My name's Tom. I'm 49 and have had DC for awhile. My left hand is completely normal. There's almost a 90 degree bend in my right pinkie and have very little flexibility (if any) in it. There's some stiffness in my ring finger and I can see in my palm that it is being effected. So far though there's still a fair amount of flexibility in my ring finger and others (other than pinky). It's amazing that I don't have any arthritic issues - my hands have lived a full life!

I'm ready to start looking at some options to repair my right hand. I'm becoming increasingly frustrated that things like throwing a football, shooting hoops, and doing push-ups are so darn difficult that I don't do them much as I'd like. Also, my occupation is, or can be, dangerous. Besides requiring strength in my hands, dexterity and quickly executing tasks with my hands is really important. Plus my kids are young - 14 and 11. They're both athletic and enjoy sports. I like playing with them and their friends, but it's becoming more challenging. The old jump shot isn't as lights out now that I tape my ring and pinky fingers together. I do throw a great change-up though now! And at 49, I don't need another excuse to staying in shape - that's challenging enough already.

My biggest concerns are simple: Which treatment option will return me to near normal use of my hand? And, what sort of down time from work am I looking at? I always say that pain is only temporary, no matter how long it lasts - so, that's not really a huge concern. My wife would probably roll her eyes at that as she thinks I'm a big sissy most of the time. What can I say? I've been known to want some TLC before. Anyway, I could deal with a little pain while my hand heals after treatment. I'd like to be able to return to strenuous or intense work reasonably quickly. I have FMLA benefits, but they'll pay significantly less than what I normally earn. Unfortunately I do not have AFLAC or similar type insurance. Basically, lost work is an issue and one of the excuses I've been using.

I have seen an orthopedist. He recommended surgery, but I'm not sure at all of his level of expertise with this disease. My impression was that he did not have a lot of experience with it. He called in another doctor and it seemed like they were sort of brainstorming out loud together as to how to perform the surgery. My impressions could be misguided and perhaps this clinic is as qualified as anyone. I'm currently searching for a source of another professional opinion. I live in Salem, Oregon. Recommendations of who is well qualified in treating this disease in my area would be greatly appreciated. I understand that there are a number of different types of treatment, including surgery, and hence there could be several good options of those to consult with.

This disease is really fascinating. I've been taken back by the broad spectrum of severity, as well as the types of treatment options and number of people that have had multiple types of treatment. My mindset has shifted a bit reading the posts here. Originally my thoughts were about "fixing" my hand. I now am thinking a bit more long term and recognizing that it's possible that this may not be a one and done type situation.

Thanks in advance for suggestions. I will certainly continue to post as I go through this process.

Don't take the advice of an orthopaedic surgeon. See a hand surgeon. Further see one who specialises in Dupuytren's. (There are lots of other hand conditions requiring surgery). Only (s)he will advise you correctly on the various treatments, recovery, outcomes, for your situation: Xiaflex, Needle Aponeurotomy, various types of surgery.

What do you mean, "This is NOT an easy surgery especially if you are right handed". Is it easier if you are left handed? What type of a surgeon did your surgery? What type of surgery did you have? What degree of contracture did you have?

The recovery process is different for everyone. Have you been doing your exercises and keeping the wound moist 24/7 with lotion?

Edited 01/05/12 00:06

Tom, what kind of work do you do? You might not have to take too much time off. I had a fasciectomy this spring on a Tuesday and went back to work pretty much full time on Thursday. Writing was awkward, I had to move the computer mouse to the left side, and I did have to beg off on a few things for awhile. I am fairly ambidextrous, which helps a lot. If you do heavy work with your hands and don't have any kind of sick leave available, could they put you on light duty for awhile? My doctor tried a not-too-successful needle aponeurotomy on me a couple of weeks ago. The area he worked on was awfully sore the first day, but tolerable after that.

You might want to try one of the less invasive procedures first. You can always have surgery later, but if you don't have to, even better. As others have said, find a doctor who specializes in hands. You want someone who does this all day every day, been there, done that, seen all the complications.

Tom,

before deciding on which route to go you might read some of the pages of this web site. You find an overview of options on

http://www.dupuytren-online.info/dupuytr..._therapies.html

The most important therapies are described in more detail, including side-effects and recovery, on

surgery http://www.dupuytren-online.info/dupuytren_surgery.html
needle fasciotomy http://www.dupuytren-online.info/needle_aponeurotomy.html
enzyme injection http://www.dupuytren-online.info/dupuytren_collagenase.html
radiotherapy http://www.dupuytren-online.info/radiation_therapy.html