flojo:

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Maybe Dr. Eaton would review your pictures via email, too, and give his opinion about your hand's potential for NA. Dr. Eaton was, I believe, the first doctor to start doing NA in the US.

flojo:

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Hi Moondanc,

My Dups is persistent, but I'm so far able to keep up with it. I think I'll need NA every 2-3 years, but it's a breeze to me. Wearing the night splint has helped keep my hand stretched out.

My left/other hand is ready for RT on the thumb, web, forefinger area, and out into the palm some. It is nothing like my right hand which had nodules forming all over my palm. My right hand fortunately has little contracture in the fingers, mostly my palm wanting to cup in.

Dear Seph, Allison, et al......

After reading so many of your postings over the past few days, I clicked on the link to find out where the doctors are who do NA. Not being excited about the prospect of surgery, and not really having gotten a "good" reason from my doctor as to why NA wouldn't work for me, I decided to start the ball rolling to get another opinion. I am not too terribly far from New York City, and there are two doctors there who do NA. One of those doctors has a website, which I checked, as well as other sites that gave some information. This afternoon I called his office. I was instructed to write up a narrative for the doctor (Dr. Keith Raskin--NY Hand Center), include several pictures of my hands and send them along. He will examine my history and the pictures. The gal I spoke with said that if he thinks I could be a candidate for this therapy, I would then go to his office and have a consult.

I don't know where this is going to lead---I would be very happy if I don't have to have surgery---but whatever happens I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to post regarding NA. I will keep everyone posted. I was not going to schedule surgery until late fall (frankly, I have kept putting it off), so perhaps waiting will have been a good thing!

marigail

My Dad has had multiple surgeries on his hands over the years but found out about NA and had it done on one finger with Dr Denkler a few years back. It bent again, but not much. I had a pinky that was pretty contracted but I live in Colorado and no one in the state does NA. Looked in areas where my family lives (Arizona and KS) and found a Dr in Tucson, Joel Goode. Had it done last September, wore the splint religiously and by December could no longer wear it because my finger was too bent again for it to fit. It now is worse than it was last September, so was considering Xiaflex as there is a Dr in Vail that does it and it is 30 minutes from where I live.
However, now I hear that recurrence happens with Xiaflex too! So I am wondering if I wouldn't I be better off with NA again? My insurance deductible is high enough it didn't cover it last time, and it cost me about $800 after it went through the insurance co, plus hotel and gas to drive to Tucson. The Vail Dr told me Xiaflex is about $3800 per shot and it usually takes two shots, but I will be covered by Medicare as of February.
I just might have to try NA again. Except for the drive, NA seems to be much easier and less painful than Xiaflex. I didn't hear the cord pop the last time but the Dr seemed satisfied and it was straight for the middle joint. It was very quick and easy with no pain at all. The knuckle joint has not pulled in yet but I have lots of nodules still developing in the palm. I suspect it is still active and perhaps the NA made it more agressive. I am self diagnosed with Lederhose too, but not bad enough to do anything about it yet. I remember reading somewhere that having both may mean the Dupuytrens could be more agressive. My sister has it in her hands too, but only nodules at this point and it doesn't seem to be progessing as fast as mine.

I think I got it all stirred up with glucosamine anyway a couple of years ago, but it didn't stop when I stopped the glucosamine. I guess I will go the NA route again. From what I have read about Xiaflex, it seems painful and the NA was a breeze. I wish I could find a Dr closer if I am going to have to do it multiple times!
thanks Dave!