint on my index finger and what appears to be pitting in the palm) and determined that I didn't show any symptoms of Dups. The latter specialist actually stressed that I didn't have it.

I saw one more specialist yesterday at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to hopefully "tip the scales". His answer wasn't clear yes or no--though he couldn't conclusively say yes it's Dups. It was more of an anomaly to him and his rheumatology fellow. An ultrasound was ordered and four hours later (long days are spent at the Mayo) it was a radiologist who, after questioning how and by whom I was first semi-diagnosed concluded that I didnt have it. He stood up, looked in my eyes and said "you don't have it."

But I still don't have an answer.... and I still can't shake the possibility.

How accurate is an ultrasound with diagnosing and at which point should I just move on and quit with the doctor visits?!!! At this point I feel the mental game of visits and online forums and staring at my hands is very unhealthy and I wondered when I became this cyberchondriac. If the doctors are right (and the radiologist) then I'm kinda pissed at the first specialist for throwing this word out there. And I'm pissed at myself too. I saw people from all walks of life at this famous clinic. Amputees, wheelchair bound and really battling with something that can make life difficult. The doctor yesterday was almost incensed over my anxiety with Dupuytrens. He was more concerned about RA than Dups. Whether or not he should have been more sensitive is another matter. I think he's right. There is much more to be worried about. There are things that cannot be treated. Anyways. Thanks

If Dupuytrens is going to be a problem to you it will progress, when it has progressed sufficiently to post a photo on here then you need to be concerned.
If it does not progress to a stage where diagnosis is clear then its probably not to worry about.