Dave,

I never tire of hearing this kind of report about NA.

Now, if only we could figure out a way to get every CHS in North America to listen!

Dave,

Unfortunately there *is* doubt. Grave doubt. Now, after over three years and over 3,000 patients since NA was introduced to the US, less than 20 surgeons will do this procure. Why? That's a great question. First it was the argument of unacceptable nerve damage until Eaton, et all, proved that OS was actually riskier. Then it was the complaint of much higher rate of recurrence. Most who have had or performed the procedure feel that even at *twice* the rate (and it will turn out to be less) it's worth the advantages of a far lesser invasive procedure.

Then there is the money. At approx. $700 per finger for a 30 minute in-office procedure................that isn't it.

So what?

I've been trying to figure that out for years. The best I can come up with is the super conservatism of an ultra rarefied surgical specialty. Specialists are a rare bread. They get opinions from no one other than their small group of fellow initiates. They really think only they can have answers.

But plainly, NA is an example that exposes what would at least appear like arrogance within their closed fraternal order. Like those who refuse to hear, sitting on the ledge with fingers in ears saying loudly "La,La,La,La,La,La", they seem to shut down any conversation other than Open Surgery. It's been that way since before many of them were born.

Oh, but then there is Collegenase injections, which the majority of CHS look favorably toward. And why? What is so special about Collegenase?

CHS: "Well, it's noninvasive, obviously"

.....But NA does the same thing and is also noninvasive....

CHS: "But we can't *see* what we are doing while cutting in your hand with a sharp object. We were told that this was a *bad* thing."

Oh, I get it. Injecting a chemical into the hand is OK, while cutting the same tissue with a needle is not?

CHS: "Yes, of course. Collegenase will be FDA approved so our fannies will be well covered. NA is barbaric man, don't you see?"

Well, no. Actually not. It's not dangerous because of the "patient feed back loop".

CHS: "Feed back loop? What on Earth is that?"

Well, it's where the patient tells you that you are getting too close to a live nerve with your needle.

CHS: "Oh, but we can't have that! Trust the actual patient to tell us *anything*? My God man. Patients should be seen and not heard, out like a light just like they taught us med school. And *you*, why am I talking to you anyway? You're not one of "US"! Did you get through med. school? Did you do what it takes to pass the boards to become a CHS? I think NOT! End of discussion

And so it goes my dear Dave. Congrats on navigating the medical mine-field and finding NA. I think you are in the 5% club. We've got to fix that. You agree? Hopefully NA will be all you ever need. It may. It may not. But at least you know you have an option besides full Open Surgery.

Any Doubt? Among many CHS, indeed. But for no good reason.

Edited at 10.09.07 19:52

John, Congratulations!!

It's great to hear from someone who has just had the procedure. My husband had his on June 28th. He is still finding different things that he can do now that he couldn't do before. I catch him opening and closing his fist with a look of amazement on his face.

Please keep us up to date with your progress. Best Wishes, Sandie

Douglas, you might have a look at the German web site of Dupuytren Society, specifically at

http://www.dupuytren-online.de/fibrosenperforation.html
(scroll down to get to the NA addresses)

There is probably no one in Karlsruhe directly but you might take a train e.g. to Wuerzburg or Creglingen. That wouldn't take long and not cost much either. Public transportation in Germany is well organized, better than e.g. in hte U.S.. The Wuerzburg clinic is close to the train station and easy to reach from there. Personally I would recommend Dr. Albrecht Meinel. He is experienced, thorough and very friendly. He also speaks English. You find his e-mail address on the above web page under Wuerzburg. It might make sense to send him an e-mail upfront, maybe including a picture of your finger(s).

Wolfgang

Quote:

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Can anyone recommend a doctor in or near Karlshuhe Germany?
I am in Peru and am planning a trip to southern Germany.
It would be great to solve my DC then.
Thanks,
Douglas

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Douglas, I just learned that the clinic in Dossenheim might be quite easy to reach from Karlsruhe. It is actually Dr. Meinel who does NA there, so in any case it might make sense to contact him prior to your trip.

Wolfgang