Re: Nodules, tightness and early contracture but no cords?
Thanks a million, Diane, for your thoughtful and detailed answer. I never thought of doing two procedures, but that might be just what I need!!! I'm seeing a new doc this morning and will discuss the possibilities.
Re: Nodules, tightness and early contracture but no cords?
cschieber:Thanks a million, Diane, for your thoughtful and detailed answer. I never thought of doing two procedures, but that might be just what I need!!! I'm seeing a new doc this morning and will discuss the possibilities.
Re: Nodules, tightness and early contracture but no cords?
My third hand-specialist orthopedic surgeon has not made a definite diagnoses of DD for me yet. I just took a picture of my right hand that shows the 3 nodules running eat and west across the center of my palm, the puffiness under my fingers, and what feels like what might be a cord running through the palm of my hand to my pointer finger. (picture)
I also added a picture that shows how the tendons protrude/bulge over my right hand knuckles. (picture 2)When I open my right hand flat, the tendons bulge/protrude on the top of my hand up into the fingers. (Picture 3)
Is this typical of how DD looks during early development?
Re: Nodules, tightness and early contracture but no cords?
Pat; We all seem to have slightly different experiences so I don't think there is a normal to go by. I can't tell from the photographs of the back of your hand. The one of your palm looks to me like it could be DD but I'm not sure. For some reason it doesn't look quite right to me. There isn't the puckering of the flesh that I usually get before the contraction starts.
One pointer that seem to come with DD is a strange creepy crawly itchy feeling when the disease is active. I always know when a nodule is growing as I find myself rubbing the spot long before the nodules appear. Have you had any sensation like this?
Re: Nodules, tightness and early contracture but no cords?
My palms have itched and burned. But I don't remember a creepy-crawly feeling. I do see my hand doctor again next week. I appreciate your response! Pat
Re: Nodules, tightness and early contracture but no cords?
Pat, use your other hand to feel, palpate, the palm of the right hand. Nodules and cords feel like hard lumps under the skin. Then you have to differentiate between calluses: nodules and cords are deeper; ganglions: nodules and cords are attached to the skin but below the skin; cysts: nodules and cords are hard; tendons: cords are hard and do not move the fingers (contracture pulls the skin); other fibromas or conditions: need a doctor to help. I still don't see clear evidence of DD in your hand. But do get a professional opinion and let us know.
Re: Nodules, tightness and early contracture but no cords?
PatJohnston6384:This discussion is really helpful for me. I love seeing the pictures of hands that have been diagnosed with DD, as I know no one that has it. Here's a picture of my right hand today. The palm side shows the nodules. Also, my pinkie and ring finger will not push down when the palm is right-side up. I've attached a picture that shows how stiff they are. Is this typical of DD? Pat
The indentations in your hand between your fingers is similar to what mine looked like before I developed nodules but I did already have knuckle pads. I have PIP contractures on four fingers and the beginnings of MP contractures on them but only one noticeable cord. It took me two years and several doctors to get a diagnosis because of this atypical presentation. This disease takes many forms. Below is a pic of my right hand from a year ago. It looks a little like yours except for the big nodules on my index finger. Have you been to a doc yet that specializes in DD? The two rheumatologists I went to didn't have a clue.
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