ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE DISEASE OR THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE COSTS???
We all have the same problem and this is a progressive disease. It's also a crap shoot because we all don't know what will happen to our hands over the long run, Some of us have mild cases that could spike into severe and some have severe that may slow down.
It drives me crazy when i think of how i will be down the line.
Granted, treatment costs money and this disease could turn into a money pit. But RT is the best way to mitigate, delay and even halt the progression of the disease.
I checked out 2 radiologists here in the San Francisco Bay area and talked to some hand surgeons and other docs. But the more i talked the more anxious i became until i decided to do something! So i went to Germany to have Dr. S treat me. I went there because he was the most experienced and economical.
As far as the costs are concerned, we can go nuts trying to figure out what is covered by insurers and what the providers will charge. It's all variable here in the US.
But here's the bottom line, it's gonna cost money to treat. If you go to Germany you know exactly what the treatment will cost, If you do it in the States you don't. But regardless, you need to get it done as early as possible and in the long run the money will come,
So i suggest that one just do it, I'd rather worry about the money than worry about my health.

And since i've done it my anxiety is gone because i know i did the best i could and the rest i out of my hands!!!

Enjoy Hamburg Sharon. Down town you can hire a bike and use that to save on the walking. I really recommend it. The bus tour is also good, as is the Alster cruise(s). Check out the parks too. Best wishes for a good outcome.

Hi, I am new to this forum and in the process of being diagnosed, probably with DD. I do not have nodules, but definitely the cords and deep ache and loss of strength, with my left hand being worse.

I didnt have any symptoms - that I had noticed - until about 5 weeks ago. That is not to say that there werent any, I just didn't feel anything or notice anything.

Does everyone have nodules/lumps? Also mine is hurting and whilst no fingers are contracting, it feels like my fingers would be happier folded in.

I am a secretary so typing is hard at the moment for me. I have had blood tests to see if anything underlying shows. I have no idea if this is in my family, as none close to me have it.

I also have issues with my neck causing pins and needles and some loss of strength, so hoping with my physio, that part that is bothering my hands goes.

I also have swellings at the bottom of each finger, so my GP and I thought initially it might be tenosynvitis -apologies re spelling.

I think too there is carpal tunnel involved.

How this has all happened so fast is upsetting and bewildering

I am replying on this thread as I was wondering about RT too, although assume my ins company wouldnt pay either. I am in the UK..

Has anyone had their health company pay out over here?

thank you for any thoughts

Frances

Had my second treatment at noon today - now I have tiny water blisters on my palm. Ha, but my husband has it much worse than me at the moment - he came done with an intense head cold last night - so much for the sight-seeing today. I stopped by the market on the way back to the Hotel to pick up some things for lunch - tomatoes, bread, peanuts, and a dried fruit and nut mix - that will get us by until he can get up and about again - hopefully tomorrow. The food here is very inexpensive compared to back home - had amazing falafels yesterday (the best in Hamburg - as reported by a customer) for only 3 euros a piece.

New shoes should like a good idea, Amy, but my flip-flops are working pretty well at the moment padded with a band aid.

By the way, make sure you come here with a good voltage transformer - ours is overheating - so not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep my computer charged. Just noticed that it was made in China - need to get a German made one - everything here is built to last!

Hi Sharon
He did- but only one "trace" not visible nor can i feel it yet, so he is only treating my right hand. He did not find any on the feet.
Where did you get that cream or is it "home made"? sounds more organic than mine!
Enjoy your the rest of your stay and let me know how you are doing.
I hope everything turns out good.
Best
Nicholas