Hi Folks..

I'm joing the ranks of those inflected with Dupuytrens. To what degree I am, I'm not sure! I noticed it starting some 15 yrs ago and slowly progressing to the point it is now! I didn't give it much thought until recently in the last 6 or 7 yrs. My father had had surgery for it back in the late 70's, but I was un aware at the time. He passed away in 97, and it wasn't until shorty after that I mentioned to My Step Mother what was taking place in the palm of my hand and tending to pull my little finger. She then told me about My Fathers surgery, and what I had.

I retired from the construction trade 3 yrs ago and it has seemed to excellerate since then. Most likely to the lack of exersise as to when I was working! I have been searching the internet the last few years to become more informed about it. I don't have it to the degree as some photos I have seen where the little finger has doubled back towards the palm, but it has defenetally began pulling back from the lower knuckle pad maybe 40 degrees, but has not pulled back at the PIP as yet! It is not too painfull yet, but is more annoying than anything. And of course a little worrysome if I let it go to long, and possibly beyond repair!

I have been reading the Pros and Cons about surgery and NA, and have decided to go the NA route. I have read quite a bit about Dr Denkler in San Fran, and since I'm only 140 miles from San Fran, I think I may contact his office and see about getting an evaluation appointment, and take it from there! If it does warrent an operation, I may possibly wait until the Fall months when I won't be to physically active and be able to allow for healing time. I'm 66 and presently on Medicare, so am not sure if it will be covered or not! I will have to do more research on that, and see whether I qualify or not! If not, the Na procedure dosen't seem that expencive that I can't afford it out of pocket! I have also noticed recently a slight hardening in my palm of my ring finger, but it seems at the very early stages. So it may be a two finger OP! Not sure!

So! Thats about it Folks! I just wanted to introcduce Myself, and I'm sure glad I found a forum on the subject, and was allowed to join for a little reinforcement when the time comes! Thanks Folks! And as our Calif Governor would say...I'll Be Back!!

Joe....In the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mnts, where the snow is disappearing, and spring has finally arrived! WHoopeeee'e!!!

Hi New Guy

You won't regret going to Dr. Denkler and you will wonder why you didn't go sooner. He did na on my pinkie 10 months ago which had been subjected to prioir surgeries. got a good result and its holding up pretty well. go for it.

Thanks Nice Peoples..MikeS & Diane and Mark !

Thanks for the encouragement! I will call Dr Denklers office and make an evaluation app and find out particulars,etc. If everything looks positive, and a go,I will most likely schedule the NA for late fall, since I have many physical projects to finish up this summer where my DC won't hinder me getting the necessary projects done. Then I will have the winter months to heal up. Over the last 43 yrs of carpentry I have had my share of stepping on nails, and have always lost a cpl days work from the puncture wound, where as I have seen fellow workers step on nails, etc and be at work the following day. So, it varies from person to person as to the healing process! So allowing myself a full winter to heal, I think will be my best option! I do have a close friend that had went thru open surgery for his DC two yrs ago, and he said it all went find, with no problems,etc. But I will still opt for the NA, rather than the scalpal. I feel thats the best route to take!

Once again! Thanks all for the positive replies. I need a quick heal time, since I enjoy making animations with the puter, and need that little Pinkie operational on the keyboard!:-) I created a little one this morn to fit the NA occasion. I see an Image option in the tool bar, but not sure how it works, as it does on a few other forums I belong to!

Thanks again All, and I'll be around !!

Joe http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/swaneyjoe/HeyDoc.gif

Hello,

I am a new member.

My husband has Dupuytren, quite serious.

I am looking if anyone knows of any studies done about ;
Dupuytren and repetitive work, where they made research if repetitive work could aggravate Dupuytren.

On the West coast we do have a great surgeon who learned in Paris the needle procedure, his name is:
Dr Keith Denkler he is in San Francisco. If you go on his site most of the hand pictures are of my husband poor hands.

Thank you for your time.
Epheme