I certainly will ask about splinting. I had splints when I had the xylaflex injections. The first round the pain was too bad for me to use it consistently...there were multiple cords and not all had been severed. The second time through the blood blister never went away for 6 weeks, so I was doing wound care rather than being able to splint. I'm hoping for a better experience this time.

Hi: I'm new to the forum and wanted to share my experience with Dups. I am male, 64 years, married 39 years, of Norwegian decent, and live in the wonderful San Joaquin Valey in California. I have a RH little finger at about 50 degrees. When I first noticed the constricture, about 4-5 years ago, I asked the Dr. about it and he just said when it interfers with your daily living we will take a look at it. Well the last two months, I am constantly hooking my little finger in my nose when I wash my face; scratching my scalp with my little fingernail when washing my hair, can't type the P's on the computer and holding toilet paper is more difficult.

I saw my primary Dr. at Kaiser again and he agreed it was time to see the Hand Doctor. After several X-Rays (which the Hand Doctor said were worthless) I met with Hand Dr. He was very interested in my case and immediately said I was eligible for Xiaflex. I had read about the surgery and NA tretments in addition to Xiaflex. Hand Dr. has performed many hand procedures over the past nine years and began the Xiaflex treatment two years ago. He said he has used Xiaflex about 15 times and has 100% success. (I am not sure what that means since I did not ask him if he had followed all 15 patients since their treatments.) Any way, after the consult, the treatment was scheduled for 45 days later. Hand Dr. is the only specialist at this Kaiser hospital as another Dr. relocated and a replacement has yet to arrive. Also they need to schedule two consecutive appointments about 24 hours apart so it took the 45 days.

Today was the day. I arrived and met with the nurse who said the Xiaflex had been mixed and would be ready in about 15 minutes. I looked at the vile and was curious about the small size. I asked how much the vile cost and she did not hesitate to tell me it was about $5,000. Hand Dr. came in a few minutes later and asked if I was ready. I said I had a few questions and he said sure. I asked if the "collagen cord" was poris and if the Xiaflex traveled up and down the cord. He said no, the Xiaflex stays near the injection site and breaks up the cord at that joint. In my case it was the MP joint. He said he would inject in three sites, one in the middle and one each on both sides of the finger. I then asked if tomorrow, he breaks the cord or has the Xiaflex dissolved the collagen. He said it does not dissolve, but he would have to manipulate the cord and "break" it. He said he would use a local in the area first and there should not be much pain.

So now we start. The nurse washed my hand for about two minutes with some benzo stuff and then he drew two pen lines where he was going to inject between. (Wonder if the ink is sterile?) Then he injected the Xiaflex once, moved the needle a little, injected again and repeated once more. There was very little pain, but I knew I had a needle in my finger. My hand was then wrapped in a large gauze and ace bandage. Hand Dr. prescribed Vicodin if needed. He said see you tomorrow and don't use your hand tonight.

It had been seven hours now and I am fine. A little pain if I move my little finger either way, but have not taken any medication or pain releavers. (Wondeer if I will pick my nose in the shower in the morning. Wait, am I going to shower?).

Well I just wanted to share my new experience and see if there are any other "Bentfingers" listening. Later

Dont bump that hand on anything tonight ,you will change your mind about he pain if u do.Its the sharpest pain,I cant descibe it.Did he mention blood blisters or skin splits?Im just telling you this so it dosent take you by suprise.Im headed to another multiple cord ,multiple injection study next week or so for up to 5 more injections.It is nasty stuff.Good luck tommorow.Dave

Putzo,

Sounds like you are progressing well. I had surgery 11 years ago. I have had zero contraction since surgery and it would be difficult to tell that I ever had Dupuytren's. My little finger was contracted over 90 degrees prior to surgery. I did my own hand therapy (mainly flexing often during the day). I did go to therapy twice to get a hand splint and list of exercises. Keeping the wound moist (Aveeno lotion) to facilitate scar massaging was important for me. There is almost no sign of any scar on my hand.

Good luck.

Edited 09/27/12 00:10

Well, Bentfinger. I also had the blood blister explode big time. I did not need a graft----the dressing had to be changed every other day for several weeks. I couldn't wear the night splint. My finger was straight, too, except the knuckle on the outside of the pinky was bulbous. That never changed, although the doctor kept telling me it was just swelling. Remained straightish for about 4 months....now going for NA in a month...hoping for better results. The numbing shot didn't bother me at all compared to the pain associated with the shot itself....... Good luck---hope you heal quickly.